Carson Wentz to Start for Matthew Stafford vs. 49ers as Rams Prepare for NFL Playoffs

Having already clinched a playoff berth, the Los Angeles Rams are going to give Matthew Stafford a break in Week 18.

Per NFL Network's Mike Garafaolo, Carson Wentz is expected to start Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers.

A lot of the luster around this showdown between the two NFC West rivals went away when both teams locked in their postseason positioning.

The Rams will be either the No. 6 or 7 seed based on the Week 18 results, but their victory over the New York Giants combined with the Seattle Seahawks' loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday clinched their playoff berth.

San Francisco locked up home-field advantage and a first-round bye thanks to its 27-10 win over the Washington Commanders, plus losses by the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan hasn't announced which of his starters—if any—might sit out this week. He told reporters on Monday a plan was still being discussed among the coaches and they would also talk to the players who might be impacted.

Christian McCaffrey has been ruled out due to a minor calf strain suffered in the second half against the Commanders.

One key difference in the decision-making process is the Rams have to play next week, while the 49ers' first playoff game won't take place until Jan. 20 or 21. The additional time off could impact San Francisco's timing and rhythm if certain guys aren't playing in a game for three weeks.

This will be the second game Stafford sits out this season. He previously missed a Week 9 loss to the Green Bay Packers due to a thumb injury. The 35-year-old will finish the regular season with 3,965 yards, 24 touchdowns and a 62.6 completion percentage.

Wentz signed with the Rams on Nov. 8 to serve as Stafford's backup after Brett Rypien went 13-of-28 for 130 yards and one interception in the start against the Packers. The 2017 Pro Bowler started seven games for the Commanders last season.

The Rams and 49ers will play at Levi's Stadium on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.