49ers have a chance to reach some milestones in Week 17 vs. Rams

The San Francisco 49ers wrap up their 2017 campaign with a Week 17 showdown versus the NFC West-winning Los Angeles Rams. And the game could provide an opportunity for some notable milestones.

If only the entirety of 2017 had gone this well for the suddenly hot San Francisco 49ers.

The Niners wrap up their 2017 campaign with a road bout against the Los Angeles Rams, who have secured the NFC West crown and are holding onto the third seed in the NFC playoff picture.

Depending on what happens with the morning games in Week 17 — especially the Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers — L.A. could wind up resting its starters, having clinched all it possibly could in the last week of the season.

San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Meanwhile, the Niners are riding a four-game winning streak and are fresh off a 44-33 win over the AFC South division champs, the Jacksonville Jaguars.

This late surge has put San Francisco, and a number of its players, in a position to reach some notable milestones this season.

And that’s something we haven’t exactly been able to say much over the past two years.

For starters, a 49ers win over the Rams in Week 17 would give head coach Kyle Shanahan a 6-10 record in his first season — the best win-loss total since former head coach Jim Harbaugh went 8-8 back in 2014.

To think, that record would have been considered impossible as late as Week 12.

There’s more too, so let’s look at some individual players and stats who could surpass some notable milestones as the 2017 season comes to a close.

Wide Receiver Marquise Goodwin Closing in on 1,000 Receiving Yards

It’s taken a switch at quarterback and a season-ending injury to veteran wide receiver Pierre Garçon. But fellow wideout Marquise Goodwin is on the cusp of reaching 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his five-year career.

Before 2017, Goodwin’s best came in 2016, where he recorded 431 yards as a member of the Buffalo Bills.

Goodwin currently sits at 934 yards on the season. And while he was limited to just 37 yards on three catches last Sunday versus the Jaguars, he’s averaged 89 yards per game since quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo took over starting duties in Week 13.

As long as that average stays put, Goodwin will have enough to crest the 1,000-yard plateau and would be the first Niners receiver to do it since Anquan Boldin back in 2014 (1,062).

LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 24: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Running Back Carlos Hyde Hits 1,000 Rushing Yards Finally

This is going to take a huge effort from running back Carlos Hyde, but it’s not out of the question.

Currently, Hyde sits at 850 rushing yards on the season — 150 shy of reaching the 1,000-yard plateau for the first time in his career. The fact he’s lost carries to rookie tailback Matt Breida will hinder this in Week 17, and Hyde has had only one 100-plus yard rushing game this season — Week 2 versus the Seattle Seahawks (124 yards).

But Hyde has already surpassed his career high in yards from scrimmage, totaling 1,190 this season compared to 1,151 from last year.

And it might be better if Hyde stays below 1,000 yards on the ground anyway, especially if that’s something to consider in contract talks this offseason.

Still, the 49ers haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Frank Gore did it back in 2014. A big game from Hyde?

Perhaps.

George Kittle Becomes the No. 2-Ranked Rookie in Tight End Receiving Yards

There’s no way first-year tight end George Kittle catches New York Giants tight end Evan Engram in most receiving yards by a rookie this season, as Kittle’s 415 yards are far behind Engram’s 722.

But Kittle is in position to overtake the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ O.J. Howard (432 yards) for No. 2 on the list of rookie TEs this season.

SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 24: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring on a eight-yard touchdown catch against the Jacksonville Jaguars during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

Kittle has had 52 and 42 receiving yards in Weeks 15 and 16, respectively, which means another strong outing against the Rams could give him in the neighborhood of 500 yards on the season if he winds up being a favored target for Garoppolo.

Meanwhile, the Rams are allowing an average of 43.2 receiving yards per game to tight ends. So it’s a possibility.

Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo Continues His Winning Streak

It’s not likely Garoppolo continues his winning streak to start an NFL career long enough to catch Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, who won 15 straight starts to kick off his own career.

But Garoppolo remains perfect as a starter, improving his record to 6-0, including two wins with the New England Patriots.

If the Rams wind up resting their starters, or the 49ers continue to play hot, it’s more than possible the streak extends to seven games.

More from Niner Noise

Wins and losses are a funny thing for quarterbacks, as the NFL is such a “hand in glove” league. Yet Garoppolo’s presence on the field has transformed the Niners from inconsistency and frustration to a team that actually stands a fighting chance against superior competition.

Just ask the Jaguars.

At any rate, Garoppolo will be looking to push his streak to seven games, hopefully carrying that over into the 2018 season.

Next: 49ers stock report heading into Week 17 vs. Rams

The Niners and Rams kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET on Dec. 31 from Los Angeles.