Rams vs 49ers: Thursday Night Football – Game Pick
The Los Angeles Rams go on the road to take on the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night. Here is the pick for Rams vs 49ers.
Two rookie head coaches will match wits on Thursday Night Football. NFC West rivals the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers face off. Both teams are coming off week 2 losses look to get things on track in this matchup of Rams vs 49ers.
As offensive coordinators, Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan directed two of the most potent offenses in the league last season. McVay for the Washington Redskins and Shanahan for the Atlanta Falcons.
That’s one of the major reasons why they’re head coaches now. However, each face the task of working their magic on offense with their new teams. The one who does it best in this game could be the one who gets the win.
But it’s Sean McVay who has the most offensive talent to work with. Quarterback Jared Goff has improved over his rookie season of 2016. His completion percentage and yards per pass averages are both way up this year. Running back Todd Gurley is a big-time weapon.
As for Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers are sitting last in the league in offense after two games. However, in his defense Shanahan has had to face two of the best defenses in the NFL in those two games in the Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks.
The running game with Carlos Hyde got going in week 2, and now Shanahan needs to get something from quarterback Brian Hoyer and his passing game. The only 49ers receiver averaging over 9 yards a catch is Pierre Garcon. So in Rams vs 49ers to get the win, that has to change.
But even though both head coaches are known for their accomplishments on offense, it’s the defenses that will more than likely decide who wins this game. The 49ers defense has looked solid so far.
Their defensive line has talent in Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner. The Rams have Aaron Donald back and the more he plays and shakes the rust off, the more dominant he’ll become. So the defenses have play makers on both sides.
I think the 49ers defense will keep them in this game just like they have the first two weeks and the 49ers offense will do a little better than it has. Because the way the Redskins ran the ball on the Rams defense has to be encouraging to Kyle Shanahan.
However, even though the 49ers will have some success on the ground with Carlos Hyde, the Rams offense is operating on a higher level. Sean McVay has more talent at his disposal and that will allow the Rams to hold off the 49ers for a close win on the road.
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Winner: Rams
Score prediction: 20-17 Rams
Points spread: Rams -2.5
Over/under: 40 – Under
8:25 pm – NFL