Rams vs. 49ers 2013, Week 13: NFC West rivals clash in defensive battle

While Michael Crabtree had just two receptions in his 2013 debut, David Fucillo at Niners Nation says his return played a major factor in opening up the offense.

Despite allowing big days from Boldin and Davis, the Rams defense held the 49ers to their second lowest point total of 2013. It was the offense, believes Turf Show Times, that let St. Louis down.

It looked like Jeff Fisher was really starting to put it together for the Rams, having coming off of back-to-back wins by a combined score of 80-29, but they couldn’t get anything going against the tough Niners defense. Quarterback Kellen Clemens was mostly ineffective against San Francisco, going just 19-of-37 for 218 yards, one touchdown and an interception, picking up most of the yardage on a final desperation drive.

St. Louis was trying to get back to .500, but instead will try to regroup for its final four games of the season as the team falls to 5-7.

(via @gifdsports)

But he wasn’t done with his hurdling ways, and the next one came on the way to the end zone:

Here at SB Nation, we consider ourselves experts in the category of “funny sports-penis happenings.” We pride ourselves on it.

However, we can’t quite recall seeing something like this: Vernon Davis getting tackled by T.J. McDonald with the tackle mainly focusing on Davis’ groinal region.

(via @gifdsports)

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They could use him.

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Instead, it seems like that helped get them on the right road to success.

Overall this season, the 49ers rank fourth in scoring defense and sixth in total defense. By Football Outsiders DVOA measurement, San Francisco is sixth overall on defense and much of that had to come without Smith.

Crabtree enjoyed a true breakout season in 2012 for the 49ers, gaining 1,105 yards on 85 catches with nine touchdowns, grabbing an extra 20 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns in the postseason. The veteran receiver injured his Achilles in the offseason and required surgery in May, with many fearing he could be lost for the entire season in 2013.

The 49ers are set to play the Rams on Sunday with kickoff set for 4:05 p.m. ET and coverage on FOX.

Game Date/Time and Location: Sunday, Dec. 1, 4:05 p.m. ET at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, Calif.

TV schedule and distribution map: Fox; The506.com

With the Rams playing on the road, most aren’t too confident in St. Louis’ ability to pull off the upset. The entire crew at SB Nation picked the 49ers to win the game, and few are disagreeing with the selection.

The vast majority of those polled over at ESPN also thinks the 49ers are going to win the game, and NFL.com picked San Francisco to win as well.

The over/under for the contest is 42 points. The 49ers are 6-1-1 in the last eight games against the spread, while the Rams are 5-6 against the spread this season. Both teams average around 24 points per game on offense, but the big difference between the teams is what they do on defense. The 49ers average just over 16 points allowed per game, while Rams are surrendering 23 points per contest.

The 49ers will host the Rams on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET on FOX.