Pandya Brothers Sports Blog

The 3-1 49ers, coming off a brutal loss to the Jaguars in week 4 at home, are traveling down south to face the 3-1 LA Rams, who are coming off a huge home win against the Colts. These two teams are tied for the top spot in the NFC West and both will look to take pole position after Thursday

The 49ers are once again banged up, a constant in almost every season in their recent history. Their franchise quarterback, Brock Purdy, is still dealing with the toe injury he suffered in week one against Seattle. Right now, Purdy is questionable but all signs point to Mac Jones making his third start of the season. Other notable players on the injury report are the 49ers two star wide receivers Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings, who are both listed as questionable. Ricky Pearsall suffered a knee injury in week 4 that had been a problem in the week leading up to that game. In the 3rd quarter, Ricky tried to catch a tough ball near the sideline and ended up landing on his knee. His status for their week 5 clash against the Rams is still up in the air, but right now the popular opinion is that Ricky will miss Thursday Night Football. Jennings has been banged up all year and suffered a hard hit to his rib/oblique area on a 2-pt conversion attempt in week 4. Jennings was able to come back and finish the game, giving him a good chance to go on Thursday. The 49ers are also dealing with more injuries on the other side of the ball. Rookies Mykel Williams and CJ West are dealing with injuries, and 2nd year CB Renardo Green is still dealing with a neck injury that came up in week 3 against the Cardinals. It is safe to say the 49ers are receiving no benefits by playing on Thursday Night, as the injured 49ers get three less days to heal their injuries.

The Rams are again looking like a favorite to win the NFC West. The Rams have won 3 out of 4 games so far with a blocked field goal being the reason for their one loss. In the offseason, Star quarterback Matthew Stafford got diagnosed with a back injury during training camp which has so far not been a factor in his athletic performance. This injury, however, is definitely something to look out for. The Rams are 4-6 including postseason against the 49ers in the last 10 matchups with 3 of their 4 wins coming in the last 3 games. Sean McVay may have finally figured out how to conquer his friend and enemy Kyle Shanahan. The Rams added Davante Adams, a star wide receiver, who will surely have a massive impact on Thursday. The 49ers secondary is definitely below average, and the receiver core that the Rams have, which includes Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Tutu Atwell, should be able to find success in the week 5 matchup. The Rams have had a hot start on offense and defensive this year and are favorites to win on Thursday Night.

According to Draftkings Sports Book Odds, The Rams are favored by 6.5 points and are heavily favored on many other sites. The 49ers will need to figure out their running offensive before Thursday as the Rams will easily become victorious if the 49ers continue to struggle to run the ball. The 49ers will also most likely have to win with Mac Jones and without Ricky Pearsall and maybe Jauan Jennings. The good news for the 49ers is that Mac Jones is 2-0 as a starter this year, and they hope he can stay perfect come Thursday Night. If the Rams continue to play their football they will soar past the 49ers, however if the 49ers are able to figure out the run game and Mac Jones is successful, the 49ers could become victorious come Thursday Night.

Prediction: Rams 31, 49ers 17

My prediction is the Rams continue to find success through the air and the ground and are able to get a win at home on Thursday Night. I believe that the game will be close throughout the first three quarters, staying a one possession game before the Rams begin to pull away in the final quarter of the game. The Rams will move atop the NFC West and the 49ers will drop to 3rd. Back to back losses will be crushing for the 49ers, but might also be a reality check for the 49ers who have been a little lucky with their first 3 wins.

If the 49ers are somehow able to pull off an amazing victory away in LA they will gain huge momentum, completely changing the perspective of the fans and the whole NFL. The one and only good thing about playing on Thursday Night is you receive a mini-bye as you will have an extra 4 days off. This is especially key for the 49ers as their bye is not till week 14 and next week they will have to make the long flight across the country into Tampa Bay to take on the red hot Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This NFC West matchup will surely be a very entertaining game. Will the Rams stay hot and win their first divisional matchup or will the 49ers overcome their injuries and stay undefeated in the division?

Sources:

Image from: https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401671818/rams-49ers

Stats from: https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4361741/brock-purdy

Game Odds from: https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/