The NFC West stakes are high as the Los Angeles Rams (3-1) host an injury-ravaged San Francisco 49ers (3-1) for Week 5. The LA Rams’ passing game looked sharp last week against a stout Colts defense, and they’ll look to carry that dominance into this divisional showdown.
The 49ers, meanwhile, are scrambling after losing multiple wide receivers and their usual offensive weapons. For fantasy managers, this is a matchup that heavily favors the LA Rams’ air attack and gives their defense upside against a depleted passing game.
LA to Take Care of Business and Put Away the 49ers Early
🏈 Quick Start/Sit Table for Week 5
| Player / Unit | Team | Fantasy Call | Start Meter | Notes |
| Matthew Stafford | LA Rams | 🔥 Start | 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 | Elite matchup vs. weakened secondary |
| Puka Nacua | LA Rams | 🔥 Start | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 | High volume, WR1 potential |
| Davante Adams | LA Rams | 🔥 Start | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 | Red-zone target, safe floor |
| Kyren Williams | LA Rams | 🔥 Start | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 | Multi-dimensional, solid RB2 |
| WR hopes in a sparse receiving room | LA Rams | 🔥 Start | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 | Facing a thin 49ers WR corps |
| Christian McCaffrey | 49ers | 🔥 Start | 🔥🔥🔥 | Reliable but limited by matchup |
| Jake Tonges | 49ers | 💪 Sleeper | 🔥🔥 | Opportunity rises with injuries |
| Kendrick Bourne | 49ers | 💪 Sleeper | 🔥🔥 | WR hope in a sparse receiving room |
| Mac Jones | 49ers | ❄️ Sit |
🔥 Starts
Matthew Stafford (QB, Rams)
Stafford should enjoy a favorable matchup with the 49ers down key pass catchers. Expect him to spread it wide and attack the secondary often.
Projected Stats: 26/37, 310 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
Puka Nacua (WR, Rams)
Nacua continues to see volume and favorable matchups, especially with the 49ers thin at receiver. He can exploit one-on-one coverage all day.
Projected Stats: 7 receptions, 92 yards, 1 TD
Davante Adams (WR, LA Rams)
Adams’ red-zone usage and chemistry with Stafford make him a reliable start in this spot, particularly with fewer defensive threats from San Francisco.
Projected Stats: 6 receptions, 84 yards, 1 TD
Kyren Williams (RB, Rams)
Williams brings a good mix of rushing and receiving upside. With the 49ers’ defense forced to respect the pass more, Williams should find creases.
Projected Stats: 15 carries, 68 yards, 1 TD; 4 receptions, 38 yards
Los Angeles Rams Defense / D-ST (Rams)
With the 49ers forced to rely on backups and fringe receivers, the LA Rams’ defense becomes a viable fantasy start. Multiple WRs are ruled out, including Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs).
Expect more errant throws, short routes, and pressure opportunities that could translate to turnovers and big fantasy upside.
Christian McCaffrey (RB, 49ers)
CMC remains the focal point of San Francisco’s offense. While the matchup is tough, his receiving work gives him a baseline floor.
Projected Stats: 18 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD; 6 receptions, 52 yards
🌙 Sleepers
Jake Tonges (TE, 49ers)
With Jauan Jennings and Pearsall out, Tonges sees more target share and touchdown equity. In deeper leagues, he’s a sneaky option.
Projected Stats: 4 receptions, 46 yards, 1 TD
49ers’ Jake Tongues: Career Game in loss Sunday – Root Wire Staff via USATODAY.com
Kendrick Bourne (WR, 49ers)
Bourne may become the lead WR by necessity. It’s risky, but in dire situations, he could outproduce expectations.
Projected Stats: 5 receptions, 61 yards
❄️ Sit
Mac Jones (QB, 49ers)
Jones enters a poor matchup with few weapons to throw to. Without his top wide receivers, this is a low-ceiling start.
Projected Stats: 18/33, 182 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Wrap Up
The LA Rams hold a heavy advantage in this one, not just on paper, but in fantasy matchups. The absence of Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings (both officially ruled out) cripples the 49ers’ passing attack and opens the door for the LA Rams’ defense to make life difficult for Mac Jones.
On offense, Stafford and his weapons are prime Starts, and adding the LA Rams’ D/ST gives you another option with upside. On the Niners’ side, McCaffrey is your anchor, and Tonges or Bourne are deep-league lottery plays. Outside of that, the 49ers’ side is largely avoidable this week. Expect the LA Rams to control the air and capitalize on San Francisco’s injuries from snap one.
