Turf Show Times
The Los Angeles Rams (3-1) will play their first divisional game of 2025 when they square off with their in-state rivals, the San Francisco 49ers (3-1) on Thursday Night Football. This will only be LA’s second conference game yet it looms large having suffered a loss in Week 3 to Philadelphia. In analyzing both teams, LA enters as the home favorite and with stars on both sides of the ball. San Francisco still has the capability of keeping up but they will have to prove themselves with injuries across their roster. Who’s got the matchup edge position by position? Here’s how I graded each team…
QB Breakdown: After seeing himself atop the PFF QB rankings for the first two weeks, Stafford has slipped to…4th. Hardly cause for concern. His grade has taken a small dip because of turnover-worthy plays. Zaire Franklin ran a fake rush and dropped into coverage; nearly picking off a Stafford crossing route. But the difference is that Stafford has an extra level to him when the game is on the line. When he is in rhythm, he’s nearly unstoppable. If you look closely, when Stafford’s feet are able to be steady during his progressions, he is lethal on his throws. It’s when his feet are choppy and fast, that his throws get errant. Give me #9 regardless because the guy can flat out play quarterback.
The 49ers enter this week with a question mark of who will be starting under center. Is Brock Purdy or Mac Jones? Purdy reaggravated his turf toe injury in Week 4. Despite that, Mac Jones has been the better quarterback with each passer getting two starts. The 49ers could elect to start Mac Jones whom the offense has been more productive under. But, the Rams pass rush may cause Shanahan to think twice…
RBs Breakdown: Christian McCaffrey has had a slow start to 2025 season when rushing the ball. He is only averaging 56.3/game on the ground. However, he’s been very productive out of the backfield as SF’s security blanket. He is the team’s second-leading receiver with 76.3 receiving yards/game and leads the team in receptions. I fully expect SF to use RB screens throughout to slow the LA pass rush and get the ball in McCaffrey’s hands.
Kyren Williams’s offseason was dedicated to explosion and ball security. Unfortunately, Week 4 showed that he is still has work to do with both. Williams is the 4th-least explosive running back in the NFL right now and almost cost the Rams a win last week because of a 4th down fumble. If he puts the rock on the ground again, McVay might have to make an example of him by using Corum more often. Speaking of the latter, Corum had two passes thrown his away that he dropped; nearly resulting in interceptions both times.
Like him or not because of his team, McCaffrey is still the best running back headed into Thursday’s matchup even despite his lower body injury history.
WRs Breakdown: Puka...
