Taking a look at four reasons that the Los Angeles Rams can defeat the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1.
The Los Angeles Rams are set for their Week 1 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia, which should be a very entertaining game and could play a key role in the standings in the NFC West as well as the NFC playoff seeding.
So, with that in mind, let's take a look at four reasons that the Rams can beat the 49ers in Week 1.
1. Sean McVay's Success in International Games
The first reason the Rams can beat the 49ers in Week 1 is the success that head coach Sean McVay has had during international games. In McVay's career, he has a 3-0 record when the Rams leave the United States, and in each of those games, Los Angeles has dominated.
The first international game under McVay resulted in the Rams defeating the Arizona Cardinals 33-0 in 2017. In 2019, Los Angeles took down the Cincinnati Bengals by a score of 24-10.
The latest matchup was actually last season, and it resulted in the Rams defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 35-7.
With McVay's success in these international games, it is clear that he has an understanding of how to get the most out of his team as well as how to manage the travel.
So, heading into Thursday, do not be surprised if the Rams come out strong and help McVay advance to 4-0 in international play to start the season 1-0.
2. Myles Garrett and the Defensive Line
The next reason is simply the fact that the Rams have star edge rusher Myles Garrett and a dominant defensive line up front. Garret is still dealing with some knee soreness, but he should be available for Week 1.
On the defensive line, the Rams have Garrett, Byron Young, Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner, Poona Ford, and Aaron Donald, who did not travel with the team and will not play in Week 1. Regardless of that, this Los Angeles defensive line should be very good.
On the other side, the 49ers have a solid offensive line with their elite left tackle Trent Williams in addition to left guard Connor Colby, center Jake Brendel, right guard Dominick Puni, and right tackle Colton McKivitz.
While Williams is an elite tackle and could very well hold his own on Thursday, the rest of the 49ers' offensive line has a very tough task and may consistently lose their matchups against this Rams defensive line, which would put Brock Purdy under heavy pressure and make it very difficult for San Francisco to come out on top.
3. Puka Nacua and Alaric Jackson Will Play
The next reason the Rams can take down the 49ers is the fact that wide receiver Puka Nacua and left tackle Alaric Jackson are both expected to play.
Due to off-the-field issues for both Nacua and Jackson, there was some skepticism as to whether or not they would play, but now it is essentially confirmed that each of them will suit up Thursday in the season opener for the Rams.
Nacua and Jackson are major players for the Rams, as Nacua serves as a very explosive player on the perimeter for quarterback Matthew Stafford, while Jackson protects Stafford's blindside and helps to pave lanes in the run game.
Jackson in particular should have a key impact, as he will most likely match up with 49ers pass rusher Nick Bosa, and if Jackson can lock up Bosa, the Los Angeles Rams will be in good shape.
With both Nacua and Jackson in the lineup, the Rams seem to be at full force, and with the roster they have, Los Angeles has all the tools they need to take their division rival.
4. The Revamped Cornerback Room
The final reason the Rams can defeat the 49ers is the fact that general manager Les Snead was able to significantly improve the secondary, which was an area of weakness for the Los Angeles a season ago.
This offseason, Snead was able to trade for cornerback Trent McDuffie and sign cornerback Jaylen Watson, who both come from the Kansas City Chiefs and are both players who should be able to help raise the ceiling of this secondary. Additionally, this secondary has two solid depth corners in Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Josh Wallace.
The 49ers do have solid weapons at the receiver position with Mike Evans, De'Zhaun Stribling, and Deebo Samuel Sr., but with the corners the Rams now have, the 49ers may have a tough time moving the ball through the air against the Los Angeles defense.
As the Rams prepare for Thursday, if McDuffie, Watson, Forbes, and Wallace play to their potential, this is a secondary that could completely shut down the 49ers' passing attack, which could be the difference in the game.
