San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams: betting preview and free tip

Free NFL picks, tips and predictions for San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

When to watch

Sky Sports Action, 9.05pm Sunday

Best bet

Under 51 points
1pt 20-23 bet365

Game preview

There is plenty at stake as unbeaten San Francisco make the short trip to Los Angeles looking to stay top of the NFC West, but the much-anticipated clash could end up being a low-scoring affair.

The 49ers can boast the best rushing offence in the league - running back Matt Breida had an 83-yard TD run on their first play against Cleveland on Monday - but it is their big plays on defence which have made a huge difference to their fortunes.

With the second-best passing defence and fifth-best against the run, San Francisco are yet to allow any opponents to score more than 20 points, and their dominant display against the Browns highlighted how ruthless they have become.

The Rams should be their biggest test yet - none of the teams they have played so far currently have a winning record - and LA’s games against Tampa Bay and Seattle highlighted their free-scoring nature.

But they boast a strong defence themselves with defensive tackle Aaron Donald and cornerback Marcus Peters key players, and bookmakers may be underestimating the strength of both teams on that side of the ball.

The lowdown

Venue Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
Surface Grass
Weather Sunny, 26C
Vegas handicap San Francisco +3
Vegas points line 50.5

Team news

San Francisco
Full back Kyle Juszczyk (knee), offensive tackles Mike McGlinchey (knee) and Joe Staley (leg) and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (foot) are out. Tight end George Kittle (groin) is rated questionable but is expected to play.

LA Rams
Linebacker Clay Matthews (jaw) and cornerback Aqib Talib (ribs) have been ruled out. Running back Todd Gurley (thigh) could also miss the game.

Key stat

Only one of San Francisco’s four games this season has seen more than 50 points scored.

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