Week 12 of National Football League action features a West Coast matchup between the San Francisco 49ers (4-6, 3-2 away) and the Los Angeles Rams (7-3, 4-0 home). This marks the second meeting between these two teams this season, with the 49ers victorious 24-16 back in Week 7. Kickoff is set for 4:05 p.m. EST at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. The Rams are 6.5-point in the NFC West battle, according to oddsmakers.
What to Know – San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers enjoyed a much-needed bye week this past weekend after dropping three-straight games. San Francisco has been decimated by injuries and COVID-19 designations this season and will continue to be without a handful of key players against the Rams.
Nick Mullens completed 24-of-38 passes for 247 yards, one touchdown, and a pair of interceptions the last time the 49ers were on the field. Mullens replaced starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo who is out for the remainder of the season with an injury.
Jerick McKinnon carried the ball 18 times for 33 of the 49ers 49 yards rushing against the Saints. The San Fransico backfield has been without Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman. Mostert is set to be activated from the IR but is questionable for Sunday.
Rookie wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk caught seven passes for 75 yards and one touchdown while tight end Jordan Reed added five catches for 62 yards. Reed is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Rams due to an illness, and Aiyuk (COVID) isn’t expected to suit up.
What to Know – Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles is coming off a short week after downing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 27-24, on Monday Night Football. The Rams had to cancel practice on Friday amid a player and staff member testing positive for COVID-19. Los Angeles is tied at the top of the division standings with the Seattle Seahawks.
Jared Goff threw the ball 51 times, completing 39 of them for 376 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. Goff has thrown for over 300 yards in the Rams’ last three contests and averaging just under 50 attempts per game.
The Rams abandoned the rushing attack against the leagues top rushing defense. Los Angeles was held to only 37 yards rushing on 20 attempts, and starting running back Darrell Henderson Jr. carried the ball eight times for a mere five yards.
Wide receivers Cooper Kupp (11 catches, 145 yards) and Robert Woods (12 catches, 130 yards, one touchdown) destroyed the Bucs’ secondary with season-highs in both receptions and yardage. Rookie wide receiver Van Jefferson added the first touchdown reception of his career.
The Pick is In
The time off for San Francisco could mean the return of Deebo Samuel to the offense as well as Mostert and running back Jeff Wilson Jr. returning to practice. The status of the two running backs is unclear for Sunday, however. Six players currently remain on the COVID-19 list, and there is uncertainty on if any of those six, including Aiyuk and starting offensive tackle Trent Williams will play. This will feature two of the best offensive minds in the game, with the Rams defense led by Aaron Donald, being the difference.
The Pick: Los Angeles -6.5
