The dreaded ‘Niners invade Sofi Stadium in NFL Week 3
Although it’s only Week 3 for the Los Angeles Rams, consecutive season-opening losses have already cornered them into a “must win” situation to keep pace in the NFC playoff race. Add to that the pressure of facing intra-divisional and dread-rival San Francisco 49ers. L.A. returns home after starting the season with two road losses, the SoFi Stadium kickoff is scheduled for 1:25 p.m. PST on Sunday, September 22.
While it may seem a bit early to be concerned over playoff scenario’s, after the 0-2 start, the Rams can ill-afford to fall too far behind the NFC pack. Even without a win, L.A. is currently only one game out of playoff spots #6 and #7. Being winless over the first two weeks does not necessarily strike a death knell, but exponentially lowers the odds. In the past three years only two of 21 teams starting 0-2 have made the playoffs.
Even though many teams that start 0-2 are just plain bad, spiraling downward from Week 1, the Rams should not be lumped into that group. Yes, they were boat-raced in Arizona, where nothing seemed to go right, but in Week 1, they took the Detroit Lions, a Super Bowl contender by many pundits, to the limit in a tough road game.
It is almost impossible to separate the Rams slow start from injury issues with six starters already on the Injured Reserve List, and this week is not different. While starting guard Kevin Dotson (foot) is a full-go at practice, two starters, nose tackle Bobby Brown (ankle), cornerback Cobie Durant (turf toe) have been limited and kicker Josh Karty (groin) is not practicing.
Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Davis Allen (back) are ruled out for Sunday’s game, per Sean McVay.
Josh Karty (groin), Bobby Brown (ankle) and Cobie Durant (toe) will be questionable.
Allen being out obviously impacts flexibility with different personnels w/ Kupp, Nacua also out.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) September 20, 2024
San Francisco has injury problems of their own. Top offensive threats, running back back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver Deebo Samuel have been ruled out for the game. Two more starters, tight end George Kittle and corner Charvarius Ward have not practiced, while starting defensive end Nick Bosa has been limited.
Who wins the “must win” battle of the walking wounded?
How to follow the game
Date: Sunday, September 22
Kickoff: 1:25 p.m. PST
Location: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Ca.
Watch on TV
Regionally: Fox
Livestream
There are numerous available streaming services including, but not limited to NFL+, Peacock, Sling TV, Fubo, ESPN+, Hulu+ Live TV, and Paramount+
Listen on the radio
Local: ESPN LA 710 AM
Regionally: ESPN affiliate stations
- KMET/1490 AM & 98.1 FM – Banning, CA
- KFIG/1430 AM & 790 FM – Fresno, CA
- KAVL/610 AM & 106.7 FM – Lancaster, CA
- KRHQ/102.3 FM – Palm Springs, CA
- KTIE/590 AM – Riverside, CA
- KGB/760 AM – San Diego, CA
- KXTK/1280 AM & 101.7 FM – San Luis Obispo, CA
- KSMA/1240 AM & 99.5 FM – Santa Maria, CA
- KSHP/1400 AM & 107.1 FM – Las Vegas, NV
- KVLI/1140 AM & 103.7 FM – Bakersfield, CA
Local Spanish Radio coverage: Tu Liga Radio 1330 AM
Tu Liga Radio’s affiliate radio stations
- KTMZ/1220 AM – Pomona, CA
- KCAL/1410 AM – San Bernardino and Riverside, CA
- KOXR 910 AM – Oxnard and Ventura, CA
Follow the Rams on social media
Instagram: @rams
Facebook: /rams
X (formerly known as Twitter): @RamsNFL
TikTok: @rams
Current betting odds @ FanDuel Sportsbook
Line: LA Rams +6.5 -115 / SF 49ers -6.5 -105
Over/under total: over 43.5 -105 / under 43.5 -115
Money line: LA Rams +225 / SF 49ers -275