Los Angeles Rams Vs. San Francisco 49ers: Bold Predictions For Week 1 Of 2016 NFL Season

The Los Angeles Rams will take on the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1 of the 2016 NFL season. Being the first contest of the season for both teams, it should come as no surprise that storylines and question marks flood the scene entering this game.

For instance, the Rams are now in Los Angeles. Not to mention, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been gaining plenty of headlines as a result of sitting during the national anthem.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the game, according to NFL.com.

The 2016 NFL season is just getting underway, which means there are plenty of questions entering the year. Although teams like the New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, and a couple of others are favorites to contend for the Super Bowl, anything can happen in this sport.

In the spirit of that thinking, let’s take a look at some bold predictions for the Los Angeles Rams Vs. San Francisco 49ers matchup. Keep in mind that bold is the name of the game.

Todd Gurley Runs Wild For 200 Or More Rushing Yards

Todd Gurley might only be playing in his second season in the NFL, but he could already be a top running back in this league. He surely is a top running back when it comes to fantasy football. After all, ESPN has him pegged as the No. 2 running back entering 2016, and No. 5 overall among all players and positions.

Nonetheless, the Georgia Bulldogs product is coming off of a rookie season in which he rushed for 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns. For all it’s worth, Gurley also had 188 receiving yards in 2015. Gurley’s game-high in rushing yards last season was 159, but he is going to take his game to the next level — and then some — by running for more than 200 yards against San Francisco.

Blaine Gabbert Will Prove Doubters Wrong With Two TDs In The First Half

Blaine Gabbert is getting yet another chance to prove his worth in the NFL. Looking back, he was picked No. 10 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. Kaepernick might be getting all of the headlines, but San Francisco is Gabbert’s team until further notice.

The 49ers aren’t getting much hype entering the new season, and some of that has to deal with the fact that someone needs to emerge at the quarterback position. It remains to be seen how Gabbert will do in 2016, but he will prove plenty of doubters wrong by throwing two touchdowns in the first half.

The 26-year-old racked up 2,031 passing yards and 10 touchdowns in 2015.

Torrey Smith Looks Like A Star All Night

It will be interesting to see what Chip Kelly has up his sleeve for the 49ers’ offense. No one should be surprised when Kelly’s presence (and play calling) leads to Torrey Smith having a big year.

Smith only had 663 receiving yards and four touchdowns in the 2015 season. One must remember that 2015 was Smith’s first season with the 49ers, and Kelly is now calling the plays in San Francisco. The wide receiver still has the goods to do some serious damage in this league. Therefore, fans can expect a 100-yard performance out of Smith in Week 1 against the Rams.

The Rams Capture The Double-Digit Win

This matchup might not have Super Bowl implications on the line, although it is only Week 1 of 2016, but it is still a pretty monumental contest for the Los Angeles Rams and their fans. As a result, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Los Angeles played with some extra fire against the 49ers. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that this is Week 1, and this is a Monday night game, meaning the world will be watching and finding motivation shouldn’t be an issue.

While neither team is expected to win the Super Bowl this season, Gurley is still expected to be a top player in this sport. Yes, football is a team game, but Gurley will be too much for the 49ers to handle in this Monday night showdown, and the Rams’ defense will do its part as well.

This might be a home game for the 49ers, but the Rams will capture the double-digit win regardless.

[Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images]