RAMS VS. 49ERS: WHO HAS THE EDGE?

RAMS (2-1) AT 49ERS (1-2)

When: Today, 5:15 p.m.

Where: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara

Tv/radio: Ch. 7, ESPN / 710 AM; 93.1 FM; 1330 AM (Spanish)

Line: 49ers by 1 1/2 points

Notable injury designations:

Rams: C Brian Allen (out; knee), LG David Edwards (out; concussion protocol), CB Cobie Durant (out; hamstring), CB David Long (out; groin); 49ers: LT Trent Williams (out; ankle), DL Arik Armstead (questionable; foot), DT Javon Kinlaw (questionable; knee), WR Danny Gray (doubtful; hip)

What’s at stake?

Top dog status in the NFC West, according to Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald. The stakes are not as high as the previous meeting between these rivals in the NFC championship game, but the intensity level will surely be similar for this Monday Night Football matchup in Week 4. Donald recently said he dislikes the 49ers, but he certainly respects them because it’s often a tough battle against them. This latest affair will likely be the same with two stout defenses. The Rams could be in an ideal situation if they’re able to improve to 3-1and drop the 49ers to 1-3. The game will likely matter in the divisional standings come December and January.

Who’s better?

The Rams by a little and only because they have better balance in all three phases of the game. The 49ers have arguably the best defense in the NFL, but their offense with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo ranks among the worst. San Francisco is averaging 15.7points per game (28th in the NFL) and 172.7passing yards per game (29th). As for the 49ers’ defense, they’re only allowing 12.3points per game, which is third best in the NFL. The Rams’ offense is doing better, but they also have their own issues, and quarterback Matthew Stafford could have a long day with a banged-up offensive line facing the 49ers.

Matchup to watch:

49ers star edge rusher Nick Bosa versus Rams left tackle Joe Noteboom and right tackle Rob Havenstein. Bosa is the type of elite defender who can wreck games with his pass rushing, and that doesn’t bode well for the Rams’ offensive line, which will be without Allen and Edwards. Also, the Rams’ bookend tackles might not be at full strength after Havenstein rolled his ankle last week against the Arizona Cardinals and Noteboom hurt his knee versus the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2.

Rams win if:

Their defense helps the short-handed offense by giving Garoppolo another dreadful outing after he struggled against the Denver Broncos last week. The 49ers’ defense might have another productive outing, but they can’t win many games if the offense isn’t doing its part. This also an opportunity for Donald, Bobby Wagner and Jalen Ramsey to show the Rams’ defense is just as talented as their rivals’ defense. Stafford could get ample time to operate, but odds are the Rams won’t score 20plus points against this ferocious defense.

Fantasy sleeper:

Rams wide receiver Allen Robinson is new to this rivalry, but look for him to make an immediate impact by recording at least one touchdown as a red-zone target for Stafford. The 49ers will likely rush four defenders and play zone defense, but Stafford won’t just be quick to give Cooper Kupp the ball the same way he did in a losing effort against the Buffalo Bills. The Rams are at their best when they’re spreading the ball.

Prediction:

As another reminder, the 49ers’ defense is very good. But they’re hurting on the interior of the defensive line. Also, the 49ers are out of sync offensively and will be without All-pro left tackle Trent Williams. The Rams will capitalize against the short-handed 49ers to prevail 17-13and capture their first win at Levi’s Stadium since 2018. Beat reporter’s prediction record: 2-1for the season, 2-1 against the spread.