A storied rivalry will add another significant chapter Sunday afternoon when the San Francisco 49ers stare down the Los Angeles Rams at Santa Clara, Calif.
The NFC West foes intend to stand out on top of a conference crowded with contenders. The Rams (6-2) are one of four teams tied for the best record in the NFC, while the 49ers (6-3) are a half-step behind.
The Rams have emerged as a Super Bowl contender behind the play of quarterback Matthew Stafford. The rejuvenated veteran leads the NFL in touchdown passes with 21 and is second in the NFC with 2,147 yards in the air.
“I think he’s pushing the ball, I think he’s understanding situationally what’s the right way to be able to play it,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. “I just have total confidence where you can call the game through him, and he’s done a great job of taking care of the football.”
Both Rams losses this season came after they were on potential game-winning drives deep in their opponents’ territory. One happened in Week 5 at home against the 49ers, when they passed on an overtime field-goal attempt that would have extended the extra period, then failed to convert on fourth down to end the game.
It was another in Los Angeles’ long line of frustrating outcomes against San Francisco. The loss ended the Rams’ three-game winning streak in the series, but before that, they lost nine of 10. In the 1990s, the Rams endured a 17-game losing streak to the 49ers.
A victory Sunday would not only strike back at the 49ers, it would validate the Rams’ Super Bowl aspirations.
“There’s a lot of stuff we can build on, and man, there’s a lot of stuff that we can clean up,” McVay said. “(It’s) encouraging because we’re gonna need to continuously improve.”
Of primary concern for the Rams is a rib injury for star wide receiver Puka Nacua, who was limited in practice Wednesday. Cornerback Darious Williams (shoulder) also was limited after missing last Sunday’s 34-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Both are expected to play this Sunday.
To address a wayward kicking game, the Rams brought in Harrison Mevis to challenge the incumbent Joshua Karty. Los Angeles also brought back veteran long snapper Jake McQuaide this week, and he will assume his former role Sunday.
The 49ers rebounded from a surprising loss to the Houston Texans in Week 8 with a 34-24 road victory over the New York Giants last Sunday. Christian McCaffrey was in prime form with 106 rushing yards and 67 receiving yards on five catches.
Quarterback Mac Jones completed 19 of 24 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns.
In the victory over the Rams earlier this season, Jones was 33 of 49 for 342 yards and two TDs. While getting the protection he needed against a talented Los Angeles pass rush, Jones drove San Francisco to touchdowns in its first two possessions for a 14-0 lead.
Since Week 4, the 49ers have been without quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee). Purdy was a limited participant Wednesday in practice.
Defensive end Mykel Williams (knee) joined Nick Bosa (knee) as key members of the San Francisco pass rush who are out for the season. Williams was injured Sunday against the Giants.
The 49ers acquired defensive lineman Keion White in a trade with the New England Patriots last week while also signing defensive lineman Clelin Ferrell. Both made their 49ers debut against the Giants.
“I’m fired up about our team and where we’re at, and we just have to keep rolling,” McCaffrey said as the 49ers stayed quiet at the trade deadline.
“Obviously, losing guys is tough and never easy. You see the kind of depth that you have and the guys who’ve stepped up and done a really good job. It shows me (the front office has) confidence in the guys we have.”
