Photo credit: news.sportsinteraction.com

By: Joe Lami

The dreadful 2018 season is finally reaching the finish line for the San Francisco 49ers, as the 4-11 club travels to LA to cap-off the season against the Rams.

The 49ers have a chance to play spoiler with the Rams needing the win to secure the two seed in the NFC playoffs. The Rams can also clinch if the Bears lose to the Vikings, which kicks off as well at 1:25 pm PST.

LA will be without star running back Todd Gurley for the second straight week, as he tries to get healthy for the postseason. In his place, CJ Anderson will try and repeat a career day he had last week against Arizona.

The Niners will be without three reliable offensive weapons as well. Marquise Goodwin, Matt Breida, and breakout rookie Dante Pettis will all miss the finale with injuries.

Expect Jeff Wilson Jr. to start at running back. Since his debut during week 12, the undrafted free agent has been a surprise for the Red and Gold, rushing for 257 yards on 62 carries. He just needs to take care of the ball better, fumbling already three times, if he wants a chance to return to a very deep backfield next year.

Nick Mullens will get one final audition to be the 49ers’ backup next year or even a starter somewhere else. Kyle Shanahan has seemed unimpressed by his 3-4 record, 91 passer rating, 10 touchdowns, and nearly 2,000 passing yards he’s had since taking over week 9.

He ranks third in the NFL since 1970 behind Patrick Maholmes and Cam Newton for most yards in his first seven games.

Attacking him will be Aaron Donald, who leads the NFL with 19.5 sacks on the year, the most ever by a defensive tackle. He’s just 3.5 away from passing Michael Strahan’s single-season record. The 49ers’ offensive line needs to keep him in check to prevent history.

The 49ers face an uphill battle against the Rams but have had their number in recent bouts. San Francisco is 4-2 in their last six against the Rams, including winning both games since their return to LA.