Rams vs 49ers Free Pick, NFL Free Picks, NFL Predictions 12/12/24
- J.A. Cavalier
- Dec 12, 2024
- 3 min read
LA RAMS @ SAN FRANCISCO (SF -3, 49.5)
NFL ODDS, NFL PREDICTIONS, NFL PREVIEWS
RAMS @ 49ERS 12/12/24
It's been a rough season for the San Francisco 49ers, with the team landing blow after blow in the form of injuries. Their situation has not improved since, as they gear up to take on the Los Angeles Rams tonight at home.
It's a sobering position for a team that was in the limelight ten short months ago for a Super Bowl appearance. Now, the 49ers are languishing at the bottom of the NFC West and need to defeat the Rams, Dolphins, Lions, and Cardinals to even stand a chance of entering the playoffs.
Injuries have been the main culprits behind the 49ers struggles, particularly affecting their backfield. Christian McCaffrey, their star running back, is out for the season after being involved in just four games. Jordan Mason, the backup, shares McCaffrey's fate, having landed on injured reserve after a Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
With their first and second-string options unavailable, the 49ers had to rely on Isaac Guerendo, a third-string substitute, in their clash with the Chicago Bears. The rookie managed to deliver an impressive performance, racking up 78 yards and two touchdowns from 15 carries, aiding the 49ers in a 38-13 victory. Guerendo also managed to secure two 50-yard receptions before being struck down by a foot sprain in the fourth quarter. He is questionable for tonight against the Rams and is unlikely to play.
Injuries have also impacted other key players like Nick Bosa, Ben Bartch, and Trent Williams, none of whom practiced on Tuesday. LB Dre Greenlaw is also limited due to an Achilles issue.
Despite their injuries, the Rams' coach Sean McVay doesn't underestimate the 49ers. He appreciates their strong coaching staff and schemes. McVay acknowledges that the 49ers will be ready to battle it out, regardless of their injury list.
The Rams, on the other hand, are in good form, claiming their sixth victory in eight games by beating the Bills 44-42 last week. Matthew Stafford, their quarterback, completed 23 of 30 passes for 320 yards and two touchdowns, helping the Rams' climb to the second spot in NFC West.
The next month holds exciting possibilities for the Rams, as they are set to face the rest of their NFC West rivals and the New York Jets. Additionally, they might see the return of Tyler Higbee, their tight end who's on the mend from a torn ACL and MCL. However, like the 49ers, they too have had their share of injuries with Demarcus Robinson and Cobie Durant missing practice on Tuesday.
San Francisco is 7-3 SU and ATS in the last 10 games against the Rams. The Niners are just 1-4 ATS in their last five games. The 49ers are 4-1 SU in the last five against the Rams at home.
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J.A Cavalier Free PICK
BROCK PURDY OVER 240.5 PASSING YARDS
Purdy had a huge week last week with 325 yards and two touchdowns. Tonight, he’ll face a Rams pass defense that has given up the second-highest yards per attempt in the NFL (8.02). The Rams rank No. 23 in the league in passing yards allowed per game (224.7). Opponents of the Rams have the seventh-highest passer rating. Purdy has hit this number in 3 of his last 5 games and 8 of the 13 this season. San Francisco will likely have to lean more on Purdy as they are now down to their fifth-string running back.
