Where: Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis (FieldTurf, indoors)
When: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)
Spread: San Francisco by 7
Records: Rams (Overall: 4-6-1, NFC West: 3-0-1); 49ers (Overall: 8-2-1, NFC West 2-0-1).
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Nov. 11, 2012: Rams 24, 49ers 24; Jan. 1, 2012: 49ers 34, Rams 27. Series record: Tied 61-61-3.
What matters: The Rams blew a chance at a season-defining win three weeks ago in San Francisco, settling for a 24-24 tie. They can stay relevant by beating the 49ers at home. "This game is really going to tell us who we are as a team," coach Jeff Fisher said. "They're the team to beat in our division. We got close but didn't get it done the first time, so it should be a good challenge for us." It helps that St. Louis already faced QB Colin Kaepernick, who makes his third straight start. He seized the job after the Rams knocked out Alex Smith with a concussion. Kaepernick is 2-0 with a 110.9 rating.
Who matters: WR Danny Amendola caught 11 balls for 102 yards in the first meeting, but is dealing with a heel injury that limited him to seven snaps last week. With Amendola likely to be limited even if he plays, WR Chris Givens needs to continue his development from deep threat to all-around weapon. The rookie had five catches for 115 yards and a TD in last week’s win at Arizona, prompting QB Sam Bradford to say, “I don’t think there is a ceiling for him.”
To keep the passing game clicking, the Rams must account for OLB Aldon Smith on every play. He leads the NFL with 16.5 sacks, including 12 in the last five games.
Key matchups: RB Steven Jackson gashed the 49ers for 101 yards and a TD in the first meeting, and is coming off a season-high 139 rushing yards last week. He faces a defense allowing just 3.6 yards per carry and 91.1 rushing yards per game (4th, NFL). Pro Bowl C Scott Wells missed practice Wednesday and Thursday with a knee injury, but is fully expected to make his second straight start. If he does, the Rams will have their regular O-line for the third time this season.
Injuries of note: Amendola (heel) missed practice Wednesday and Thursday and is shaping up as a gametime decision again. He leads the Rams with 51 catches for 576 yards despite playing just six full games.
OC Brian Schottenheimer doesn't seem concerned that Wells (knee) isn't practicing much. “I think he’s looked good,” Schottenheimer said. “Again, it’s one of those deals you’ve just got to kind of monitor some of the older guys and get them to Sundays.”
DE Robert Quinn (concussion) and LB Mario Haggan (elbow) did not practice Wednesday or Thursday. Quinn has a team-high 8.5 sacks.
Inside stuff: Kaepernick has been sacked just once in his two starts, a testament to his mobility, and his 10 completions of 20-plus yards are nearly half what Smith produced in eight full games (22). … Bradford is the NFL’s eighth-most accurate QB on deep passes, defined as throws targeted 20-plus yards downfield, according to Pro Football Focus. In three career starts against the 49ers, Bradford has completed 71.2 percent of his throws with four TD passes and no INTs. He’s 1-1-1 against them, having missed both meetings last year.
Connections: Rams LB James Laurinaitis and 49ers RT Alex Boone were roommates for a year at Ohio State. … 49ers LB Larry Grant played three seasons with the Rams (2008-10). … Rams head coach Jeff Fisher was defensive backs coach for the 49ers from 1992-93. … Rams QB coach Frank Cignetti held the same position with the 49ers in 2007.
Stats you should know: Since 2006, Jackson leads the NFL with 10,721 yards from scrimmage. … Rookie RB Daryl Richardson averages 5.5 yards per carry. … The Rams made four INTs last week after forcing no turnovers in the previous five games. … CB Janoris Jenkins became the fourth rookie in NFL history with two INT returns for TDs in the 31-17 win at Arizona. … At 3-0-1 vs. the NFC West, the Rams are guaranteed their first winning division record since 2004. … San Francisco gives up a league-low 14.1 points per game.
Looking ahead: The Rams play three of their final four games on the road, starting Dec. 9 at Buffalo. It’s the Rams’ last chance to beat an AFC East team (0-3).
Prediction: 49ers 24, Rams 20
Get more Rams updates and analysis from Larry Hartstein on Twitter @CBSRams.
