49ers vs. Rams: Niners who must bring their A-game on Monday night

3 of 5

Matthew Stafford, Nick Bosa, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers

Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams against Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) /

No. 3: 49ers EDGE Nick Bosa

While the 49ers can worry a bit about their offensive line squaring off against Aaron Donald, the Rams should also be worried about subjecting Matthew Stafford to more pressure, courtesy of Pro Bowl EDGE Nick Bosa.

Stafford has already taken nine sacks on the year, and while seven of them came back in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, it’s important to recognize that’s the kind of prowess the Niners’ own pass rush is supposed to emulate.

Bosa, who has four sacks in three games, will frequently find himself lining up opposite now-starting left tackle Joe Noteboom, who has yet to allow a sack on the season but will be in for his biggest test of the year in Bosa.

And if that matchup winds up favoring San Francisco, one might suspect Stafford to tack onto his notably high five interceptions on the season in contrast to his four touchdowns thrown.

As was the case a year ago when these two teams squared off for the first of three bouts, Stafford tossing picks under pressure could be the perfect recipe for the 49ers getting back into the win column.

Bosa has a key role to play for that to happen.