The Los Angeles Rams have an opportunity to snap a five-game losing streak this Saturday when they host the San Francisco 49ers, who have no won a game since they beat the Rams 28-0 in Week 1.
The Rams received some good news ahead of Saturday’s matchup, as quarterback Jared Goff, who left last Thursday night’s game against the Seattle Seahawks with a concussion after taking a hard hit by Richard Sherman, cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol meaning he will be able to play against San Francisco.
So far on the season Goff has completed 54.7 percent of his passes for 879 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions in five starts. San Francisco ranks 18th in the league against the pass at 249 yards per game, so it could be an opportunity for Goff to have a breakout game.
Where the 49ers defense really struggles though is against the run giving up a league-high 176.3 yards per game on the ground. That could be good news for Rams running back Todd Gurley. The second-year running back does not have a 100-yard rushing game since Dec. 13 of last season, but this could be his best opportunity to break that streak. He rushed for 47 yards on 17 carries in Week 1 against San Francisco.
Rams receiver Kenny Britt is looking to earn his first career 1,000-yard season, as he needs just 13 yards on Saturday to do that. He would become the Rams first 1,000-yard receiver since Torry Holt is 2007.
The Los Angeles defense faces a familiar face in 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who has played well since replacing Blaine Gabbert as the team’s starter. In nine starts Kaepernick has completed 55.5 percent of his passes for 1,760 yards, 13 touchdown passes and just three interceptions.
He continues to be the duel threat quarterback he has been throughout his career, as he has carried the ball 58 times for 437 yards and a touchdown. The 7.5 yards per carry is a career-high for the 29-year-old.
Kaepernick will be handing the ball of to running back Carlos Hyde, who is also closing in on his first career 1,000-yard season. The third-year back has rushed for 950 yards and six touchdowns on 204 carries this season. He rushed for 88 yards and two touchdowns against Los Angeles in Week 1.
Saturday could be a historic day for Rams punter Johnny Hekker as he is just one punt downed inside the opposing team’s 20-yard line from breaking an NFL record. He is currently tied with former Arizona Cardinals’ punter Dave Zastudil, who set the record in 2012, at 46.
Saturday’s game is set to start at 1:25 p.m. Pacific time at the Coliseum and will be aired locally on Fox.
