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Rams at 49ers: Game preview, odds, prediction

By Charles Rahrig V

Aug 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) runs the ball as Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) attempts to tackle at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) runs the ball as Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) attempts to tackle at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers

The Los Angeles Rams will be making their regular season return on Monday night. Although the game isn’t at home, they will be taking on their rivals, the San Francisco 49ers. While Jared Goff won’t be playing, the young Rams have plenty of exciting talent to watch. Todd Gurley will try to carry the Rams to a win.

For those that want to watch the Rams and 49ers on Monday night, the game can be seen on TV on ESPN. It can also be watched online via a live stream via the WatchESPN app. Here’s everything you need to know about watching the game, including live stream info, TV info and more. Details for Monday night are below.

Date: Monday, September 12, 2016
Start Time: 10:20 p.m. ET
Location: Santa Clara, CA
Venue: Levi’s Stadium
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

The Los Angeles Rams have to take advantage of the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback situation. When pressured, Blaine Gabbert tends to make poor decisions when the pass rush gets to him and Aaron Donald is going to bring it from the interior.

Offensively, the Rams need to control the clock. They don’t need to force Case Keenum to be passing from behind, but instead need to control the clock. If they can get the clock in their favor, then it will allow Gurley to wear down the 49ers’ defense.

On the flip side, the 49ers’ defense has the makings of a good front seven. While the roster has its issues, NaVarro Bowman is anchoring a front seven that has some good young talent. If he’s able to lock down Gurley and force Keenum to beat them, the 49ers have a good chance at home.

Betting Odds

Vegas sees the Rams as the slight three-point favorites on the road. However, this is a tough game to bet on because of all of the unpredictability between the two teams. The Rams could easily come out flat, while the 49ers could just as easily do the same. Don’t forget the 49ers’ upset victory at home against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1 last season.

Prediction

The 49ers at home are a tough team to predict. While it’s the first game of the Chip Kelly era in San Francisco, this team isn’t expected to do much. However, the Rams aren’t exactly the strongest team either. It’s going to come down to which team makes the least amount of mistakes on the field. That means it’s going to come down to Keenum against Gabbert. Let’s roll with the home team on this one in a slight upset.

Pick: San Francisco 16, Los Angeles 14

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