Rams vs. 49ers: Live Score and Analysis for San Francisco

The San Francisco 49ers came off their bye week and took on the visiting St. Louis Rams at Levi's Stadium at 4:05 p.m. ET on FOX.

The 49ers were looking to take advantage of the added rest period to both recover and prepare for a Rams team, whose season was going nowhere fast.

St. Louis struggled on defense this year, especially guarding against the run. Prior to the contest, the Rams ranked No. 27 in fewest rushing yards against (1,010), which would prompt speculation that the 49ers could easily run the ball frequently and often—an approach that plays into the team's offensive strength.

But when these two teams met last (Week 6), St. Louis sold out to stop the run. These efforts combined to limit Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde to a total of just 52 yards on 27 carries. But Colin Kaepernick and the passing game proved to be the key difference that week.

Should we have expected the same in Week 9?

San Francisco received the opening kickoff, marching down the field on a drive that ended in a 34-yard Phil Dawson field goal to start the scoring. The Rams tied things up late in the first quarter with a 37-yard field goal by Greg Zuerlein.

Following an Antoine Bethea interception, Kaepernick finds Anquan Boldin for a 27-yard touchdown reception. But the Rams answered back. After their fifth sack of Kaepernick, St. Louis was able to recover a fumble and subsequently tied it up thanks to a Kenny Britt 21-yard touchdown reception.

The 49ers almost got another two points on what appeared to be a safety on a missed Phil Dawson field goal. But the ruling, which stood, suggested that the Rams player was stopped in front of the goal line by forward progress.

Yet the biggest story for the 49ers is the lack of pass protection surrounding Kaepernick. He was sacked six times in the first half alone. St. Louis had that many coming into Week 9.

This problem was reinforced in the second half. Additional sacks, plus costly penalties, further hindered San Francisco's chances to come out strong after halftime. This led, in part, to another field goal that put St. Louis out in front.

It was a lead that would hold. The 49ers tried to take the lead late, but a goal-line fumble by Colin Kaepernick was recovered by St. Louis with two seconds remaining in the game.

This may very well be the all-time low of San Francisco' 2014 season.

Stay tuned with us as we continuously update you on scores, highlight plays, news and analysis throughout this rival contest.

FINAL: Rams 13, 49ers 10

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.

Peter Panacy is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report, covering the San Francisco 49ers. Be sure to check out his entire archive for 49ers news, insight and analysis.

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