49ers' brutal injury news shifts NFC West's balance of power back to Rams

The Los Angeles Rams slipped to a 2-1 record after three games and are no longer atop the NFC West. It's nothing to worry about, yet. But it's going to be a tough season with a first-place team record while other teams face a far less challenging schedule.

That's not by accident. The NFL designed annual scheduling to churn the standings. The schedule process allows struggling teams to win, and forces successful teams to struggle.

The San Francisco 49ers are benefiting from that scheduling design. The Niners have already defeated two division rivals, and with a 3-0 record, has a commanding lead in the NFC West after three games. Unfortunately, their schedule becomes a bit tougher in the weeks ahead, as they must face the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1) in Week 4, the Rams in Week 5, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-0) in Week 6.

Even tougher for Niners fans, they must do so without All-Pro defensive end Nick Bosa.

Bosa was recently diagnosed with a season-ending ACL Injury suffered in Week 3, which puts a huge hole in their defensive lineup. Bosa already had two sacks for the season and was a regular menace for San Francisco's defensive line.

Rams unlikely to face several key 49ers offensive stars

Since the Rams host San Francisco in Week 5, they will not face Bosa. But the defense gets a bit of a break, too, as two key Niners offensive weapons will not return from injured reserve in time: wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, thanks to last year's ACL and MCL tears, and tight end George Kittle, who is out with a hamstring injury.

The Niners tried to find suitable receivers to serve as bridge replacements, but their efforts only led to comedic relief.

Of course, the Horns have been dealing with injuries right along as well. Starting left guard Steve Avila has yet to return from a Week 1 ankle injury. And while he has started all three games, right guard Kevin Dotson has left two of the three games due to injuries. That has served to compound the failings of the offensive line in pass blocking this year.

The two teams are on a collision course for Week 5. Los Angeles must somehow find a way to defeat the Indianapolis Colts (3-0) in Week 4 in the meantime. If successful, the Horns must then find a way to defeat a very potent NFC West rival. But if L.A. can scratch and claw to victories over the next two games, fans will be thrilled to start the season with a record of 4-1.

It'll be easier without Bosa, Kittle and Aiyuk in the mix for San Francisco.

Of course, two losses will drop the team to 2-3. But fans have been there before, and are confident the Rams will find a way to earn another playoff berth this season.

As always, thanks for reading.

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