The Los Angeles Rams resume NFC West play this week with a road game against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday.
In advance of the contest, here's an early look at the 49ers, including notable additions, their top statistical performers in their most recent game, where they rank in certain statistical categories and key storylines.
Notable additions
- Traded for wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders on Oct. 22. A little over two weeks after defeating the Rams, the 49ers acquired Sanders and a fifth round pick from the Broncos in exchange for their 2020 third and fourth round picks. He has 30 receptions for 416 yards and three touchdowns in eight games with San Francisco after posting 30 for 367 yards and two in the first seven games of the season with Denver.
- Activated defensive lineman Kentavius Street to the active roster from the injured reserve list on Dec. 14. With defensive lineman D.J. Jones placed on injured reserve with a season-ending high ankle sprain, the team activated Street in a corresponding move. Street also provided needed depth with another defensive lineman, Dee Ford, missing Sunday's game and likely the rest of the regular season with a hamstring injury. Street had one tackle while playing 11 of San Francisco's 67 defensive snaps against the Falcons in Week 15.
Top performers in Week 15
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo completed 22 of 34 pass attempts for 200 yards and one touchdown in a 29-22 loss to the Falcons on Sunday.
Running back Raheem Mostert handled the majority of the backfield work, rushing 14 times for 54 yards and one touchdown. Tevin Coleman added four carries for 40 yards, while Matt Breida had four for 11.
Tight end George Kittle led all 49ers receivers with 13 receptions for 134 yards. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk (two for six) was on the receiving end of Garoppolo's lone touchdown pass.
Defensively, linebacker Fred Warner finished with a team-high nine total tackles.
On special teams, kicker Robbie Gould converted all three of his field goal attempts and made one of two extra point attempts.
Rankings
Offense
- Points Per Game: 2nd (29.9)
- Yards Per Game: 6th (383.2)
- Passing Yards Per Game: 13th (236.2)
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 2nd (147.0)
Defense
- Points Allowed Per Game: 5th (18.4)
- Yards Allowed Per Game: 2nd (269.0)
- Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 1st (154.4)
- Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game: 21st (114.6)
Early storylines to watch, and what they mean for the Rams
The 49ers' defense has been hit hard by injuries, so the health of that unit makes for arguably the most important development to monitor in the coming days.
San Francisco's secondary was banged up in Week 15, playing without Pro Bowl cornerback Richard Sherman (hamstring), strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (ribs) and nickel cornerback K'Waun Williams (concussion) against Atlanta. That was on top of the aforementioned injuries to the defensive line. The Falcons were able to take advantage of both, rallying in the final 5:15 for the 29-22 victory.
Considering where the 49ers defense ranks statistically in multiple key categories, any absences in the secondary or along the defensive line would presumably benefit the Rams offense. However, that won't be certain until the final injury report comes out later this week.
