When the 49ers (1-2) host the Rams (2-1) in Santa Clara, Calif., to close Week 4 of the 2022 NFL regular season on "Monday Night Football" (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN), one of two struggling NFC West powers will try to take control of the division.
San Francisco was upset in rainy Chicago in Week 1 and lost again on the road in Denver in Week 3, sandwiching a dominant home win over Seattle in Week 2. Los Angeles lost badly to Buffalo at home in Week 1 and escaped Atlanta and Arizona the past two weeks.
Jimmy Garoppolo has been up and down in his return to starting at QB for the 49ers. Matthew Stafford hasn't played well with more critical interceptions.
How will these offenses fare against tough defenses this time?
LIVE: Follow Rams vs. 49ers on ‘Monday Night Football'
Here's everything to know about betting on 49ers vs. Rams in Week 4, including updated odds, trends and our prediction for "Monday Night Football."
49ers vs. Rams odds for Monday Night Football
- Spread: 49ers by 1.5
- Over/under: 42.5
- Moneyine: Rams +105, 49ers -125
The 49ers were slightly bigger favorites at home earlier in the week by a point but this line has settled to virtual pick 'em between the NFC West rivals who have tended to play unpredictable tight games of late regardless of where the game has been played in California.
(betting odds per Caesars Sportsbook)
49ers vs. Rams all-time series
The Rams outlasted the 49ers in last year's NFC championship game, winning 20-17. That snapped a six-game winning streak by San Francisco — including a Week 18 27-24 overtime win that got the team into the playoffs — going back to 2019.
Three trends to know
—62 percent of spread bettors are siding with the Rams to take care of the small number on the road.
—52 percent of total bettors are feeling the over a little more given both defenses have had lapses and both offenses have plenty of firepower.
—The 49ers were 13-7 against the spread last season and have started 1-2 this season. The Rams were 10-11 against the spread last season and also have started 1-2 this season.
Three things to watch
Deebo Samuel vs. Jalen Ramsey
Ramsey has been playing the "Star" position, or roaming the field in coverage, often in the slot. Samuel also gets moved around for the 49ers so it will be a chess match as they try to scheme him open away from Ramsey and vs. the Rams' struggling other defensive backs.
Who will run the ball well?
The 49ers have the No. 4 run defense in the NFL after three games. The Rams are No. 10. The 49ers also have the No. 6 rushing offense, while the Rams are No. 30. Both San Francisco and Los Angeles have injury issues on reshuffled offensive line. The 49ers should have a little more success there to support Garoppolo.
Stafford and the turnovers
Stafford, after tying for the league lead with 17 interceptions last season, has a league-worst 5 after three games this season. He needs to protect the ball in a hostile environment facing a tough pass rush and an active secondary.
Stat that matters
148.5. That's how many average passing yards per game the 49ers have given up through three games, No. 1 in the NFL. They did benefit from facing the pass-weak Bears in bad weather and then the Seahawks at home. But they were impressive vs. Russell Wilson and the Broncos.
Stafford and the Rams, with an inconsistent rushing attack, are struggling to push the ball downfield and get anything going away from Kupp.
49ers vs. Rams prediction
This can't be a too high-scoring of a game based on the offensive kinks and defensive personnel. Kyle Shanahan's team tends to match up well here and this is a good time to get the Rams at home.
49ers 20, Rams 17