Sam Darnold goes at QB for the Niners as Kyle Shanahan rests Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey and likely makes it an early afternoon for other key weapons and starters. But those who saw Darnold work on Xmas night against the Ravens know he can move the Niners offense, and he's not going against Matthew Stafford and the Rams' frontliners, either, with recently-added Carson Wentz slated to take his first snaps of the season for LA. Though backups will play key roles, note SF has won nine straight reg season games in series, also 8-1-1 vs. spread last ten meetings (includes 2021 NFC title game) Play Niners

These two teams are showing little concern for winning this game by starting both backup QBs. Furthermore, these teams could very well face each other in the divisional round, so it's unlikely either is going to tip their hand when it comes to strategy and play-calling. That should lead to a pretty vanilla gameplan on both sides that looks more like a preseason game than anything. Since we usually see totals in the preseason well under 40, I'm backing this game to stay under the total as both teams lean on the run game and keep the clock running.

Both teams are resting starters, but I prefer Sam Darnold to Carson Wentz and the 49ers' depth to LA's. With the 49ers facing an extended break due to clinching the No. 1 seed, some key starters including Deebo Samuel are expected to play in the first half.

This game has virtually no meaning for either team, the Niners locked up the #1 seed and the Rams are firmly in the playoffs. No CMC, Purdy or Stafford makes both offenses less appealing. However, these teams still hate each other and I expect both (back up) defenses to play a bit of bully ball.