The San Francisco 49ers still control their destiny to win the NFC West, but to make it happen they need to win on Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams. They are the favored team in this matchup and for good reason, because they are going to get the job done with ease.
Let's break down four reasons the 49ers will defeat the Rams in Week 16.
4. Coaching advantage
There is no doubt Sean McVay is a good coach, but he at times has had trouble adjusting the offense to get the best out of his players. That isn't something Kyle Shanahan has had any issues doing this year and that is a big reason the 49ers are still in a position to win the NFC West.
McVay hasn't made the right decisions while Shanahan has, and if this game is close late, McVay isn't going to make the winning calls. Sometimes coaching doesn't play a big impact, but if it does, the big advantage goes to the 49ers.
3. 49ers getting healthy
The 49ers' secondary has been a little banged up, but they are getting healthy again. Richard Sherman is expected to play in this game and that is going to be key. Just a few years ago, many believed Sherman was washed out and on his way out of the league, but he has proven to be a key for the defense.
The Rams have a lot of good wide receivers, so the 49ers' secondary needs everyone healthy.
2. 49ers run game vs. Rams run defense
The Rams' run defense was exposed in the last game against the Dallas Cowboys, and that is something the 49ers will be able to attack. Tony Pollard rushed 12 times for 131 yards and a touchdown, while Ezekiel Elliott was also a standout rushing 24 times for 117 yards and two touchdowns.
The 49ers use a running back by committee approach and have had a lot of success doing so. On the season, the 49ers are averaging 147 yards on the ground, which is second best in all the league. Who is going to be the leading rusher for the 49ers is still up in the air, but as a team they are going to pound the rock.
1. Jared Goff
Jared Goff is dealing with a stiff thumb, which could have a big impact on his game. Even if he is 100 percent in this game it won't matter, as he is going to struggle. Goff has an interception problem this year, throwing 15 already and this feels like a game where he could throw two or three.
When these two teams faced off earlier this year, Goff was the biggest reason the Rams lost. He completed only 13 of his 24 passes for 78 yards. The only positive to come from the game for Goff was that he didn't throw any interceptions.
Goff's thumb and his first performance are going to be on his mind and that is going to have a big impact on his game. Don't be shocked if Goff finishes this game throwing no touchdowns and under 150 yards.
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