Week 18 Preview: Playoff implications abound in Rams' Week 18 clash against San Francisco 49ers
Sunday at SoFi Stadium, a win for Los Angeles clinches an NFC West crown.
A win would translate to the two-seed, meaning the only time the Rams would have to hit the road on their journey to Super Bowl LVI would be a potential NFC Championship Game at Lambeau Field.
So yes, the stakes matter. The implications are as consequential as almost any regular season contest could possibly be.
But in Week 18, a win would mean so much more than any of that.
Because this is personal. There is unfinished business with the 49ers. And quite frankly, this has gone on too long.
A triumph over their bitter rival could also freeze the 49ers out of the NFL postseason, if the New Orleans Saints were to beat the Atlanta Falcons.
So in this weekly column, typically we'd dig into Cooper Kupp's pursuit of the Triple Crown.
It would be worthwhile to break down the return of Cam Akers, and what a backfield tandem including Sony Michel might look like behind arguably the best offensive line in the NFL.
But we already understand the defense's need to solve for Deebo Samuel and George Kittle. If you're on this page in this moment, you don't need me to tell you the Rams have never beaten Jimmy Garoppolo, or that this could be their final chance to do so while he's wearing Red and Gold.
The truth of the matter is this: Between now and Sunday, less is more.
Record-chasing, history, matchups – they're as relevant as they've ever been.
But in the end, it all boils down to finding a way to get right against a rival. By any means necessary.
The playoffs can wait until next week.
Beating San Francisco… cannot.
3 Keys to Winning for the Rams against the 49ers in Week 18
The Rams (12-4) close out the regular season hosting the 49ers (9-7) in Week 18, with both teams fighting for playoff positioning in the NFC. Kickoff from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. is scheduled for 1:25 p.m. pacific time on FOX.
Ahead of the game, theRams.com examines 3 Keys to Winning for the Rams, powered by The Wallace Firm:
1) Have your homework done on 49ers QBs Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance
For understandable competitive reasons, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has played it close to the vest all week when discussing who will be under center between Garoppolo and Lance. Garoppolo is dealing with a thumb injury and was a limited participant in practice all week; Lance started in place of Garoppolo against the Texans last week due to that injury.
As mentioned in First Look, the offensive approach will likely look very different based on who starts, given the gameplan deployed by the 49ers with Garoppolo in the first meeting between the two teams and the vertical element Lance displayed last week. For the Rams, it's crucial to be as prepared as possible for both players so that there are no surprises, regardless of who leads the 49ers offense.
2) Stop the run
While the 49ers averaged only 3.9 yards per carry against the Rams in Week 10, in came via 44 carries for 156 yards from their backfield collectively.
That effective ground attack helped win the time of possession and keep the Rams offense off the field while keeping the Rams defense on the field for extended periods of time. Keep that contained, and the chances of success increase for the Rams this weekend.
3) Limit explosive plays from TE George Kittle and WR Deebo Samuel
Both Kittle and Samuel are joker-esque players, in that the 49ers find numerous ways to maximize their abilities. Kittle lines up in-line and in the slot, Samuel at multiple spots and in the backfield as a running back; both players excel at making plays after the catch.
They also did the most damage through the air as Garoppolo's top two targets in Week 10.
If the Rams want to win the NFC West and keep hold of the No. 2 seed this weekend, they'll need to contain both players and limit their yards after catch.
