The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up to host the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium on Thursday night in a pivotal Week 15 showdown. Which five Rams players could present the biggest challenges to a 49ers victory? Let's break it down.
QB Matthew Stafford
In their first meeting, Matthew Stafford went 16 of 25 and threw for 221 yards and one touchdown. He was also sacked three times for 23 yards. So, what makes Stafford a threat to the 49ers? This time around, he has two of his playmakers back. Stafford will try to be quick and efficient, releasing the ball quicker rather than holding onto the deep pass down the field. His average time to throw the ball is 2.61 seconds, ranking him 48 out of 66 quarterbacks.
Stafford is one of the top ten quarterbacks in the NFL in touchdowns, with 19. He ranks seventh in big-time throws down the field with 20. The 49ers' defense must find a way to limit his big-time throws and keep him in the pocket with the pressure of four rushers.
WR Cooper Kupp
Cooper Kupp's versatility and ability to line up all over the field makes him most dangerous. Kupp leads the team in targets with 88 and has caught 63 passes for 657 yards with one drop. Kupp is most dominant when targeted to the left of the field. His ability to stretch the field and his sure-handedness in the short passing game make Kupp the most dangerous out there. He has caught six of his 11 targets on throws of 20 yards or more, nine of his 19 targets on throws of 10-19 yards, 38 of 48 targets on throws of 0-9 yards, and all 10 of his targets behind the line of scrimmage.
The 49ers must limit his explosiveness down the field and wrap and tackle on the crossing routes. Expect Stafford to look for his number-one guy throughout the game.
WR Puka Nacua
Puka Nacua's size, strength, hands, and route-running make him a significant threat. He leads the Rams in receiving yards with 706 and three touchdowns. Nacua is most effective in the 10-19 yard passing range, particularly in the middle of the field. He has been targeted nine times and caught eight receptions for 156 yards.
Nauca is another versatile wide receiver for the Rams. He will line up to run the ball as well, and has nine carries for 35 yards on the season. Expect head coach Sean McVay to use Nacau in every way in this must-win game. The 49ers must be ready to tackle Nacua on every reception made.
RB Kyren Williams
Kyren Williams is a physical 1,013-yard rusher at this point. He averages four yards per carry and has 12 rushing touchdowns on the season. He's a strong finisher in the red zone. What makes Williams a threat is his ability to run routes as a pass catcher. Williams has 28 receptions on 34 targets this season for 155 yards and two touchdowns. The 49ers defense must not fall asleep on running back screens and be ready for Mr. Williams on the ground and in the air.
DT Braden Fiske
Braden Fiske may be a rookie, but his impressive high motor and relentless pressure up front could give the 49ers' offensive line problems. Fiske is tied for the team's sack leader with six on the season, and eight tackles for loss. He has the 11th-best pass rushing grade (62.6) on the defense, per Pro Football Focus. He may not be their best defender, but if left unnoticed, he will get to the quarterback.