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Rams vs 49ers: Previewing Week 1 for San Francisco

By James LeBreton

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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Preseason is officially over as the San Francisco 49ers look to rebound from a down year. Head coach Chip Kelly seems poised to lead his team back to its first winning season since 2014. Standing in their way on Week 1 is the division rival Los Angeles Rams. Here’s a complete preview of what to expect as the NFC West collides on Monday Night Football.

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 /

The wait is over. Preseason has concluded and football has returned.

For the second consecutive year, the San Francisco 49ers begin their season on Monday Night Football as they host the visiting Los Angeles Rams.

After enduring a preseason centered around a controversy, quarterback Blaine Gabbert has been named the starter for Week 1.

It’s a season of firsts for the 49ers as the “Bay Area Youth Movement” looks to carve out its identity as winners and send the Rams home with a decisive loss.

After losing the war in the trenches only a season ago, both the offensive and defensive lines figure to be positions of strength. This should help improve the running attack, and provide the secondary with the pressure needed to commit turnovers.

The biggest question on the mind of many is how will Gabbert be utilized?

Will he be a pocket passer that lets his line work effectively? Or will he be a mobile QB that is tailored for the Chip Kelly system? One thing’s for sure, he has to gain momentum early and he must move the chains consistently if he wants to lead his team to the win column.

Next: Week 1 By the Numbers