placeholder image

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports


Rams will not play Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, Aaron Donald, other starters against 49ers

Dec 27, 2017 at 3:08 PM--


Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
The San Francisco 49ers are 2.5-point favorites heading into Sunday's matchup against the NFC West champion Los Angeles Rams. It is the first time the 49ers are road favorites since a matchup against the Oakland Raiders in December of 2014. San Francisco lost that game 24-13.

The reason for the spread has more to do with the fact that the Rams will be resting several of their starters and less to do with the impressive play of 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Although, the latter helps.

No matter what, the Rams will host a home playoff game as the third or fourth seed in the NFC. On Tuesday, head coach Sean McVay told reporters that it was more important to get players healthy than winning an almost meaningless Week 17 game. Because the Rams lost to the Minnesota Vikings earlier this season, they cannot earn a first-round bye and are guaranteed to play a game during the Wildcard round of the postseason.

On Wednesday, Omar Ruiz of NFL Network reported that, according to McVay, the Rams would not play quarterback Jared Goff, running back Todd Gurley, defensive tackle Aaron Donald, offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth, center John Sullivan, among others.


The 49ers and Rams last met on September 21 during a Thursday night nail-biter. Los Angeles ended up winning the matchup at Levi's Stadium by a score of 41-39. On Wednesday, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked if he saw Super Bowl traits in the McVay-led squad during that game.

"Definitely recognized Super Bowl traits," Shanahan said. "I know there was a lot of good teams in the division. I know Arizona and Seattle had just as good a chance as anyone at the beginning of the year too. But going against that defense over the years, knowing some of the players that they have on their D, knowing some of the players that they have on their offense with improvement in what they did to the O-line, getting the system in that they did, knowing how top-notch their specials teams are, I think very easily you could see quickly that if they were able to stay healthy, they were going to have as good a chance as anyone."

A matchup between Garoppolo and Goff will have to wait until next season. The 49ers remain focused on finishing out the season strong, winning their fifth consecutive game, and sixth game of the season.

"You try to, every week, say that you're facing a faceless opponent," Garoppolo told reporters on Wednesday. "No matter who it is, you want to have the same mindset. No matter what type of game it is, first game of the season, last game of the season. I think we've done that pretty well the last couple of weeks, coming in, preparing every day, practicing hard, going through the little critiques of certain plays. I think if we keep doing that, we'll be good on Sunday."



Facebook Comments



More San Francisco 49ers News


placeholder image

49ers actively negotiating with Brandon Aiyuk, not discussing trades, says John Lynch

By David Bonilla
Mar 25

General manager John Lynch addressed reporters at the NFL owners meetings on Monday, emphasizing the San Francisco 49ers' active pursuit of a contract extension for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. There has been significant speculation surrounding Aiyuk's status this offseason. The receiver is slated to play on his fifth-year option, which guarantees him $14.124 million in 2024. While the team would be content with Aiyuk playing on that fifth-year option, it would prefer to secure the star receiver to a long-term deal before he returns to the field. RELATED: Brandon Aiyuk reacts to John Lynch's latest contract negotiation


placeholder image

Charvarius Ward willing to help 49ers land Tre'Davious White

By David Bonilla
Mar 18

The San Francisco 49ers likely aren't finished fortifying their defense and have reportedly expressed interest in bolstering their defensive backfield. If they require assistance making a significant move, one 49ers player is prepared to lend a helping hand. Last week, the Buffalo Bills released All-Pro cornerback Tre'Davious White, who appears to be an ideal fit for San Francisco's needs opposite Charvarius Ward. Over the weekend, Ward took to social media to reveal that he and White share the same agent and that he is willing to nudge the free-agent defensive back in the right direction. Ward described White as a "hand in glove


placeholder image

49ers signing QB Josh Dobbs to a 1-year deal

By David Bonilla
Mar 18

The San Francisco 49ers are bolstering their quarterback room by adding a new player. According to his agent, Mike McCartney, the team is signing Josh Dobbs to a one-year deal. McCartney announced the news on social media, confirming the acquisition. Congrats @josh_dobbs1 agreeing to a 1 year deal with the @49ers— Mike McCartney (@MikeMcCartney7) March 18,


placeholder image

No Huddle Podcast: What Are The 49ers' Plans For The Future?

By Site Staff
Mar 19

(Episode 322) — Al Sacco and Brian Renick react to the Zach Wilson rumors, what the 49ers should look for in QB2, negative Al speaks up, how the offensive side of the ball is complete for now, replacing all of the superstars will be a challenge, why the 49ers need to draft well this year and next, and more. Note: This episode was recorded before news of Josh Dobbs' signing. The audio for the show is embedded above. Remember to subscribe! You can listen to the latest "No Huddle Podcast" episode above, from our dedicated podcast page, on


Latest

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone