After a thrilling win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 14, the Los Angeles Rams look to keep the momentum going when they face the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football.

At 7-6, the Rams could really put their stamp on a playoff appearance if they are able to defeat the 49ers. However, the game is just as important for San Francisco, who would get back to .500 with a win over L.A.

The Rams defeated the 49ers in Week 3 behind a game-winning 37-yard field goal from Joshua Karty. It was a must-win game for L.A., who started the season 0-2 largely due to being short-handed because of a plethora of injuries.

The Rams are much healthier now as they enter a pivotal matchup against the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. They have gotten back Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp and several offensive linemen in recent weeks to help them stay afloat in the NFC West playoff race.

However, the Rams will be without tight end Tyler Higbee and cornerback Cobie Durant on Thursday. Meanwhile, Alaric Jackson, Beaux Limmer, Demarcus Robinson and Jordan Whittington are among the players whose statuses were also up in the air.

The 49ers are in a much tougher spot as they have lost star players Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk and Javon Hargrave to injury in recent weeks.

They will also be without star left tackle Trent Williams on Thursday night, while defensive end Nick Bosa is listed as questionable. However, the 49ers are expected to have Isaac Guerendo and Dre Greenlaw for their matchup against the Rams.

“Well, I saw they certainly had a very dominant performance yesterday. If there’s anything that you do know, it’s a week-to-week league,” McVay said of the injury-depleted 49ers.

“Humility is only a week away. They have excellent coaches, excellent personnel and really good schemes. No matter what’s really happened in terms of the trajectory of the injuries, they’re going to be ready to go and we’re going to do our best to get our guys ready to roll and it’s going to be a great challenge and opportunity.

“I think the familiarity [not] only gives that much more respect knowing what they’ve done, but what they’re capable of as well. We’re excited about the challenge.”

Rams’ keys to victory

Big game for Cooper Kupp?

Kupp is set to play in his first game against the 49ers since Week 7 of the 2022 season.

The 31-year-old has owned San Francisco in his career and another big performance would go a long way toward the Rams coming away with a win on the road.

Contain George Kittle

With key playmakers McCaffrey and Aiyuk all sidelined for the 49ers, Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle has taken on an elevated role in the passing game.

He is coming off his best game of the season against the Chicago Bears, when he caught all six of his targets for 151 yards.

Kittle has dominated the Rams in his career and the team will have to find a way to stop him if they want to complete a season sweep of the 49ers.