Desperate 49ers won't stop Rams but should match them: Thursday Night Football predictions

For all the injuries the San Francisco 49ers have had to manage and navigate this season, they’re only one game under .500 with a chance to pull even for second place in the NFC West with a win over the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. Everything they want is still ahead of them.

The Niners don’t have room for slippage, though. After beginning their de facto playoffs with a commanding win over the Bears last week, things are about to get a lot tougher. After the Rams, they play the Dolphins, Lions and Cardinals. The 49ers probably need all four to make it back to the playoffs.

First, though, they have to secure a win over LA. The Rams have an easier schedule down the stretch and already beat San Francisco in Week 3, which is why they aren’t quite as desperate. They’re also coming off a thrilling, confidence-building win over the Bills. So, though the Niners are favored by 3 points at home, nobody would be surprised to see the Rams come out on top.

San Francisco will potentially be short-handed in its attempt to match LA’s offense, as Isaac Guerendo became just the latest Niners running back to suffer an injury. There is good news on that front, however, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Guerendo plans to play.

Even without Guerendo, the Niners have a good chance to move the ball against a Rams defense that gives up the sixth-most yards per game in the NFL and fifth-most on the ground. That’s where there’s confidence the Niners can take care of business. If Guerendo can’t go, the Niners will likely lean on some combination of Patrick Taylor Jr., Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Israel Abanikanda to compliment Brock Purdy and the passing attack. They should find some success.