49ers Predicted to Push Rams Despite Crowded NFC West

November 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

49ers Predicted to Push Rams Despite Crowded NFC West

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Robert Marvi | Last updated Sep 9, 2026 8:00 AM ET

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Take a look at the NFL power rankings and predictions by various outlets as the 2026 regular season opens up, and the general consensus is that, as long as they stay healthy, the Los Angeles Rams are strong favorites to not only reach the Super Bowl but win it all.

They buttressed a roster that was already strong by trading for star cornerback Trent McDuffie, and they then made themselves look scary by adding defensive end Myles Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. If that wasn’t enough, Aaron Donald, one of the greatest interior pass rushers ever, came out of retirement just days ago.

All this seems like bad news for a San Francisco 49ers team that has struggled to recapture the form that brought them within inches of winning Super Bowl LVIII. But they may already have enough talent in-house to at least give the Rams a run for their money.

The 49ers may give the Rams a tough time this season

The Sporting News gave its predictions for how this NFL season will play out, and it predicted that the Rams will finish first in the NFC West. However, it also predicted that L.A., San Francisco and the Seattle Seahawks will all finish with 12 wins apiece.

“The Rams are heavy favorites to win both the NFC and Super Bowl 61 at home in Los Angeles, repeating their feat from five years ago in Super Bowl 56 with Aaron Donald returning to the defense and being joined by Myles Garrett up front. The Seahawks and 49ers will once again make it tough for them to roll to big record in the regular season, however, with their fair share of championship makeup and experience.”

The 49ers and Rams, of course, will start their respective regular-season schedules on Thursday with a showdown in Melbourne, Australia. Donald will not play in that game, while the Niners’ defensive front will be paper-thin due to injuries suffered by Mykel Williams, Sam Okuayinonu and Alfred Collins.

San Francisco will then host the Rams in Week 14 at Levi’s Stadium. By then, everyone will have a better idea of how great (or not) the Niners’ chances of doing damage in the playoffs will be, and whether Los Angeles will be as dominant as its roster suggests it will be.

The Niners have some relative roster weaknesses, not only on their defensive line, but also in the interior of their offensive line and perhaps their secondary. But perhaps one or two of their young prospects will turn into studs and help to plug those holes.

If that happens, the Rams and Seahawks could have their work cut out for them at least a little.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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