This is going to be a weird game.

Week 1, International, Division rivals.

The Rams starting lineup is stacked. Best starting roster in the NFL. So how can the 49ers beat the "super team"?

Keys to Victory:

• Win the time of possession. It's week 1 and players are going to be pumped. Rams might be running on adrenaline to start the game which will mitigate the potential jet lag of just arriving 29 hours before kickoff. Keep that defense on the field and wear them down.
• Success on early downs. Best way to mitigate a great pass rush is don't give them too many obvious passing downs. 3rd and long is bad news against Garrett and crew. Avoid penalties and negative plays. 3rd and 5 after a couple short runs is better than 3rd and 10.
• Attack their linebackers. The weakest part of their D is the linebacking core. They aren't terrible but they aren't great. Shanahan is one of the best in the business at using motion to get the matchup he wants and exploit the other team's weakness. CMC, Kittle and Deebo should all be able to have success against those linebackers.
• Limit turnovers. You want to control the clock and keep their hopefully tired D on the field. You can't turn the ball over. That doesn't mean you can't take a couple shots downfield or with deep crossers that Brock likes to throw but you can't have a Drake Maye game and be putting the ball in jeopardy.
• Stop the run. Most of the Rams stars got zero snaps in the preseason and missed a lot of practice time to. Hopefully they are a bit rusty out of the gate and you can keep them that way by not letting them get in rhythm via the run game.
• Pressure Stafford but disguise your blitzes. If he reads your blitzes you are cooked. He needs to be pressured but you can't throw the same looks at him.
• Warner and Greenlaw set the physical tone. On that first Rams drive Warner and Greenlaw need to be flying around and lighting people up.
• Win the Special Teams battle. The 49ers have a decided advantage in special teams. They were ranked 2nd in the NFL last season and the Rams were 30th. Make your FGs. Pin them deep on punts. Limit returns.

Let's get this W!