Rams vs. 49ers: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info, Radio, Game Time and More

The St. Louis Rams were one of the early-season success stories in the NFL. Any hopes of staking a claim as a team ready to compete in 2012 hinge on their matchup with the San Francisco 49ers.

The Rams surged to an early winning record but reality has caught up with them in recent weeks. They lack the depth and defensive stability to compete on a weekly basis.

They will pay a visit to San Francisco this weekend but they shouldn't expect a hospitable welcome. San Francisco plays physical on defense and will look to pound the Rams when they have the ball.

Where: Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

When: Sunday, November 11 at 4:25 p.m. ET

Watch: Fox

Live Stream: NFL.com

Betting Line: San Francisco, -12.5 (per Bovada)

St. Louis Injury Report (via CBS Sports)

PLAYER	Pos.	INJURY	Status
Danny Amendola	WR	Shoulder
Matt Conrath	DL	Knee
Mario Haggan	LB	Thigh
Eugene Sims	DL	Knee

San Francisco Injury Report (via CBS Sports)

None Listed

What's At Stake?

There isn't a lot riding on this game. The Rams (3-5) are playing for draft position much earlier than they'd hoped in 2012. 

A win could give them the confidence they need to get back in the wild-card race, but making the playoffs in the NFC likely means getting to at least 10 wins.

San Francisco has a comfortable lead over the Seattle Seahawks. They are competing more for playoff seeding than ensuring they win the NFC West.

Fantasy Plays

San Francisco RB Frank Gore

Gore is a must-start every week. So long as the offense gives him the opportunity, he will produce yards and find the end zone.

Some fantasy owners were unhappy with his Week 8 production but Jim Harbaugh didn't need his production. He opted to let Gore rest his bruised ribs headed into the bye week. 

Gore will come back with a vengeance this week.

Vernon Davis has struggled in recent weeks but should be able to produce against a weak linebacker corps. 

St. Louis Rams K Greg Zuerlein

The Rams may be able to pick up yards but the 49ers' defense will make it difficult for them to find the end zone. Candlestick can be a tricky place to kick, but the ball carries well there.

Zuerlein should get several opportunities to score in this game.

Steven Jackson has been sharing carries and the Rams aren't likely to have much of a chance to run the ball.

What They Are Saying

Fans of the 49ers aren't exactly taking the game seriously.

"

Pretty much, a LOT of things will have to go wrong for the 49ers to lose at home to the Rams, that's my guess

— Blairy Appelton(@HoneyBadger49er) November 7, 2012"

There are a few story lines heading into this game. St. Louis has a few injury situations to work out that could help them make a game of this matchup.

"

#Rams WR Danny Amendola says ready to return Sunday vs. 49ers after missing 3 games with a shoulder injury.#fantasyfootball

— JayDee (@Fntsy365) November 6, 2012"

Key Matchup: St. Louis Linebackers vs. San Francisco Running Attack

St. Louis has one of the best middle linebackers in the game, but they aren't completely settled on the outside. Jo-Lonn Dunbar is also proving to be a valuable pickup from the New Orleans Saints.

The Rams have managed to shut down lesser ground games but better running teams have had success. Seattle rushed for 179 yards, the Redskins picked up 176 and the Patriots hit them for 152 yards.

The 49ers' ground game is as good as any of them.

St. Louis will need need help from the middle of their defense to get San Francisco's offense off the field.

Prediction

The 49ers are just too strong for the Rams. San Francisco is better on offense and defense and holds home-field advantage.

The best way to beat the 49ers is jumping out to an early lead and making them abandon the ground game. Alex Smith can be forced into making bad decisions and the Rams' defensive front is capable of applying pressure. 

I just don't think their offense has enough firepower to make Jim Harbaugh turn the game over to Smith.

St. Louis will be able to continue to rebuild with the draft capital acquired from Robert Griffin III. It won't help this season and Sam Bradford still needs to prove they made the right decision. Fans will need to be patient.

Final Score: San Francisco 27, St. Louis 13

Follow @darinpike

Darin Pike is a writer for Bleacher Report's Breaking News Team and a Featured Columnist covering the NFL and the Seattle Seahawks.