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Rams vs. 49ers: 5 Reasons San Francisco Wins in Week 1

By Peter Panacy

January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson (9) is congratulated after kicking the game-winning field goal during overtime against the St. Louis Rams at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson (9) is congratulated after kicking the game-winning field goal during overtime against the St. Louis Rams at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Francisco 49ers open up their 2016 NFL season with a prime-time matchup against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night. Niner Noise looks at five reasons the red and gold win over their NFC West division rival.

November 2, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) runs against St. Louis Rams free safety Rodney McLeod (23) during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Rams defeated the 49ers 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 2, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) runs against St. Louis Rams free safety Rodney McLeod (23) during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Rams defeated the 49ers 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

The San Francisco 49ers get the luxury of kicking off their 2016 campaign at home against their NFC West rivals, the Los Angeles Rams.

Oh, and it happens on Monday Night Football.

While not much is expected out of this Niners team under head coach Chip Kelly in 2016, the 49ers at least have one matchup on their calendar in which they could pull off a victory.

So let’s look at five reasons why this happens.

The Rams opened up as 2.5-point favorites, according to Odds Shark. And while Los Angeles’ defense remains a force, the Rams offense looks nowhere near improved over what it was a season ago.

Yes, running back Todd Gurley is a player to watch. But the 49ers can counter with another standout runner of their own, tailback Carlos Hyde.

But what other advantages lead San Francisco to a Week 1 victory?

Let’s break down why the Niners are able to upend their foes from Southern California.

Next: Week 1 Winning Streak