Rams vs. 49ers: 5 Week 1 Matchups to Watch for San Francisco on Monday Night Football

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Week 1 of the 2016 NFL season is upon us, and the San Francisco 49ers play host to the Los Angeles Rams to get this year started. Niner Noise breaks down five crucial matchups that will determine the outcome of the game.

Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back DuJuan Harris (32) carries the ball against the St. Louis Rams in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back DuJuan Harris (32) carries the ball against the St. Louis Rams in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

The San Francisco 49ers open up the 2016 season with a prime-time matchup against NFC West division rivals, the Los Angeles Rams.

This Week 1 bout will take place on Monday Night Football at 10:20 p.m. ET.

San Francisco still has plenty of unanswered questions heading into this contest. Lack of depth at wide receiver prompted the Niners to pick up veterans Jeremy Kerley and Rod Streater via trades. And while the quarterback competition goes to Blaine Gabbert, how will he perform in an actual regular-season contest?

There are plenty of other matchups to watch as well.

Niner Noise focuses on the five most important matchups San Francisco will have with this divisional contest on the line.

Los Angeles comes in with questions of its own, especially on offense. Remember, No. 1 overall draft pick, quarterback Jared Goff, will be inactive for his first NFL game. So that’s a storyline not worth delving into but certainly affecting what the Rams will do to move the ball.

What else is on the table for Monday night?

Next: DB Jimmie Ward vs. WR Tavon Austin