49ers vs. Rams: A prospector's guide

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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