49ers: Week 1 Q&A with Rams Fansided Site, Ramblin Fan

The San Francisco 49ers host the Los Angeles Rams in a prime-time NFC West divisional showdown on Monday Night Football. Niner Noise sat down with Rams FanSided site, Ramblin Fan, to discuss this Week 1 bout.

The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams officially begin their 2016 NFL campaigns with a prime-time divisional contest tonight on Monday Night Football.

San Francisco enters the contest with a five-game Week 1 winning streak. A year ago, the Niners upended the eventual playoff-bound Minnesota Vikings 20-3 in a similar MNF context. Now, the 49ers look to extend that streak against their divisional foes from Southern California.

This means head coach Chip Kelly and Co. will have to contend with Rams running back Todd Gurley and a talented Los Angeles front-seven defense.

The Rams come to town with No. 1 overall draft pick Jared Goff not slated as the team’s starter at quarterback. Instead, we’ll see fellow signal-caller Case Keenum take snaps for a Los Angeles offense that finished last in total yardage last season (4,761).

Yet the Niners have their own offensive concerns, as quarterback Blaine Gabbert hopes to make the most out of a talent-lacking wide receiver corps and a slew of other question marks on that side of the ball.

To preview this contest, Niner Noise sat down with site expert Dan Parzych of Rams FanSided site, Ramblin Fan, to discuss what to expect.

On Chip Kelly and the 49ers Expectations for 2016

NN: Not many people are expecting the 49ers to do a lot this season. As an outsider, what’s your perception of head coach Chip Kelly, a revamped roster and what the Niners are trying to do in 2016?

"RF: I think Chip Kelly is going to take a different approach on how to handle things this time around. Kelly has always been the type of guy driven by success over doing things his way, and I think a revamped roster gives him the perfect opportunity to start from scratch, while winning with “his guys” in 2016."

On Jared Goff and the Rams Quarterback Situation

NN: With rookie Jared Goff not securing the No. 1 job to start the season, how do you see the quarterback position and aerial attack developing with starting QB Case Keenum?

"RF: The Rams find themselves in a position where they know this team has what it takes to compete now, and when comparing the two quarterbacks, I fully support the decision to start Keenum.Goff still has plenty of areas in need of improvement, and I think Keenum will perform better than most people think when considering this season could easily turn into an audition for playing with another team in the future."

On the Todd Gurley versus Carlos Hyde Matchup

NN: Running back Todd Gurley is clearly the top threat Los Angeles has on offense. Similarly, tailback Carlos Hyde is a major factor for San Francisco. Which RB has the edge in this contest, and what will the Rams to to ensure Gurley makes an impact, and what will be the defense’s approach to stopping Hyde?

Nov 1, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Jaquiski Tartt (29) tackles St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

"RF: I’m going to give Gurley the edge in this one, but not by much. Last year is the perfect example of just how dangerous can be at running back when looking at how he performed on Monday Night Football against the Vikings.And with the lack of weapons on San Francisco’s offense, I expect Hyde to receive just as many carries as Gurley."

Dec 27, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher reacts during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

On Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher

NN: Rams head coach Jeff Fisher hasn’t had a winning season in some time. With the high-profile move the Rams made to L.A. this offseason, do you think he’s on a bit of a hot seat in 2016?

"RF: There’s no question Fisher is on the hot seat. But I think the organization is going to be more patient with the head coach after drafting Jared Goff. The Rams realize they have one of the best defenses in the league, and the quarterback position is one of the things holding them back from reaching the next level.Unfortunately, they just have to be a little more patient with Goff, and until he steps onto the field during the regular season, I think Fisher is safe."

Predictions and X-Factors for Week 1

NN: If the Rams win this contest, who do you think will be Los Angeles’ impact players and X-factors on both sides of the ball? And if the Niners win, who do you think makes the biggest impact?

"RF: Hopefully, Tavon Austin will be the difference maker for the Rams if they come up on the winning side. After finding the end zone 10 times in 2015, Los Angeles hopes Austin can finally make that impact on offense they’ve been waiting to see over the last few seasons.As for the 49ers, I think the Rams’ defense is going to have some trouble with covering Vance McDonald. After winning the starting job, I think the tight end is ready to become a reliable weapon for Blaine Gabbert in the passing game."

More from Niner Noise

Be sure to check out our friends over at Ramblin Fan and look for Niner Noise’s answers to Parzych’s questions.

And be sure to follow him on Twitter — @DanParzych.

San Francisco and Los Angeles’ Week 1 contest kicks off at 10:20 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Next: Five Keys to a Niners Victory over Rams in Week 1

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of ESPN.com, Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.

Rams vs. 49ers: Week 1 Q&A with FanSided Fan Site, Ramblin Fan

By Peter Panacy | Sep 12, 2016