The San Francisco 49ers will be facing the Los Angeles Rams this weekend. Both teams are coming off of a win, both having a 1-0 record, making this 49ers matchup more interesting. The game will be held in Los Angeles, but that does not mean that the energy from 49ers fans will be absent. Here is a look at the 49ers matchup against the Rams this weekend.

49ers Matchup Recent History With Rams

As NFC West teams, the 49ers matchup vs. the Rams happens quite often. The 49ers have won the last six regular season games against the Rams, which does give them the momentum to keep that record going. This also gives the Rams a bit of a need for a win in this game. What breaks up those last eight regular season games is the faceoff between these two teams in the NFC Championship game two seasons ago. The Rams won the game and ended up winning the Super Bowl.

The last time that these two teams faced off was in October of 2022. In this 49ers matchup against the Rams, San Francisco won 31-14. For fans who do not remember, this was the game that Christian McCaffrey passed, received, and rushed for a touchdown. It is time to once again watch for what tricks Kyle Shanahan has up his sleeve.

49ers WR Deebo Samuel (19) – Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

49ers Matchup: McKivitz vs. Donald

Colton McKivitz against Aaron Donald on the line will be something to watch this weekend. McKivitz is the starting right tackle for the 49ers, taking over for Mike McGlinchey, who previously started. McKivitz was the reason for the numerous T.J. Watt sacks last weekend, and fully acknowledged that. Mcivitz may be new as the starter, but he is not new to the team. He has experience playing the Rams, but a healthy Donald is still a tough opponent to face.

This is going to be the most crucial one-on-one matchup to watch. If McKivitz can do his job, then Brock Purdy will have the freedom to make big plays if Donald gets the best of him, which realistically he will at times; there will be a lot more pressure on Purdy and the offense.

The Special Teams

Last weekend, the special teams unit for the Los Angeles Rams was struggling. In week one against the Pittsburgh Steelers, it worked out well for the 49ers. If this game comes down to a field goal, it could really go either way. Any NFL kicker should be able to make a kick within 45 yards, but with these two teams, anything can happen. The Rams kicker, Brett Maher, made all three extra points but only three out of five field goal attempts, according to ESPN. One of these attempts was blocked by the Seattle Seahawks special teams, which should be noted.

San Francisco was set last weekend as kicker Jake Moody made all three extra points and all three field goals. This should be a weight lifted off of Moody’s shoulders following his preseason struggles. This is a 49ers matchup with the Rams that people may not think of, but they should.

49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (23) – Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP Photo

Stafford to Test Secondary

Matthew Stafford will be more of a test for the 49ers’ secondary than last week when the team faced Kenny Pickett. This is not to attack Pickett, but it was not a great game for the young quarterback. Last weekend against the Steelers, the 49ers’ secondary gave up some penalties that could be costly. This will be something to watch for this weekend. Overall, the 49ers secondary did well, especially ending the game with two interceptions, but it is a new week.

The Rams will still be without their top receiver, Cooper Kupp, but have Tutu Atwell and Puka Nacua, who both had solid games against the Seahawks. Stafford passed for over 300 yards and no interceptions, according to ESPN. This will be a big test for the 49ers secondary, but this is one of the best defenses in the league.

49ers CBs Charvarius Ward (7) and Ambry Thomas (20) – Joe Sargent/Getty Images

The game will take place this weekend at SoFi Stadium. An underrated 49ers matchup this weekend to watch for is the 49ers fans against the Rams fans. So far, there is an estimate of 64% of fans attending the game there to support San Francisco. The Niners are also going to be wearing their Red home jerseys during the game. Be sure to watch this week’s 49ers matchup this Sunday to see whose fanbase represents the most and which team will take the lead in the NFC West.