2016 NFL Picks Week 1: How Will Los Angeles Rams Perform Against San Francisco 49ers?
By Dan Parzych
![Aug 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) huddles with his team prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports Aug 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) huddles with his team prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Framblinfan-com-2Ffiles-2F2016-2F09-2F9492088-todd-gurley-nfl-preseason-kansas-city-chiefs-los-angeles-rams-850x559-e5209decbcf1781d2d269269b2e2dfabeaee8e83b4b4459f6e094b60c89e708e.jpg)
Rams Over 49ers
After ranking near the bottom of the league in offense last year, the Los Angeles Rams look to take the next step in 2016 and become contenders in the NFC.
A stellar defense led by Aaron Donald was one of the main reasons behind the Rams finishing with a 7-9 record in 2015, and thanks to an upgrade at quarterback with Case Keenum, this team should have a better shot at competing in the tough NFC West. Of course, it also helps Los Angeles has one of the league’s top running backs in Todd Gurley–who took home Rookie of the Year honors last year as well.
must read: 5 Notable Roster Cuts By the Rams
As for the San Francisco 49ers, nobody really knows what to expect during Chip Kelly’s first season as head coach. Blaine Gabbert won the starting job over Colin Kaepernick at quarterback, but that doesn’t mean it will be smooth sailing when looking at the lack of weapons on the 49ers’ offense.