Our NFL week one Monday night nightcap wraps up with the Los Angeles Rams traveling north to take on their archrival San Francisco 49ers.
As always, scroll on down for the live blog. Keep reading for the press release from the NFL.
1st Down: What is the game’s best matchup?
@Joe_Fann: 49ers offensive line vs. Aaron Donald
San Francisco’s players and coaches alike have had effusive praise for the Rams star defender. Donald has made a Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons, was named All-Pro in 2015 and is already one of the NFL’s top defenders. It will take a collective effort to keep the interior defensive lineman at bay in Week 1. Chip Kelly explained that Donald specializes at shedding blocks, which makes it even more important to play to the whistle and limit his ability to make plays. Anthony Davis, who will be playing his first game in over a year and his first ever at right guard, will be called upon to help contain Donald.
@TaylorPrice: NaVorro Bowman vs. Todd Gurley
The NFL’s leading tackler against last year’s offensive rookie of the year? Sign me up for that. The Bowman-Gurley matchup will be fun to watch, but it won’t be purely a one-on-one battle. Bowman will depend on his defensive linemen (Arik Armstead, Mike Purcell, Quinton Dial and others) to keep blockers away. Gurley, on the other hand, will need his o-line to control the line of scrimmage and get their hands on No. 53. If the 49ers can minimize Gurley’s production (1,106 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns in 13 games last season), it’ll be that much harder for quarterback Case Keenum to carry the Rams offense to victory.
2nd Down: What is the position group to watch?
@Joe_Fann: Defensive line
There’s a lot of uncertainty as to who will be in the lineup for the 49ers along the d-line. Will Arik Armstead be on a limited snap count after he missed the entire preseason? Will Quinton Dial’s knee be good to go? Is Glenn Dorsey going to be active? What works in San Francisco’s favor is its depth at the position. If any of the aforementioned players are limited or inactive, look for rookies DeForest Buckner and Ronald Blair to see increased roles. Both Buckner and Blair showed well in the preseason and could have the opportunity to be difference makers against the Rams.
@TaylorPrice: Wide receivers
The 49ers brought in a pair of new wide receivers who are studying like crazy to get ready for Week 1. Jeremy Kerley figures to have a bigger role against Los Angeles. He’s been with the 49ers since Aug. 29. For Rod Streater, it’s a different story. The 6-foot-2 wideout was acquired via trade on Sept. 3. With five receivers on the current 53-man roster, San Francisco will need all of its pass-catchers to suit up on gameday. Look for Torrey Smith and Quinton Patton to lead the way as the newcomers (plus rookie Aaron Burbridge) get settled in the Bay Area.
The game is on ESPN at 10:15 p.m.-ish, depending on when the Redskins – Steelers game ends. Stay up late and watch it with me. Get yourself an extra cup of coffee tomorrow.
