Potential of a new (and unexpected) threat to 49ers in the NFC West
By Scott Conrad
Can Rams charge from the bottom to become NFC West leader?
Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford is still the starter in LA despite some pretty wild rumors suggesting he could be on the trade block. Head coach Sean McVay hasn't left either and probably won't for a long, long time.
This gives Los Angeles a fighting shot. Especially since the 49ers blew a 10-point fourth-quarter lead to the Rams in Week 3.
Los Angeles will travel to Seattle in Week 9, a game that could fully tilt the balance within the NFC West, depending on the outcome. The Rams have already had their bye, so it's onward through the remaining 10 games of the regular season.
Rams wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are back and healthy. Their starting running back, Kyrien Williams, ranks in the top 10 for carries, yards and touchdowns.
Like it or not, LA is a threat to San Francisco. Los Angeles' defense no longer boasts the household names of Jalen Ramsey or Aaron Donald, but the offensive weaponry more than makes up for those two recent departures.
We may have a better idea of how serious the Rams are as a threat to the 49ers' repeat chances when the two teams play in Northern California in Week 15.