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The Rams have won two games in a row, are above .500 for the first time this season and, with three games remaining against NFC West teams, a playoff berth is in their sights.
Two weeks ago, the injury-plagued San Francisco 49ers appeared to be the rams‘most favorable division matchup. Not anymore. The 49ers are coming off a 38-13 win over the Chicago Bears and will almost certainly keep fighting.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 320 yards and two touchdowns in a 44-42 victory over the Buffalo Bills, extending his streak of games without an interception to four.
Read more: Rams’ Matthew Stafford aims for fifth game without an interception
Receiver Puka Nacua caught a touchdown pass and ran for a score, and Cooper Kupp also caught a touchdown pass.
The offensive line has been key to the Rams’ recent success, and the continuity coach Sean McVay wanted has finally become a reality. Left tackle Alaric Jackson, however, did not practice Wednesday and is questionable due to a knee issue.
The Bills did not sack Stafford and the Rams’ line cleared the way for running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum.
The 49ers could again be without star wing Nick Bosa, who has been sidelined with a hip injury, but linebacker Dre Greenlaw could play for the first time since suffering a knee injury in the Super Bowl last February.
Quarterback Brock Purdy, who threw for 325 yards and two touchdowns against the Bears, leads an offense missing injured running backs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason. Isaac Guerendo, who is questionable due to a foot injury, is the latest in a seemingly endless line of plug-and-play contributors for coach Kyle Shanahan.
Tight end George Kittle and receiver Jauan Jennings are Purdy’s top targets, but the Rams are well aware that Samuel Deebo It can hurt them as a receiver, runner and even passer.
rams cornerback Cobie Durant is out due to a lung bruise suffered against the Bills. So the recent addition of Emmanuel Forbes Jr., a 2023 first-round pick obtained off waivers from the Washington Commanders, could play a role after being inactive against the Bills.
Key injuries
Rams: CB Cobie Durant (chest, outside); OL Alaric Jackson (knee, questionable but expected to play), WR Demarcus Robinson (shoulder, questionable but expected to play); C Beaux Limmer (knee, questionable but expected to play); DL Tyler Davis (calf, questionable but expected to play); WR Jordan Whittington (shoulder, questionable but expected to play); TE Davis Allen (shoulder, questionable but expected to play).
49ers: OL Trent Williams (ankle, out); DE Nick Bosa (hip/oblique, questionable); RB Isaac Guerendo (foot, questionable); G Ben Bartch (ankle, out), S Malik Mustapha (chest/shoulder, out) LB Dre Greenlaw (knee, questionable).
How to watch and listen to Rams vs. 49ers
The Rams and 49ers will play at 5:15 pm PST on Thursday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The game will air on Fox in Southern California and will be available nationally on Amazon Prime. In Southern California, fans can listen to the game on the radio at 710 am, 93.1 FM or 1330 am
Betting lines for Rams vs. 49ers
Who will win Rams vs. 49ers?
Gary Klein’s Choice: The Rams are on a mini-streak that has the makings of a legitimate playoff push. The 49ers are always tough, but Stafford and the offense are clicking and the defense doesn’t have to deal with Josh Allen. Rams 27, 49ers 24
Sam Farmer’s Choice: Although the 49ers usually have the advantage in this matchup, the Rams are healthier and look explosive both on offense and with that young defensive front. Rams 27, 49ers 21
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This story originally appeared on Los Angeles Times.