Niners Nation
The San Francisco 49ers’ injury report was lengthy on Monday. The team didn’t practice, but they still provided an estimated injury report since there’s a Thursday game. The following players “did not participate” in the Niners’ hypothetical practice:
QB Brock Purdy
DE Robert Beal (ankle)
DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee)
WR Jauan Jennings (ankle/rib)
WR Ricky Pearsall (knee)
WR Jordan Watkins (calf)
DT CJ West (thumb)
Linebacker Dee Winters (knee) also popped up on the injury report as limited. Cornerback Renardo Green (neck) was limited, which is the lone positive development.
These injuries are baked into the line on FanDuel Sportsbook. For the first time since October 2022, the 49ers are underdogs against the Los Angeles Rams. The line initially opened with Sean McVay’s squad as 3.5-point favorites. Then, the injury news surfaced for the 49ers, and now we’re at +5.5.
The total on the game is set at 46.5, which is also on the higher side for this matchup based on the previous five matchups. Last year’s Week 15 matchup had a total set at 48.5. The previous four matchups were all 45 or lower.
The 49ers scored 21 points last week, despite committing four turnovers. Purdy, Pearsall, and Jennings’ health will make a world of difference, but the total suggests Purdy is playing, or Mac Jones could lead San Francisco against the Rams’ defense.
The Rams being close to a touchdown favorite is a sign that oddsmakers believe they’ll have no issues moving the ball up and down the field against a Nick Bosa-less defense. The Rams have scored 27, 26, 33, 14, and 22 points this year. The trio of Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, and Davante Adams has been a nightmare to stop.
Defensively, Los Angeles has been more lucky than good. Second-year wide receiver AD Mitchell took 14 points off the board in Week 4 after fumbling the ball out of the end zone and committing a holding penalty on a Johnathan Taylor run.
They limited Saquon Barkley to 46 yards on 18 carries and still allowed 26 points to the Eagles. The Titans can’t move the ball against anybody when it matters. Cam Ward’s highest QB rating by eight points came against Los Angeles.
The 49ers offense will have its chances to score. Whether Pearsall or Jennings plays will determine how potent the passing attack will look. Demarcus Robinson made a good first impression. He’ll likely be called upon after a sloppy Kendrick Bourne game.
Here’s a not-so-bold prediction: There were 13 points total in Week 15’s matchup last year. There will be more points scored in the first half this week.
