NFL Week 3: 49ers at Rams
Hicks Pick: Injured SF tops even more banged-up L.A.
Sunday, Sept. 22, 4:25 p.m. ET, SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles), FOX
Both teams played poorly on the road in Week 2 and injuries are mounting. San Francisco’s loss to the Vikings gave a clue as to how much they might miss Christian McCaffery in the next few weeks. His backup, Jordan Mason, has been terrific, but does not create the matchup problems in the passing game that CMC does. This week, the 49ers announced that their other versatile weapon, Deebo Samuel, will be out two weeks with a calf issue. On top of that, All-Pro tight end George Kittle is doubtful for Week 3. This next stretch of games should answer questions some have about Brock Purdy’s abilities to carry a team.
The injury bug is infecting the Rams’ offense too. Los Angeles placed receiver Puka Nacua on IR, where he will be joined by guard Steve Avila and tackle Joe Noteboom. Star wideout Cooper Kupp is unlikely to play after incurring an ankle injury against Arizona. The Rams believe he will avoid IR, but they are uncertain when he will return.
In theory, this should make QB Matthew Stafford a sitting target, but the 49ers defense, which underperformed at various points in 2023, came up especially small on fourth-quarter third downs against Minnesota. If the Rams can neutralize Nick Bosa, Stafford could make enough big plays to pull out a win.
But he won’t. The loss of up-front protection and skill players to throw the ball to proves too big of a hill for Stafford and the Rams to climb.
PICK: San Francisco 23, Los Angeles 19
Key matchups
T Trent Williams (SF) vs. LB Jared Verse: The game could very well turn on who gets the edge in these one-on-one battles. The perennial All-Pro Williams had a so-so day against the Vikings, allowing a sack. As a pass rusher, Verse racked up nine pressures in Weeks 1 and 2, and grades out even better defending the run. With Kittle out, Verse and the Rams could limit the 49ers’ dominant ground game.
CBs Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir (SF) vs. WR Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell (LAR): Don’t get me wrong, Ward shows stretches when he can be as good as any corner in the NFL. Then there are those maddening dips in play befitting of his “burn” Ward moniker. Lenoir has improved by leaps and bounds and seems on the verge of achieving lock-down corner status. Robinson and Atwell will need to pick up the slack in the absence of Nacua and Kupp. Both are capable of doing so, but we still give the edge to the great Motown songwriting duo of Lenoir and Ward.
