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49ers-Rams preview: Niners face NFC’s top offense, led by Todd Gurley and Jared Goff

By Chris Wilson

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams is stopped short of the goal line by the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams is stopped short of the goal line by the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams preview
San Francisco 49ers WR Marquise Goodwin (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

49ers X-factors and players to watch

49ers’ front seven

Today’s matchup with the Rams will be the biggest challenge to date for the 49ers’ defensive line and linebackers. Although Goff is performing at a near-MVP level, Los Angeles’ offense runs through their stud RB Gurley. On base downs, the Niners’ defensive line will need to control the line of scrimmage, while their linebackers will need to focus on Gurley as both a rusher and a receiver out of the backfield. And in obvious passing situations, the 49ers’ pass rush has to get to Goff in order to turn third-and-long situations into fourth down punts.

QB C.J. Beathard

Beathard was excellent in the first half of last week’s game against the Packers, but when 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan decided to take his foot off the gas in the second half, Beathard’s success decreased dramatically. Unless San Francisco is able to maintain a lead today, Shanahan will be forced to be aggressive throughout the contest, and Beathard will be asked to push the ball down the field. The 49ers’ quarterback will need to be productive while limiting mistakes in order to keep San Francisco in today’s game.

49ers’ secondary

Even without Kupp, the Rams have a pair of dangerous wide receivers in Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods. Since all of the 49ers’ potential starting cornerbacks are dealing with injuries, it’s unclear who will match up against Los Angeles’ wide receiver duo — although after Rodgers destroyed CB Greg Mabin in the final two minutes of last week’s contest, hopefully Mabin doesn’t get the start. No matter who plays in the Niners’ secondary, they will be tested often by Goff throughout the afternoon. Update: Witherspoon and Mabin will start at cornerback, as Sherman and Ward are inactive.

RB Matt Breida

Although Breida continues to battle multiple injuries, the running back has been extremely productive throughout the year. To start Week 7, Breida led the NFL in rushing yards per attempt and ranked seventh in total rushing yardage. Shanahan is likely to lean heavily on Breida and his fellow RBs today in order to attack the Rams’ defense where it’s most vulnerable, and to keep Los Angeles’ potent offense off the field.