49ERS TODAY

<p class="bold allcaps">RAMS AT 49ERS</p> <p>WHERE: Candlestick Park</p><p>WHEN: 1:15 p.m.</p><p>TV: Ch. 2</p><p>RADIO: KNBR 1050-AM, KSAN 107.7-FM</p><p><b>THE LINE: </b>49ers by 9½ (37½ total)</p><p><b>THE SERIES: </b>The 49ers lead series 60-57-2 after winning both meetings last season.</p><p><b>LAST MEETING: </b>Shaun Hill talked his way out of a third-quarter benching and led the 49ers back with two late fourth-quarter touchdowns in the 49ers' 17-16 victory over over the Rams in St. Louis. The winning points came on his 48-yard pass to Josh Morgan with 1:22 remaining.</p><p><b>INJURY REPORT</p><p>49ers —</b> RB Frank Gore (ankle/foot) and S Reggie Smith (groin) are out; G David Baas (ankle), TE Vernon Davis (shin), T Adam Snyder (thumb), CB Shawntae Spencer (shoulder), LB Takeo Spikes (shin), T Joe Staley (thigh) and LB Jeff Ulbrich (thigh) are probable.</p><p><b>Rams —</b> S James Butler (knee) is out; T Jason Smith (knee) is doubtful; CB Ron Bartell (thigh) and QB Marc Bulger (right shoulder) are questionable; T Alex Barron (thigh) is probable.</p><p><b>SPOTTING TRENDS</p><p>RAMS (0-3):</b> Now that the Detroit Lions have broken into the win column, the Rams have the NFL's longest losing streak. The Rams have lost 13 games in a row. They have not scored a point this season in the first or fourth quarters, as they've been outscored, 73-24. The Rams will start former Cal star Kyle Boller at quarterback today, as Marc Bulger is out with an injury to his throwing shoulder. Boller entered the Rams' 36-17 loss to Green Bay last week, and completed 16 of 31 passes for 164 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. The Rams need a big game from RB Steven Jackson, who has rushed for 288 yards on the season.</p><p><b>49ERS (2-1): </b>The 49ers are coming off an unimaginable last-second loss to the Minnesota Vikings, and now they have to play the winless Rams. Rookie Glen Coffee takes over at running back with Frank Gore expected to miss at least two games with a bum right ankle. The 49ers have gotten off to a strong start this season mostly because of their defense. The 49ers rank 14th in the league in total defense. Because they have been ahead in every game they've played, the 49ers' defense has faced 131 pass attempts in three games. In comparison, the Rams have faced 36 fewer pass attempts but have given up more yards passing than the 49ers. The 49ers' front seven, led by nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin, has done a good job of making plays at the line of scrimmage in the run game.</p><p><b>QUOTE TO NOTE</b></p><p>“I think the guys have done as good a job as you can do getting prepared for this week. But they understand the opportunity at hand. I don't really worry about all the other stuff. We're not ever going to be a team that plays not to lose. We're playing to win.”</p><p>— 49ers coach Mike Singletary</p><p><b>RAMS WILL WIN IF . . . </b>the 49ers turn the ball over multiple times and Boller does not.</p><p><b>49ERS WILL WIN IF . . . </b>they stay out of third-and-long situations, and control the clock.</p><p><b>KEY MATCHUPS</b></p><p>TE Vernon Davis vs. FS O.J. Atogwe</p><p>Davis is the 49ers' best weapon in the passing game, as he's caught 14 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Atogwe has been adept at creating turnovers.</p><p>NT Aubrayo Franklin vs. C Jason Brown</p><p>Franklin has done a strong job, helping control things up front so Patrick Willis can make the tackles. The Rams signed Brown as a big-money free agent in the offseason.</p><p>RT Adam Snyder vs. DE Leonard Little</p><p>Snyder appears ready to take over full time, but he'll still share the load with Tony Pashos against the Rams' best pass rusher.</p>