The San Francisco 49ers are still in contention for a playoff spot, so expect them to go all out in Week 18 against the NFC West division champs, Los Angeles Rams. Will the Niners get the win? Or will the Rams deny them of that? Check out our preview below of this Week 18 49ers-Rams showdown.
Trey Lance rose to the occasion and led the 49ers to a 23-7 win in Week 17 at home over the Houston Texans. Starting in lieu of Jimmy Garoppolo, Lance struggled early but got it together in the second half to finish with 249 passing yards and two touchdowns with an interception in 16/23 completions. Meanwhile, Elijah Mitchell rushed for 119 yards on 21 carries. However, Lance isn’t a lock to start in Week 18. If Garoppolo is healthy, he should be the Niners’ starter. Garoppolo sat out Week 17 with a finger injury, but missing the Houston game could give him enough time to be game-ready on Sunday. San Francisco beat the Rams at home in Week 10, 31-10, with Garoppolo tossing two touchdowns and Deebo Samuels scoring a rushing and a receiving touchdown.
The 49ers are 4-1 against the spread in their last 5 games as an underdog.
The Rams took care of business in Week 17 despite Matthew Stafford’s turnovers in a 20-19 road win against the Baltimore Ravens. Stafford passed for 309 yards, two touchdowns, and a couple of interceptions on 26/35 completions. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp once again delivered the goods downfield for the Rams, who are averaging 27.3 points per game – good for ninth in the NFL this season. Cupp finished the game with six catches for 95 receiving yards and a touchdown. He has been automatic for the Rams, and he will look to burn the Niners’ secondary for the second time this year. Back in Week 10, he recorded 122 receiving yards on 11 receptions and 13 targets. There’s also a chance for the Rams to get Cam Akers back in Week 18 after the running back missed the first 17 games of the season with an Achilles injury.
The Rams are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after giving up over 150 passing yards in their previous outing.
