49ers reportedly won't face Rams QB Matthew Stafford on Sunday
Looks like a Carson Wentz revenge game, right?
By Peter Panacy
49ers -3.5. 51. Fox. Sunday, Jan. 7. 11-4. 9-7. 49ers-Rams opening. 42. 4:25 p.m. ET
According to an NFL Network report, the 49ers aren't going to face the Rams' starting quarterback in Week 18, Matthew Stafford.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has a decision regarding whether or not he'll rest the bulk of his starters for what'll essentially be a meaningless Week 18 home game against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Niners have already clinched the No. 1 seed, and they can't fall any lower regardless of what happens between them and LA on Sunday.
In fact, about the only thing that matters in Week 18 between these two teams is bragging rights. And whether or not San Francisco can keep up the regular-season win streak that dates back to 2018.
Los Angeles, currently the No. 6 seed in the NFC playoff picture, can't advance any higher or fall any lower. So, just like the 49ers, Week 18 is pretty much a meaningless affair to the Rams' postseason prospects, too.
According to one report, it appears as if they'll be resting their starting quarterback, Matthew Stafford.
Rumor says 49ers won't face Matthew Stafford; Carson Wentz will start for Rams instead
Among those whom Shanahan could rest is quarterback Brock Purdy, who already set the franchise record for single-season passing yards and is a shoo-in for the Pro Bowl based on fan voting.
Purdy won't play, according to Shanahan. But that's just one name.
Yet the head coach has to debate whether resting and avoiding injury is more important than being rusty and sluggish upon returning to action, which is more relevant in the 49ers' case because they'll be enjoying a bye during the Wild Card round of the playoffs, too, meaning two weeks off for those who rest in Week 18.
For LA, however, it appears as if Stafford will be getting a break and the focus will be on that Wild Card round, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network:
The #Rams will start Carson Wentz at QB Sunday against the #49ers, sources say. Sean McVay gives Matthew Stafford a breather before the postseason while Wentz gets his first start in just over a calendar year. pic.twitter.com/iaVM2xJFI8
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 3, 2024
Assuming the report is true, Week 18 will feature two one-time highly touted draftees in the Rams' Carson Wentz and the Niners' Sam Darnold.
San Francisco and Los Angeles face off in the regular-season finale on Sunday, Jan. 7 at 4:25 p.m. ET from Levi's Stadium.
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