Random Ramsdom 12/30: Saturday links ahead of the Week 17 finale

Rams practice reports for 12/29 | Rams’ Official Site

The Rams held their final practice of the calendar year on Friday morning at Cal Lutheran. L.A. will host San Francisco on New Year’s Eve to finish the regular season.

What are the Rams saying about the 49ers? | 49ers’ Official Site

Take a look at what members of the Rams are saying ahead of their Week 17 matchup against the 49ers.

Dez Could Be Done in Dallas, Pro Bowl Snubs, Gurley Is Great But Can’t be MVP | MMQB

Andy Benoit with his “10 things I think I think,” to include how Todd Gurley can’t win the MVP award...because of Todd Haley.

Tru having fun and hopes a new contract with Rams is possible | LA Daily New

Trumaine Johnson hopes this isn’t his only successful season with the Rams. Johnson, the Rams’ top cornerback, understands his six-season tenure with the Rams could be in its twilight, as he is set to become an unrestricted free agent when this season ends.

Sickels living the dream of every NFL practice squad player | OC Register

You may not know much about Garrett Sickels, who will emerge from the Coliseum tunnel on Sunday wearing an old-school Rams No. 56 jersey and, presumably, get at least a few snaps at linebacker now that the Rams have decided to rest most of their key players in advance of the first round of the playoffs.

Weather could affect availability of Barron | ESPN

Los Angeles Rams inside linebacker Mark Barron, a surprising scratch in Week 16, is listed as doubtful for Sunday's regular-season finale. There is concern that his sore Achilles tendon could affect his availability for the first round of the playoffs, head coach Sean McVay said after Friday's practice.

1-on-1 with Sean McVay | WSB-TV

Rams to host 49ers in regular season finale | Rams’ Official Site

The end of the regular season has officially arrived. On Sunday, the Rams (11-4) will host the San Francisco 49ers (5-10) for a Week 17 matchup between two classic NFC West rivals.

Opponent breakdown: Garoppolo revitalizes 49ers’ offense | Rams’ Official Site

Both the Rams and 49ers have undergone some significant changes sine the two teams last met in Week 3. For Los Angeles, rookies have received more playing time, some players have switched positions, and, of course, the Rams have clinched their first NFC West title since 2003.

Gurley is okay with losing rushing title for playoff berth | Fox Sports

Todd Gurley realizes he could lose his first NFL rushing title – and maybe even the league MVP award – while he stands on the sideline at the Coliseum this Sunday.

Gurley gets is done in fantasy and charity | LA Times

Last week, Rams running back Todd Gurley helped countless owners win their league when he rushed for 118 yards and caught 10 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns in a victory over the Tennessee Titans.

Gurley supported Shriner’s Hospitals for Children in the NFL’s Week 13 “My Cleats, My Cause” campaign, and this week Shriner’s saw a spike in donations.

5 bold predictions for Rams-49ers | Fanrag Sports

Just how will the Rams’ backup players fare this Sunday in front of the home crowd? Let’s get bold.

The Niners will have the Coliseum and Rams fans all to themselves | Ramblin Fan

Are the Los Angeles Rams offering up an easy victory to their division rival San Francisco? If they are, expect Kyle Shanahan and his 49ers to take full advantage.

NFL playoff picture: what’s at stake in Week 17? | ESPN

Only three of the NFL's 12 playoff spots remain unclaimed. Seven of the eight division titles are decided, as are three of the four first-round byes. Still, here is everything you need to know about the lingering drama, which will all be played out in two relatively equal time slots Sunday afternoon.

No Prime Time, No Problem: NFL Week 17 Will Be a Perfect Sunday Slate of Chaos | The Ringer

In one afternoon, nearly every team in the league either will try to make the playoffs or is playing for its coach’s job. And it’ll all happen at once. This is football as it was meant to be.

Saturday’s College Slate