4 ways 49ers can beat Rams and clinch a playoff berth
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: Deebo Samuel has to be 49ers biggest X-factor
While Cooper Kupp has historically struggled against the Niners over his career, wide receiver Deebo Samuel doesn’t know what it’s like to lose to the Rams. San Francisco is a perfect 5-0 ever since Samuel was drafted in 2019.
Samuel has been a big reason why in many of those games, too.
Over those five games, Samuel has averaged 69.0 receiving yards per contest, going along with 59 total rush yards and four net touchdowns, two through the air and another two on the ground. His 345 receiving yards against Los Angeles is the second highest he’s had against any opponent, behind only the Seattle Seahawks (370).
And over the last two games Samuel has faced off against his NFC West rivals, he’s posted 133 scrimmage yards in each bout, Week 10 of this year featuring 97 yards receiving and 36 yards rushing.
Yes, it’s safe to admit Samuel likes playing against the Rams.
That trend will have to continue, too, as the 49ers will need their best offensive weapon to be at his best against a stout LA defense to close out the regular season.