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The 49ers welcome a long-time rival to town as they host the St. Louis Rams in an NFC West showdown. The 49ers have a firm grasp on the NFC West, but a Rams win would tighten things up considerably. The 49ers are sizable favorites, and coming off a bye week of extra preparation, so we'll see what they have up their sleeves for Sunday. The 49ers hold the edge in the all-time series 62-61-2, including wins in 7 of the last 8 meetings.
The 49ers are coming off a big win over the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football. QB Alex Smith earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors in the 49ers 24-3 victory at Arizona. Smith completed 18 of 19 pass attempts for 232 yds., 3 TDs and QB rating of 157.1. Smith set the single-game NFL record with a 94.7 comp. pct. (minimum 15 attempts). WR Michael Crabtree led the way with 5 recepts. for 72 yds. and 2 TDs. The 49ers defense held the Cardinals to just 7 yards rushing on 9 carries, tying the franchise record for fewest rushing yds. allowed in a game.
Coaching Connections
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49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh was an offensive assistant with the Oakland Raiders from 2002-03 while Rams defensive line coach Mike Waufle held the same position with the Raiders.
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Harbaugh was also a quarterback for the Chicago Bears while Rams assistant head coach Dave Mcginnis was the linebackers coach for the Bears from 1987-93.
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49ers defensive coordinator vic Fangio and Rams offensive line coach Paul Boudreau were on the same staff with the New Orleans Saints from 1987-93, Boudreau held the same position and Fangio was the linebackers coach.
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Fangio was the special assistant to the head coach and 49ers offensive coordinator greg roman was the assistant offensive line coach • for the Baltimore Ravens from 2006-07, while Rams special teams coordinator John Fassel was an assistant special teams coach.
49ers-St Louis Connections
- 49ers DT Justin Smith is a native of Holts Summit, MO, and attended the University of Missouri (1998-2000) where he earned First-Team All-America and First-Team All-Big 12 honors his final season.
- 49ers TE Delanie Walker became the first and only player selected in 49ers history out of the University of Central Missouri.
- 49ers LB Larry Grant played three seasons with the Rams (2008-10).
- 49ers LB Aldon Smith starred at the University of Missouri (2008- 10) and was a First-Team All-Big 12 selection, as well as the recipient of Missouri's Defensive Lineman of the Year Award, in 2010.
St. Louis-Nor Cal connections
- Rams head coach Jeff Fisher was the defensive backs coach for the 49ers from 1992-93.
- Rams quarterbacks coach Frank Cignetti held the same position with the 49ers in 2007.
Series Highlights
Matchups: 125
Series record: 49ers lead series 62-61-2
49ers home record vs. rams: Series tied 31-31-1
First Meeting: 10/1/50, Rams win 35-14 at SF
Last Meeting: 1/1/12, 49ers win 34-27 at SL
Current Streak: Won 2
Longest 49ers Win Streak: 17 (12/17/90 - 12/27/98)
Longest rams Win Streak: 10 (11/29/70 - 9/28/75)
Most 49ers Points: 48 (12/27/87): 48-0 at SF
Most Rams Points: 56 (11/9/58): 56-7 at LA
49ers Shutouts: 8 (Last 12/4/11), 49ers win 26-0 at SF
Rams Shutouts: None
2012 Statistics
| 49ERS (rank) | RAMS (rank) | |
| 6-2 (1st NFCW) | Record | 3-5 (4th NFCW) |
| 23.6 (t-14th) | Points per game | 17.1 (28th) |
| 369.0 (13th) | Total Offense | 316.5 (28th) |
| 168.6 (1st) | Rushing Offense | 106.3 (18th) |
| 200.4 (28th) | Passing Offense | 210.3 (24th) |
| 31:40 (7th) | Possession Avg | 29:21 (20th) |
| 12.9 (1st) | Points allowed/gm | 23.3 (20th) |
| 271.4 (2nd) | Total Defense | 343.0 (t-13th) |
| 87.4 (5th) | Rushing Defense | 105.5 (13th) |
| 184.0 (2nd) | Passing Defense | 237.5 (17th) |
| 15 (21st) | Sacks | 21 (12th) |
| 47.7 (8th) | Punting Avg (Gross) | 49.0 (4th) |
| +3 (10th) | Turnover Differential | -2 (t-19th) |