ESPN: Los Angeles Rams QB punished San Francisco’s…

The NFL’s Week 18 action features lots of divisional matchups across the league, including the NFC West. The division champion San Francisco 49ers (12-4) will be hosting the Los Angeles Rams (9-7) Sunday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The Rams enter Week 18 as one of the hottest teams in the NFL. Los Angeles is 6-1 in its last seven games since a Week 10 bye; the sole loss came in Week 14 against the AFC-leading Baltimore Ravens. The Rams’ offense is averaging more than 400 yards and nearly 30 points per game during this stretch. Los Angeles boasts Pro Bowl players at quarterback (Matthew Stafford), running back (Kyren Williams), and wide receiver (Puka Nacua). Those starters and more will sit out this game because the Rams already clinched a wild card playoff spot.

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In a similar vein, the 49ers have clinched the no. 1 seed in the NFC playoff bracket thanks to their win last week against the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions’ controversial loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Pro Bowlers Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey will not play in Sunday’s game to get some extra rest and guard against injury, according to coach Kyle Shanahan. San Francisco’s 7-1 since its Week 9 bye, the sole loss coming to the Ravens as well on Christmas. Sam Darnold will get the start at quarterback for the first time this season as many 49ers starters are expected to sit out most of if not the whole game.