Why 49ers defense will dominate Rams (again) in Week 2

Defensive Line

The Rams offensive line had a clean sheet in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks in the way of sacks. Zero sacks given up and only two QB hits.

San Francisco's defensive line will be a much greater challenge for the Rams. This unit will keep the pressure on Stafford.

Second-year defensive end Drake Jackson was the standout defensive lineman in Pittsburgh. He had three sacks against the Steelers, matching his total from his rookie season. While it seems unlikely that Jackson will have that level of success in back-to-back weeks, he still should be a force to be reckoned with.

With a week of tape to watch on Jackson, the Rams will likely not underestimate him. That will, however, open the door for reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Nick Bosa, to get his first sack of the 2023 season.

Bosa played 35 snaps last Sunday against the Steelers, which equated to 56 percent of the defensive snaps in the game. Look for Bosa to get more snaps in Week 2 as he works his way back from his offseason contract holdout, which saw him miss the preseason.

Prediction: The defensive line gets three sacks total against the Rams, including one from Bosa.