Battle In The Bay

With the reigning Super Bowl champions coming to town, the 49ers have a chance to avenge their loss in last year's NFC title game. San Francisco was expected to look like a very different team this year, primarily based on the QB shift from Jimmy Garoppolo to Trey Lance. However, Lance suffered a season-ending ankle injury in only the second game of the season, thrusting Jimmy G back onto the field 👀

• Jimmy hasn't done much to liven up the 49ers' somewhat anemic offense yet — he'll have a lot prove in this prime-time matchup

• The 49ers will look to get star "wide back" Deebo Samuel going after a slow start to the season 😂

On the other side, the Super Bowl hangover has been apparent in Los Angeles. Despite the 2-1 record, the Rams haven't looked like the juggernaut of last year. With a relatively non-existent running game, LA will be relying more than ever on the otherworldly production of WR Cooper Kupp, who has kept up his torrid pace from last season (season stats) 🔥

Rams vs. 49ers Betting Preview (subject to change)

• Spread: 49ers -1.5

• Moneyline: 49ers -122 (bet $122, win $100), Rams +104 (bet $100, win $104)

• Over/Under: 42.5

Jimmy Time

It was widely expected that the Niners would trade Jimmy G to a quarterback-hungry team this offseason, as the organization had made it clear it was Trey Lance's time. San Francisco gave up significant draft capital in 2021 to move up and take Lance No. 2 overall, with the hopes of finally establishing a true franchise QB. The 49ers' eagerness to move on from Garoppolo has been surprising, given his proven success in the league 👇

• Jimmy G has taken the 49ers to a NFC championship game and a Super Bowl in the past three seasons

• While his stats have been pretty mediocre, it's clear that his veteran presence stabilizes the offense

This effect has been less apparent so far this year, as the offense has struggled with either QB under center. The 49ers will look to gain momentum by utilizing Deebo as an all-purpose weapon, and get star tight end George Kittle involved as he makes his way back from injury. Kittle didn't mince his words when discussing their stagnant attack in last week's loss vs the Broncos 😬

I'm a little shocked to see the Niners favored tonight, what am I missing?

One Of One

Cooper Kupp's 2021 season was arguably the greatest of all time at the WR position. Kupp became the first player since Steve Smith Sr. in 2005 to win the Triple Crown — leading the NFL in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. As if that feat alone didn't place him in rarified air, Kupp's Super Bowl LVI MVP put the finishing touches on an immaculate year 🏆

• Kupp has continued to light it up this season, currently ranking second league-wide in touchdowns (albeit in a nine-way tie) and receptions

• He's even tacked a rushing touchdown on top of that — perhaps Deebo isn't the league's only wide-back

Outside of Kupp's usual excellence, the Rams' offense has been pretty underwhelming. Their running backs have struggled to pick up yardage, and QB Matthew Stafford has had trouble remaining efficient while trying to carry the offense — he's thrown five interceptions to four touchdowns so far this year 🥶

• Following their embarrassing blowout loss in the season opener vs. Buffalo, the Rams have strung together uninspiring wins vs. inferior opponents (Falcons and Cardinals)

• This matchup in the Bay offers the defending champs the opportunity to score their first signature win of the season 🍿

For My Parlay Gurus

I like the 49ers to pull out a tight one tonight by relying on the formulas that have driven their success in the past. Stafford will have his work cut out for him against a stout 49ers secondary, and the defensive line is looking stronger than ever behind the dominant play of Nick Bosa. On the other end, let Deebo eat early and often in both the rushing and passing games, and you give yourself a chance to win any game 💪

• 49ers -1.5 vs Rams: -110

• Deebo Samuel over 56.5 receiving yards: -114

• Deebo Samuel over 29.5 rushing yards: -114

$100 on this bet would win you $573 — if we hit, make sure you email [email protected] for a chance to win up to $100*. Many will enter, only some will win 😉

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