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

By Peter Panacy

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Aug 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Arik Armstead (69) in action against the Houston Texans in a preseason NFL football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Arik Armstead (69) in action against the Houston Texans in a preseason NFL football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4: DE Arik Armstead vs. RG Jamon Brown

Second-year defensive end Arik Armstead didn’t see a whole lot of preseason for the 49ers. He’s still listed as questionable for this contest with a shoulder injury.

We still should expect Armstead to play and build upon what was a promising end to his rookie season.

Should Armstead be ready to go, he’ll frequently line up opposite Rams right guard Jamon Brown.

Brown, who appeared in nine games in St. Louis last year, had a good deal of positive moments and grades, per Pro Football Focus (h/t Turf Show Times) and won out the starting bid at the position entering 2016.

But overall, PFF ranked the Rams offensive line No. 31 entering this season. And with 49ers linebacker Aaron Lynch (suspension) out the first four games of the year, San Francisco will hope Armstead and the remaining front-seven cast will be able to take advantage of their matchups.

So keep an eye on Armstead. See if he’s going to be the pocket-wrecking force the Niners envision him being.

If so, the Rams protection schemes may be in for a long night.

Next: RG Anthony Davis vs. DT Aaron Donald