The 1-1 49ers travel to Southern California to take on the 0-2 Los Angeles Rams. Both teams will be without some of their key players. Who are the biggest threats to the 49ers in their Week 3 matchup against the Rams?
QB Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford is tied for second in the NFL in passing yards with 533. While Stafford may be older and missing his two prized weapons, wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, he will still look to throw the ball in his matchup against the 49ers. Expect Stafford to quickly get the ball out of his hands to his receivers and running backs. His average time in the pocket is 2.66 seconds. If Stafford gets the ball out quickly, he can be a dangerous threat to the 49ers.
RR Kyren Williams
Kyren Williams is ranked 33rd in rushing yards this season with 75, averaging 2.5 yards per carry. Although he was a 1,000-yard rusher in 2023, what makes him most dangerous is his pass-catching ability out of the backfield. Williams has been targeted eight times, with seven receptions for 31 yards. His ability to line up in the slot could be particularly threatening to the 49ers. Beware of Kyren Williams; he may be the Rams' biggest threat.
WR Demarcus Robinson
Since the Rams will be without Kupp and Nacua, the 49ers should pay attention to Demarcus Robinson. Robinson has only been targeted ten times, with six receptions for 92 yards, averaging 15.3 yards per reception. Expect Stafford to lean on his new favorite target at the wide receiver position. Robinson could pose a big threat if the 49ers let him go unnoticed.
SLB Jared Verse
Rams rookie Sam linebacker Jared Verse is tied for fourth in pressure rate at 13.5%. Verse has nine pressures (one sack, two hits, and six hurries). The 49ers may want to help slow down the rookie. His sack numbers are low, but he's applying pressure to speed up the quarterback's processing. If the 49ers allow Verse to get loose, it could be a long day for their offense.
WLB Byron Young
Byron Young is the Rams' weakside linebacker. Last season, he had eight sacks, with one coming in Week 2 against the 49ers. Although his numbers are lower this season, with three pressures (one sack and two hurries), Young could still pose a significant threat depending on which side of the field he lines up on.
49ers left tackle Trent Williams gave up four pressures in Week 2 against the Vikings, while right tackle Colton McKivitz gave up six in the same game. Expect Young to come out with plenty of energy against a team he knows well.
In conclusion, the San Francisco 49ers cannot afford to let any players go unnoticed in this divisional matchup. The 49ers should pay extra attention to these five threats in their Week 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.