The St. Louis Rams are traveling to face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17, and they have cut down on their travel for this week. The Rams faced the Seattle Seahawks up north last week, and decided to spend this week in Napa. Much like the 49ers previously staying in Youngstown, the Rams decision to stay in Napa lessens the travel issues.
The 49ers and Rams are playing a fairly meaningless game (draft position, aside), and the Rams seem to be doing what they can do enjoy the unique circumstances of a Napa visit. Their assistant head coach said as much on Wednesday.
Rob Boras: "We're treating these Napa practices like a (college football) Bowl trip." pic.twitter.com/Wv5VNvFSd1
— St. Louis Rams (@STLouisRams) December 31, 2015
The Rams put together a huge upset last week, winning a road game against the Seattle Seahawks for the first time since 2004. Some sportsbooks had the line as high as Seattle -13.5, but the Rams defense stepped up. St. Louis jumped on top 16-0, and never trailed en route to a 23-17 victory.
The 49ers likely need a loss to secure a top five pick. They could slip to eight with a win, and likely stick with at No. 5, or potentially climb as high as No. 4 or No. 3, with a loss. The Rams have had a better season, but will they end up lackadaisical out of the gates during this "bowl game trip"? Or will they be loose and come out of the gates strong? The 49ers are a better home team than away team, but this game is really hard to figure out. This extended road trip for the Rams only adds to the questions.