Points distribution, storylines, prediction and more

The San Francisco 49ers travel to Southern California on Sunday to face their division rival Los Angeles Rams.

San Francisco is coming off an ugly road loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2. Without injured running back Christian McCaffrey, the offense struggled, including quarterback Brock Purdy losing the ball twice.

On defense, the 49ers allowed a 97-yard touchdown pass from wide receiver Justin Jefferson. This was not a good performance for this unit.

As for the Rams, they enter this matchup 0-2 and need to win at all costs. Unfortunately for Sean McVay and Co., injuries have piled up at an absurd pace in the first two weeks. They are without star wide receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, as well as several starters on the offensive line and in the defensive backfield.

Here we preview the Week 3 game between the 49ers and the Rams. We take a look at the point spread, some top storylines and a final prediction.

49ers-Rams preview: point spread, TV info and more

• Date: Sunday, September 22nd
• Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
• TV: FOX
• Point distribution: 49ers (-6.5)

Top storylines on the duel between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams

Since 2002, only one team has made the playoffs after starting the season with an 0-3 record. That's the task facing the injury-plagued Rams as heavy underdogs on home turf.

For the 49ers, it's simple. They need to get back on track after last week's disappointing performance. Kyle Shanahan's team can't afford to let those problems get worse, especially against an injury-plagued team and in an environment that's comfortable for the 49ers. These are some of the key takeaways from Sunday's game.

Injury problems at the Los Angeles Rams

The Rams will be without nine regular players for Sunday's game against San Francisco. As already mentioned, both of their star wide receivers are out. Los Angeles will also be without three offensive linemen: tackle Joe Noteboom and guards Jonah Jackson and Steve Avila.

They will also be missing defensive cornerbacks Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick as well as safety John Johnson.

It is unfortunate to see a team suffering from so many injuries at this early stage of the season.

From the 49ers' perspective, the hope is that they can take advantage of these “moments of luck.” In particular, Brock Purdy, who is tearing apart the Rams' defense, and San Francisco's pass rush, who is able to put massive pressure on Matthew Stafford.

49ers must find a way to recover

Last week's loss to the Vikings was ugly in just about every way. Purdy's struggles at quarterback, continued lack of connection with Brandon Aiyuk, and breakdowns in pass defense.

The 49ers' defense faltered several times during the game. Among other things, they allowed Justin Jefferson to throw a franchise-record 97-yard touchdown pass. Even San Francisco's special teams were not used in this game.

“The two turnovers on offense, the third down issues on offense and defense, the special teams with the blocked punt. For us, that was the same as a turnover. It was disappointing,” Shanahan said after last week's loss on the 49ers' official website.

The 49ers don't want things to get out of hand after their performance in Minneapolis, especially given the average competition they face in their next few games, which includes the New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals after Sunday's game in Los Angeles.

Friendly atmosphere for the 49ers in the SoFi Stadium

We've seen it many times since the Rams moved into SoFi Stadium in 2020. That is, 49ers fans have taken over the stadium in a big way. Northern California's loyal fans travel more than any other fan base in the NFL. Given Los Angeles' proximity to the Bay, that impression is only amplified.

According to Vivid Seats' fan forecast, 62 percent of the stadium is expected to be filled by 49ers fans. Overall, it's not exactly a home game. But it will be a friendly atmosphere for the 49ers. They have to take advantage of that.

Replacement for Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle

In addition to McCaffrey's injury list, the 49ers announced that star wide receiver Deebo Samuel will be out for a few weeks with a calf injury. Tight end George Kittle is also questionable. That means San Francisco will be without three of its best offensive players on Sunday against the Rams.

Jordan Mason has replaced McCaffrey quite well, posting consecutive 100-yard runs, but replacing Samuel will require a team effort.

It starts with All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who has caught just six passes for 71 yards in two games. Aiyuk did not participate in practice during training camp due to a contract lockout. This has obviously had an impact on his relationship with Purdy.

What we can expect on Sunday is that underrated wide receiver Jauan Jennings will be more involved in the 49ers' passing game.

Latest prediction for 49ers at Rams

The injuries in Los Angeles will be too much for the team to handle. We saw that last week in a devastating 41-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. No team will be able to handle injuries of that magnitude.

As for San Francisco, I expect a bounce-back. That team overlooked the Vikings last week. Minnesota was also a horror game for the 49ers, they haven't won in that city since 1992. Maybe Week 2 was an outlier for Kyle Shanahan's team.