Breaking down 49ers offensive game plan for Week 18 vs. Rams

49ers have to win the turnover battle

The 49ers are minus-4 in turnover differential this season, but in the first meeting, they didn’t turn the ball over at all. On the other hand, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has been very friendly this year gifting teams interceptions. He threw two picks to the Niners in the first go-around, one which safety Jimmie Ward took back to the house.

If San Francisco protects the football and wins the turnover battle, the time of possession will be in favor of the red and gold as well.

All good things needed to pull off a win against an explosive Rams team.

49ers can’t underestimate playmaking abilities of Jalen Ramsey, Aaron Donald

One way to eliminate turnovers is by not testing the best players on the opposing team. The Rams have two defensive standouts the 49ers need to be aware of on every offensive snap. It only takes one interception by cornerback Jalen Ramsey or one forced fumble by Aaron Donald to change the outcome of the game.

Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo haven’t exactly been the most efficient at protecting the pigskin either, so there needs to be a concerted effort to limit the number of passes that are thrown in the game on Sunday.

The aggression level should not change and playing scared football will not win this game either. Kyle Shanahan is crafty enough in his play-calling to keep the football away from these playmakers.

Continually challenging these two is unnecessary and counterproductive. The Niners will win this game by being smart and decisive. If the announcers are not calling the names of Ramsey and Donald often, that is a very good sign for San Francisco.

Keeping the 49ers win streak alive

Five wins in a row against one team can build confidence and belief that it can happen again. But the Rams are not the kind of team to get discouraged, and don’t think for a second they don’t want to go out and put 50 points on the scoreboard.

Los Angeles has a chance to win the NFC West for a reason, and having fear in a team that might be starting a rookie quarterback and missing the playoffs entirely is not something that is going to happen.

For the 49ers, they only need to focus on their strengths to win this football matchup. Dominate in the run game, control time of possession, and eliminate those costly turnovers that can end drives and swing momentum to the Rams.

The blueprint has been set, the Niners just need to go execute and they will once again find themselves in the playoffs.