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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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NFL: San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE
NFL: San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE /

No. 2: 49ers Offensive Line Outplays Rams Front-Seven Defense

If there’s one NFL cliche that’s actually true, it’s the thought games are won or lost in the trenches.

No one should question how good Los Angeles’ defensive line is. All we need to do is mention defensive tackle Aaron Donald — and his 11 sacks last year — as reason enough to be fearful of this unit.

Defensive end Williams Hayes, who had five sacks in 2015, could also be in line for a bigger year. And it wouldn’t be shocking to see fellow DE Robert Quinn have a bounce-back season as well.

Two things work against the Rams favor though.

We’ve touched on head coach Chip Kelly’s offense and how quick releases are essential to avoiding pressure. The uptempo nature of Kelly’s approach works in favor of San Francisco as well. Even the best defenses can tire out if Kelly’s offense is moving the ball adequately enough.

But if the Niners offensive line was anything like it was a year ago (ranked 27th by Pro Football Focus), none of this would benefit the Niners.

Gone are the likes of O-linemen Erik Pears and Jordan Devey. Center Marcus Martin will be on the bench.

The emergence of right tackle Trent Brown, who drew praise from Denver Broncos star pass-rusher Von Miller, even pushed former first-round pick Anthony Davis inside to guard.

Hey, San Francisco’s O-line might be sneaky good in 2016. And this might be just enough to ensure Los Angeles’ defense doesn’t establish itself in Week 1.

Next: Carlos Hyde Goes Full Carlos Hyde