49ers vs. Rams: 5 Week 16 matchups to watch for San Francisco

Rams vs. 49ers: 5 Week 16 matchups to watch for San Francisco

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 21: Josh Reynolds #83 of the Los Angeles Rams makes a catch to the one-yard line against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

5 of 6

George Kittle, John Johnson, Rams, 49ers

George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers and John Johnson #43 of the Los Angeles Rams (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

No. 2: George Kittle vs. Taylor Rapp

Tight end George Kittle helped himself set a new record in the Week 15 loss versus Atlanta. Despite a key fumble and the defeat, Kittle’s 134 receiving yards put him at 2,780 total over his career.

That number broke Hall of Famer Mike Ditka’s previous record for the most receiving yards by a tight end over his first three seasons at the NFL level.

But that’s in the past now, and Kittle needs to focus on what he can do to ensure the 49ers pull off a win over the Rams this Saturday. One of the chief players responsible for covering Kittle will be Los Angeles’ safety, Taylor Rapp, who owns a solid 70.3 pass-coverage grade, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Rams are allowing an average of just over 50 receiving yards to opponents’ tight ends this season, which ranks 15th best in the league.

Kittle, of course, is one of only a handful of tight ends playing right now who can throw those numbers into a complete disarray. After all, the last time Kittle faced off against the Rams, all he did was haul in eight catches for 103 yards.

Don’t be shocked if something similar happens again in Week 16.