Week 15 TNF Rams vs. 49ers prediction and fantasy outlook feat. Puka Nacua

The Rams and the 49ers were the only two teams from the NFC West to make the playoffs last year but in Week 15 of this season, the postseason spots from the division are up in the air. It is turning out to be one of the tightest divisions with all the teams within two games of each other.

If Los Angeles wins this matchup, they will have eight wins, which will tie them at the top with the Seahawks. Lose, however, and they will have an even 7-7 record. That will put them level with San Francisco, in that case, who are currently 6-7.

8-5 Seattle has a tough game coming up against the Packers, followed by a clash with the Vikings and they could conceivably lose both. The Cardinals, also 6-7 like the 49ers, have two winnable games against the Patriots and the Panthers next. The NFC West is expected to be undecided going into the final week, so getting a win against a divisional rival should drive both teams.

Rams vs. 49ers prediction

The Rams will travel to San Francisco coming off what was one of the games of the season. They won 44-42 against the Bills, which will be remembered for Josh Allen's virtuoso performance as a quarterback despite ending up on the losing side. It overshadowed what was an offensive masterclass by Los Angeles and they will need it in Week 15 because the 49ers looked like their old self in their last match too.

They defeated the Chicago Bears 38-13. The offense clicked despite multiple injuries, including their top two running backs. Their defense held Caleb Williams and company scoreless in the first half. Admittedly, it was not the biggest challenge they will face this season, but it was a win that should make the Rams take them seriously.

Los Angeles' defense is in the bottom half of the league table with 366.1 yards allowed per game: 225.1 passing and 141 rushing. These numbers are very similar to the Cowboys, whom San Francisco has faced earlier this year and beaten 30-24. We consider this as the baseline for the home team in this Week 15 divisional clash.

On the other hand, the 49ers defense is top three in total and pass defense. They allow just 298.5 yards per game, with just 175.5 yards on average through the air. It is on the ground where are middle of the pack with 115.9 yards allowed per match. The Rams pick up just 103 rushing yards per game and they rely more heavily on the passing game, which plays into their opponents' hands.

This season against the Eagles, who have a similar defense, Sean McVay's team scored 20 points. Since Philadelphia is the top-ranked defensive unit, we assume that the Rams could have one more scoring drive against the 49ers. Los Angeles won this matchup 27-24 earlier this season, which also tallies with our projection. That leads us to our final prediction given below.

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Prediction: Rams (27 - 30) 49ers

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Rams vs. 49ers fantasy outlook

Puka Nacua had 162 yards and a touchdown last week and has now breached 100 yards in three of his last four matches. He should be a good pick in what we expect to be a high-scoring game.

For the 49ers, Isaac Guerendo took up the running back baton last week but might not play today. Patrick Taylor is expected to pick up the workload and he could be a good sleeper pick. Brock Purdy had more than 300 passing yards against the Bears and looked back to his best and is worth a fantasy shoutout too.

Where to watch Rams vs. 49ers

Here is how viewers can watch this epic NFC West clash.

• Day & Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024
• Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
• Channel: Amazon Prime Video
• Venue: Levi’s Stadium
• Location: Santa Clara, California

Additional streaming is also available on FuboTV.