San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) passes against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

By Jeremy Harness

SANTA CLARA–The 49ers are riding a wave of optimism and excitement that was not there earlier in the first few months of 2017, and from the way things are going, there’s a good chance that it will keep going into 2018.

San Francisco has won each of its past four games with new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo under center, including the team’s signature win of the year last Sunday, a 44-33 victory over the playoff-bound Jacksonville Jaguars, which has kicked the excitement for the team’s future prospects into high gear.

They will close out the season in Los Angeles this Sunday against another playoff team in the Rams.

The Rams, who have clinched the NFC West and a first-round home playoff game but cannot earn a first-round bye, will rest most, if not all, of their key players when they take on the 49ers on Sunday.

Among those expected to sit out the game are quarterback Jared Goff, running back Todd Gurley as well as top offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth. Also not expected in the lineup for the Rams is top pass rusher Aaron Donald.

What this means for the 49ers is a chance to make even more headway in the hopes of having a major carryover effect for next season. The 49ers have been depleted by injuries for much of this season, but unlike the earlier part of this year, the team now has a quarterback that many believe will hold the foreseeable future of the offense in his right arm.

For the 49ers, most of those who were limited in practice last week have been full participants this week, including cornerback Greg Mabin, tight end George Kittle and linebacker Reuben Foster. Meanwhile, safety Adrian Colbert was limited with his shoulder injury but is expected to play Sunday, as is receiver Marquise Goodwin (back) and receiver/kick returner Trent Taylor (shoulder).

Jeremy Harness previewed all home and away San Francisco 49ers games each week during the 2018 season at http://www.sportsradioservice.com.