Niners Face Slumping, Injured Rams

Going into this season, the St. Louis Rams figured to be part of a very tough NFC West, poised perhaps to be a contender along with the Seahawks, 49ers and Cardinals.But seven games into the season, the Rams are 2-5 as they head into Sunday's afternoon matchup with the 4-3 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Niners already beat St. Louis handily, 31-17, on Oct. 13, with the San Francisco defense dominant and the offense electric behind Colin Kaepernick's best game of the season (343 yards, three TD passes, zero interceptions).Now the Rams come into the Bay Area not only beaten but battered physically.St. Louis is without starting quarterback Sam Bradford, top wide receiver Brian Quick and standout left tackle Jake Long, among others."Injuries, you have to deal with it," Rams head coach Jeff Fisher said on a conference call this week. The 49ers, meanwhile, appear to be much healthier after their bye week. Guard Mike Iupati, linebacker Patrick Willis and defensive backs Chris Culliver and Jimmie Ward all should be back in the lineup after missing the team's last game against Denver on Oct. 19.NFL oddsmakers don't see the limping Rams as much of a threat. They've made the 49ers 11-point...