Anything can happen early in the season. Roster turnover, coaching / schematic changes, and player development leave a lot of uncertainty. That being said every game has it's tilting points. Here are a few that could determine which way the scales shift as the Los Angeles Rams take on the San Francisco 49ers on Monday.
Rams OTs vs 49ers DEs
These two groups are loaded with highly drafted youngsters. The Rams have OT Greg Robinson and OT Rob Havenstein while the 49ers have Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner rushing the edge.
Havenstein is battling back from a foot injury and Buckner hasn't broken the starting lineup, but seeing these youngsters battle it out could be a glance into the future of this rivalry.
49ers QB Blaine Gabbert vs Rams DBs
Gabbert tore apart the Rams secondary last season to the tune of 350+ yards. That unit lost S Rodney McLeod and Janoris Jenkins. Can they play better in Week 1?
Rams DL vs 49ers OL
It wasn't that long ago that the 49ers' OL was considered one of the best lines in the NFL. They've since passed that torch to the Dallas Cowboys, but will the #MobSquad be able to exploit this matchup?