Ranking the 49ers’ toughest 5 games of 2018

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates his touchdown against Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates his touchdown against Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 21: Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams rushes for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 21: Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams rushes for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Week 7 vs. Los Angeles Rams

It’s great to have the 49ers and Rams’ rivalry back on the table. Especially with the NorCal, SoCal geographical rivalry, plus the fact both teams are finally on the upswing again.

With quarterback Jared Goff still playing on his rookie contract, Los Angeles’ slew of offseason roster moves makes a lot of sense. Adding pieces like cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters, wide receiver Brandin Cooks, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and others only serve to make this 11-5 squad from 2017 all the more potent.

Simply put, the Rams are in win-now mode and are attempting to build a powerhouse to make it all the way to the Super Bowl this season. Anything less would be considered a failure.

So, with all things considered, it’s no surprise the first contest between these two squads this season falls on Sunday Night Football.

On paper, the Rams are a better team than the 49ers right now. But games aren’t played on paper, so we’ll see how this slugfest goes.

It’s still a difficult challenge for the Niners, though.