St. Louis Rams divisional rivals: Week 6 predictions

Oct 11, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) leaps over Green Bay Packers safety Micah Hyde (33) during the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Rams will sit out week 6 of the NFL season as, for the second year in a row, the team has a relatively early bye. Currently with a 2-3 record, and sitting second in the NFC West, many would argue this is not too bad a position for Jeff Fisher’s men to find themselves in. After all, the Rams had a punishing early season schedule featuring two divisional games against Seattle and Arizona, a visit from perennial play-off contenders Pittsburgh and a road game against Green Bay.

St Louis will watch this week’s fixtures with interest as the results in the other games will clearly have a big impact on how the division looks when the Rams return to action against Cleveland next Sunday. At best, the Rams can be have clear daylight between themselves and the third place team and a shot at gaining ground on the Cardinals who have to wait until Week 9 for their bye. At worst, the Rams could be in third and just a game away from being overtaken by early strugglers San Francisco. Here is Ramblin’ Fan’s snapshot preview of the games our divisional rivals face during the Rams bye.

BALTIMORE RAVENS @ SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

As many predicted, after many key personnel losses to the roster during the offseason, the 49ers are looking  to finish bottom of the division this year. They have given up 2034 yards on defense so far this year, second only to the New Orleans Saints. Their turnover differential is currently -4, the lowest in the NFC West. Signal caller Colin Kaepernick has the league’s 4^th lowest quarterback rating at 76.8 and stands behind an offensive line that has surrendered a third-place 16 sacks.

This week the 49ers entertain the Ravens, who also prop up their division with a 1-4 record. That said, the Ravens are not to be ruled out. They have only failed to score 20 points once this season, and that against the Denver Broncos who currently lead the league in total defense. The Ravens roster includes running back Justin Forsett – currently the league’s fifth leading rusher – and quarterback Joe Flacco who already has over 1,200 passing yards. With Forsett and 49ers Carlos Hyde both active, both teams will hope their running game will see them to victory. Looking at both rosters however, Baltimore looks to have the edge.

Prediction: Narrow road win for the Ravens.

Next: How about those Seahawks and Cardinals?