The NFC West has emerged as the NFL’s ultra-competitive division after the opening four weeks. Apart from the Seattle Seahawks, both the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams have a 3-1 record. Yet, the Niners are first in the division, while the Royal Blue are third. Now, these two teams are set to square off in the week 5 matchup.

While the Rams dominated much of the initial decades, the 49ers raced past them in recent times and lead the rivalry by 78-71. The Rams have taken the upper hand by winning the last 3 games in the historic rivalry. As we sit one day before the Week 5 game on Thursday, October 2, here are the 5  must-know storylines that every fan should know.

49ers quarterback issues continue

Niners quarterback Brock Purdy injured his shoulder and toe during the season opener against the Seahawks, making way for backup quarterback Mac Jones to take center stage. He went on to win the next two games before ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ came back in week 4. The starter experienced soreness and was again ruled out of the week 5 game against the Rams.

Jones’ 4-1 TD-interception ratio has been good for them. But with the continued absence of their starter, these issues might get out of hand sooner than they realize.

Injury woes cast a shadow over the offense

Not only the QB room, but their wide receivers group is also facing issues. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings is also dealing with ankle and rib issues, while Ricky Pearsall will also not play because of his knee injury. Pearsall has 20 receptions for 327 yards without any touchdowns, but Jennings has a touchdown in just 9 receptions for 129 yards. So, the 49ers will have plenty of space to cover on the offense.

The Rams (1,114 yards) are on the tail of the 49ers (1,149 yards) in the passing game. So, the Niners need to come up with their best game if they really want to keep the 35-yard difference.

Rams pass rush vs 49ers OL

The 49ers’ offensive line has done an impressive job of protecting their QBs. Offensive Tackle Trent Williams and center Matt Hennessy allowed only two sacks on Purdy and four on Mac Jones in two games each. However, for the LA Rams, their pass rushers have dominated the rivals.

During the week 2 game against the Tennessee Titans, they sacked the rookie quarterback Cam Ward five times. They also sacked Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts four times for a loss of 18 yards. Overall, they are second in the league in sacks (14). So, Mac Jones better watch out for the incoming pass rush.

Rams vs 49ers might decide LA’s playoff route

SportsLine Projection Model has a simulation model that runs 10,000 models. If the Rams win the week 5 game against the 49ers, they will have a 59.3% chance of making the playoffs. However, if they lose, they will fall further down the ladder to 41.3%.

While these things will change the scenarios, some notable players will make the difference in the game.

Players to watch out for

Puka Nacua (Wide Receiver)

Puka Nacua is having a big year by far as he leads the NFL WRs in 2025 by almost 100 yards. In 4 games, he has 42 receptions for 503 yards and 1 TD. Add his rushing numbers too – 3 catches for 52 yards and 1 TD. That’s 555 yards (total) by one player alone.

Mac Jones (Quarterback)

Playing in his fifth season, Mac Jones is re-emerging as a force. In two games, he has completed 53 of 80 passes (66.3% completion rate) for 563 yards with a passer rating of 98.1 (his best year in 5 seasons). So, even if Brock Purdy is dealing with injuries, Jones hasn’t let the Faithful miss him.

Matthew Stafford (Quarterback)

The 37-year-old dealt with plenty of questions about his age and health. But Stafford has kept all those questions at bay with his dominating performance. He has 92 of 136 (67.6% completion rate) for 1,114 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions. So, he is coming with a personal vendetta to prove the naysayers wrong and maintain their winning streak.

Things are expected to be heated. Brace yourselves for the high-adrenaline action coming up at SoFi Stadium from 8:15 p.m. ET onwards.