Beware Thy Neighbor! Week 10 NFC West Matchups + Previews

After week 10 the 49ers have the lead in the NFC West at 6-2 while Seattle (5-4), St. Louis (4-5), and Arizona (4-5) are all trying to play catch up. The Cardinals have a bye this week and they could really use one since they have lost 5 straight.

RAMS vs. 49ERS (SUN NOV 11, 4:25 PM ET)

If there is one game that could get ugly it may have to this one. The 49ers have won 2 straight playing stellar defense only giving up a combined 9 points and they face a Rams’ team that has lost 3 in a row.

Alex Smith has been playing well and almost played a perfect game in his last one. He has the weapons, but the 49ers will lean on Frank Gore and their top-ranked rushing offense.

The Rams’ defense ranks 17th against the pass and 13th against the run, but they have been torched in their last 2 games giving up 30 points and 45 points. They looked terrible on both sides of the ball in their 45-7 loss to the Patriots in England. One thing going for the Rams is that they have had a bye week to try to right their ship.

Sam Bradford has to play well and the Rams’ rushing offense does as well. RB Daryl Richardson has gotten more carriers lately since Steven Jackson is only averaging 3.7 yards per carry. However, the Rams will be facing a 49ers’ defense that is playing great and overall ranks 2nd in the league defending the pass and 5th in defending the run.

This one is a very easy one to call, as I think the 49ers will lay a serious beat down on the Rams and really take control of the NFC West.