ED's Keys
Key Matchups:
WR Cooper Kupp vs CB K'Waun Williams
Is this really Cooper Kupp's first year back after rehabbing an ACL tear? It doesn't look like it... His production is off the charts - currently 4th in the league in receiving yards. The Rams are certainly benefitting (as is my fantasy team). He's got 41 receptions for 505 yards and four touchdowns. It's likely the 49ers will target him on defense, targeting coverage from multiple defenders, but particularly K'Waun Williams. Williams is having a great season and the 49ers will rely on him this weekend to shut down one of the Rams' biggest offensive weapons.
QB Jared Goff vs CB Richard Sherman
It's no secret a huge offensive problem for the Rams has been Goff under pressure, and this problem isn't going away anytime soon. Goff will be hot in the pocket... so he needs to get the ball out quicker. 49ers captain Richard Sherman brought the heat in Monday Night Football against the Cleveland Browns - he had four tackles and one interception. The Rams' have relied heavily on the passing game, and Goff has the third-most passing yards in the NFL with 1,649 yards.
S John Johnson vs TE George Kittle
The Rams are stacked when it comes to safeties, and Kittle will be well covered this weekend. Johnson is expected to be the primary defender, but don't sleep on rookie Rapp who will also see playing time. Kittle, looking to recreate his high production from last season against the rams, caught nine passes for 149 yards and a touchdown in week 17 and give passes for 98 yards in week 7. But the Rams will not let Kittle hit the gold mine, and have plenty of depth at safety to limit him.
