49ers vs. Rams prediction

What did the Rams do to deserve this?

Injuries, injuries and more injuries have been the story of the 2011 St. Louis Rams. Sam Bradford, both offensive tackles and practically the entire secondary have been bit by the injury bug this year.

Not surprisingly, the Rams are 2-9 to show for it.

Despite all the injuries, two players have remained a constant for St. Louis -- Steven Jackson and Chris Long, two players the 49ers have struggled to contain in the past.

Jackson is an elite back capable of taking over a game, just ask the Saints. Jackson had 159 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a 31-21 win against New Orleans. The 49ers have not allowed a player to rush for more than 75 yards against them this season. So the first key to the game will be SLOW DOWN STEVEN.

The 49ers offense needs a rebound performance, and it starts with the offensive line. Chris Long will be a handful (if he plays, he's questionable for Sunday), but the 49ers must keep him from sacking Alex Smith. The 49ers run game has also been stuck in mud for the last few weeks, and the Rams have the league's worst run defense in yards per game allowed at 159. So the OFFENSIVE LINE MUST WIN THE TRENCHES.

Lastly, this game features an interesting personal battle between 2011 first-round draft picks. The 49ers could have selected pass rusher Robert Quinn with the No. 7 pick but instead shocked many draft gurus and took Aldon Smith instead. Quinn was taken by the Rams at No. 12, and now he and Smith are piling up sacks for their respective teams. The 49ers had no sacks against the Ravens last week, and it may be up to the rookie to ignite the pass rush. So the third key is for ALDON TO OUTSHINE HIS COUNTERPART.

Prediction:
I believe the 49ers have the edge in all three of my keys to the game. The Rams could stay in the game if they stop the run and get pressure on Alex Smith. But the 49ers should be able to win the field position battle, get an early lead, and tee off on whomever starts at quarterback for the Rams. The 49ers need this win to clinch the division, which should be the perfect incentive for a bounce back performance.

49ers 30 Rams 10