49ers vs. Rams: 5 Key Players to Watch in Week 5 Battle for NFC West Lead

Unbeaten no more as the San Francisco 49ers lose their first game of the 2025 NFL campaign, dropping an uncharacteristically sloppy contest to the upstart Jacksonville Jaguars 26-21. Despite an inefficient run game, allowing a punt return touchdown and four giveaways, the 49ers still had a chance to take the lead with less than three minutes to go.

Arik Armstead tormented his former team with a forced fumble from Brock Purdy, which ultimately clinched the game, but it wasn't without opportunity for the 49ers. Jacksonville kicker Cam Little missed a field goal late, and Niners nickel corner Upton Stout had his interception nullified by his own pass interference penalty, which looked ominous and killed the potential momentum of a second-half rally.

Linebacker Devin Lloyd recorded two interceptions off tipped passes, and running back Travis Etienne Jr. logged 124 rushing yards. The 49ers couldn't sustain drives, gave the ball away excessively, and failed to catch it enough—an unfortunate and somewhat surprising result.

Next up is the division foe, the Los Angeles Rams. The battles between Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan's teams have certainly been entertaining, with both victorious numerous times. The story of the game will be the 49ers' injury woes as they continue to run rampant in the early part of the season. George Kittle remains on IR, as he joins Brock Purdy (toe), Jauan Jennings (ankle), and Ricky Pearsall (knee) as out for the Week 5 matchup.

The short week on the road, coupled with a rival opponent deemed a championship contender, all while undermanned, certainly poses as the 49ers' biggest challenge so far in 2025.

WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling

The receiver room come Thursday night, consisting of Kendrick Bourne, Skyy Moore, Demarcus Robinson, and Russell Gage, doesn't necessarily pose as intimidating to the competition. So why not the eight-year vet Marquez Valdes-Scantling to have an impact game? He has the experience, with 206 career catches, including touchdowns caught from Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers. Despite the expanded role due to injury, expectations should be tempered, but MVS will definitely get some targets.

TE Jake Tonges

The pride of Los Gatos has filled in more than admirably in George Kittle's absence. Jake Tonges is underrated as a blocker, which helps in the run game, not very fast, but big enough to use size to make tough catches (like the Week 1 game winner), and doesn't shy away from contact. Twelve catches on the season is impressive for someone who didn't have a reception in two of the last three years played.

The wide receivers are depleted, and Christian McCaffrey will continue to receive touches galore, but at the very least, Tonges has found a serviceable role in the offense.

CB Upton Stout

The third-round rookie hasn't been big on the stat sheet, nor is he big in size, but he certainly has played big in his first four games. Upton Stout recorded a sack in New Orleans, an important pass breakup against Arizona, and his called-back interception against Arizona changed the momentum of the game (although not for the better). What is apparent about Stout's game so far is his instincts as the ball is in the air, which give him opportunities for passes defensed.

Davante Adams is still productive and a threat, while Puka Nacua is all-world for the Rams. It's second-tier talent, like Jordan Whittington, Tutu Atwell, and Blake Corum, that Stout and the 49ers secondary need to contain to minimize their hold on the game.

RT Colton McKivitz

The Rams D-Line has serious beef with Kobie Turner and Poona Ford, but the task for Colton McKivitz will be athletic second-year end Braden Fiske, who is also versatile on the line and has a quick first step while rushing the passer. The analytics of his run-blocking rate are not impressive, considering the 49ers' struggles. Still, McKivitz has allowed minimal pressure and is in the 90th percentile in pass-block win rate, according to the metrics. That type of protection is essential if the 49ers are to do damage offensively.

LB Fred Warner

What was most impressive about Warner's game against Jacksonville occurred when the game was essentially over. While the Jaguars were in victory formation, Fred Warner leapt over the line to punch the ball out of the hands of quarterback Trevor Lawrence, which caused a bobble and nearly a game-defining turnover.

As undermanned as the 49ers are offensively, all eyes will be on Warner defensively, who defines everything they do, whether it's run-stopping or in coverage. Anything to disrupt Matthew Stafford's rhythm and Kyren Williams's point of attack between the tackles will be Warner's primary point of emphasis. Look for a patented punch against a Rams ball carrier from 54 as well.