49ers vs. Rams: Full Week 6 preview, breakdown for San Francisco

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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 30: Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Josh Reynolds #83 eludes San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman #25 during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

The San Francisco 49ers visit the Los Angeles Rams for an NFC West showdown in Week 6, and Niner Noise breaks down this bout by looking at matchups, X-factors and much more.

To put a continuing argument “they haven’t played anybody yet” to rest, the San Francisco 49ers are going to need to go defeat the 3-2 Los Angeles Rams on their home turf in Week 6.

The Niners last beat the Rams back in the final week of 2017, although head coach Kyle Shanahan’s squad was going up against a Los Angeles B-team, which was resting nearly all its starters in preparation for the playoffs.

Last year, Los Angeles outscored San Francisco by a combined 87-42, as the 49ers managed a mere four wins in what turned out to be an injury-plagued 2018 campaign.

Injuries are going to affect this matchup, too. Both squads are dealing with crucial injuries at key positions, which could make some of the depth matchups and mismatches worth watching during this NFC West bout.

Overall, though, the Rams aren’t exactly steamrolling opponents like they were during their run up to the Super Bowl in 2018. True, they’ve scored at least 27 points in four of their five games this year, and head coach Sean McVay’s scoring offense ranks sixth entering Week 6.

But McVay’s defense has also surrendered plenty of points, too. Through five games, this side of the ball ranks 26th in the league with 134 points allowed in total.

This could indicate a shootout, as Shanahan’s offense currently stands as a top-five unit. Or it could be the truest of tests yet for a reinvigorated and well-performing Niners defense.

Those are some of the key storylines and aspects to watch, as Niner Noise breaks down this crucial NFC West bout.

Let’s start by taking a look at those key numbers.