San Francisco 49ers: 10 Reasons Niners Need to Be Wary of Rival Rams

The San Francisco 49ers enter Week 13 off a disappointing loss in Baltimore. After a few extra days of rest, the Niners will be anxious to beat up on the lowly St. Louis Rams.

The home team is 9-2 while the visitors are a mere 2-9. Doesn't sound like much of a contest.

The 49ers will be prohibitive favorites in this NFC West game, but it's important not to underestimate a divisional opponent.

Here is how St. Louis could make this a tight game, or possibly even shock the world with an upset.

Rivalries Close the Gap

The first reason to be wary is that this is a rivalry game. All bets are off for divisional games.

Regardless of the division or teams involved, anything can happen in a rivalry game.

Take the Philadelphia Eagles as an example. During a disastrous season in which they have only won four games, three of those came against division rivals.

The familiarity and extra emotion that go into these matchups will serve to narrow the talent gap between the San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams.

The 49ers are a vastly superior team, so the Rams will have to play with extra fight if they want to be in this game.

Harbaugh Bowl Hangover

There was a good deal of hype and excitement leading into the Thanksgiving showdown between the Harbaugh brothers.

Jim Harbaugh's San Francisco 49ers team came up just short in the defensive brawl in Baltimore.

Coach Harbaugh has undoubtedly moved past the loss and utilized the extra time off to prepare for St. Louis. The only question is whether his players will suffer any sort of emotional letdown after an intense game last week.

If San Francisco comes out with a hangover from last week's defeat, the St. Louis Rams could surprise it.

Rams Defense Allowing Fewer Points

The St. Louis defense is not exactly fearsome and ranks near the bottom of the league in a number of statistical categories. However, this unit has been playing better of late, cutting down on its points allowed.

If you take away Patrick Peterson's two punt returns for touchdowns, surrendered by the special teams unit, the points-against totals are very respectable.

By no means am I suggesting the Rams defense is dominant, just that it is playing better than its horrific first half.

Steven Jackson

Another reason for the San Francisco 49ers to be wary is running back Steven Jackson.

Jackson has been the St. Louis Rams' most dynamic offensive weapon for the past eight years. Any given game, this workhorse could explode.

It's highly unlikely Jackson will be able to shred the 49ers' top-ranked rush defense, but crazier things have happened.

Patrick Willis and company should be able to hold the Rams' running game in check, but facing a player of Jackson's caliber is always a challenge.

Brandon Lloyd and Sam Bradford Developing Chemistry

It's clear wide receiver Brandon Lloyd thrives in Josh McDaniels' offense.

Since coming over from Denver, Lloyd has 396 yards and four touchdowns. Those numbers aren't astronomical, but consider that in only six games he has already become the St. Louis Rams' leader in receptions.

Quarterback Sam Bradford is starting to develop chemistry with Lloyd. The two have hooked up for a touchdown in each of his last three games.

When the Rams go for a game-changing big play, No. 83 will be the target.

Frank Gore Hurting

San Francisco's Frank Gore has been hampered by ankle and knee issues.

These injuries haven't been enough to keep Gore from playing, but they have to bother the running back to some extent.

Gore carried the ball only six times for zero yards in Week 10. He has since averaged 3.7 and 2.8 yards per carry against the Arizona Cardinals and Baltimore Ravens respectively.

The good news for Gore is that the St. Louis Rams have the league's worst rushing defense. However, if his nagging injuries slow him down it will mitigate the 49ers' greatest advantage in this game.

In order for the Rams to have a shot at upsetting the 49ers, they will have to contain Gore.

Alex Smith

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith has flourished in 2011. The team's strong ground game and dominant defense have allowed Smith to play within himself.

The yardage and touchdown totals aren't overly impressive, but Smith's ability to protect the ball has been.

The St. Louis Rams have to hope he regresses into the player that he was several years ago.

If the Rams are able to jump to an early lead it will slow down Frank Gore and put more weight on Smith's shoulders. As efficient as he has been this season, he could still struggle if asked to carry the team.

I don't expect Smith to suddenly lose focus and become sloppy, but that's what the underdog Rams need.

Individual Matchups to Watch

This Week 13 showdown will also provide some interesting individual matchups.

Football is a team game, but sometimes an individual is able to take it over. With overall talent decidedly in the San Francisco 49ers' favor, the St. Louis Rams need to win some individual battles.

Here are two matchups to watch as the Rams try to pull off a difficult road win.

RT Anthony Davis vs. LE Chris Long

San Francisco's right tackle, Anthony Davis, will have his hands full on Sunday.

The second-year man out of Rutgers will be tasked with slowing down St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long.

Long, a former No. 2 pick, is really coming into his own. He has recorded at least one sack in each of his last five games and already has 10 on the season.

The Rams need Long to abuse Davis and get in Alex Smith's face throughout the entire game.

RB Frank Gore vs. LB James Laurinaitis

The other matchup to watch is running back Frank Gore versus linebacker James Laurinaitis.

Laurinaitis is the St. Louis Rams' middle linebacker and will be responsible for slowing down Gore and the 49ers ground game.

He, along with Chris Long, has been one of the few bright spots on the much-maligned Rams defense. He currently ranks 12th in the NFL with 90 tackles.

If Laurinaitis is able to successfully contain Gore, the Rams just might have a chance.