Niners continue hunt for complete performance

A fully balanced game has eluded the 49ers through the first six weeks.

San Francisco has allowed at least 24 points in every game this season, which has resulted in a pitiful 29th overall ranking in that category — 29.8 points per game.

The offense has scored at least 27 points in four games this season, but only one of those games resulted in a win. However, two of those four games were losses of three points or fewer.

The 49ers have exceeded expectations after losing Jerick McKinnon before the regular season and Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 3. The mix-and-match running game has been incredible, currently ranking 3rd in yards per game (142.5), right behind the Rams and Cowboys who have superstars Todd Gurley and Ezekiel Elliott, respectively.

Week 7 presents a huge challenge for San Francisco, similar to what Kansas City was in Week 3. The difference with Los Angeles is that they have a good defense to support an incredible offense, unlike the Chiefs.

The Rams have been able to win close games along with blowouts. Although they haven’t been elite at sacking quarterbacks, which was the assumption with the combination of Aaron Donald Ndamukong Suh and Michael Brockers, the defense keeps offenses in check for the most part (11th overall, 344 ypg allowed) and is very good at preventing points (7th overall, 19.7 ppg allowed).

The key unit of this Rams team is their offensive line, which may be the best in the NFL. They’ve allowed the fifth-fewest sacks (11), provided the top rushing attack (154.3 ypg) and the sixth-best passing game (310 ypg). The Rams offense has capitalized on this production, putting up 32.7 points per game, which is 3rd-best behind the Saints and Chiefs. And they’ve turned it over just six times, tied for 3rd-fewest.

The 49ers will have to somehow find a way to play a complete game against a team that makes doing so extremely difficult.

PREDICTION

The Rams are the best overall team in football right now. Even in the two games the defense did allow over 30 points, the offense picked up the slack. They’re undefeated for a reason. The 49ers aren’t good enough yet to slow down the LA offense or worry the LA defense. Then again, no other team has managed to do so either.

The Rams will take this game fairly easily. The San Francisco defense let the miserable Cardinals offense score 21 points. LA can do that in a quarter. Rams win 40-23, with Jared Goff throwing for 288 yards and three touchdowns, along with a 104-yard, one touchdown day for Gurley.