2016 NFL Season: Picking The Week One Winners
By Erik Lambert
Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers
Some fans are upset they won’t get to see #1 pick Jared Goff take the field, but this is how Jeff Fisher operates. The last time he drafted a quarterback in the 1st round was Vince Young in 2006, who didn’t start his first game until a month into the season. Steve McNair before that had to wait a couple seasons. So there’s no telling when Goff will be ready. In the meantime the Rams are hoping to get 2016 started right against the 49ers, who are ushering in the Chip Kelly era.
Notable Injuries:
Bruce Ellington (SF) – There are already enough question marks at the wide receiver position for San Francisco. Piling injuries on top of it only makes it worse. Bruce Ellington was supposed to become a key contributor in that Kelly offense but instead lands on injured reserve with a severe hamstring problem. There is a good chance he returns later in the season, but his loss will be felt.
Key Matchup:
Anthony Davis vs. Aaron Donald
It’s going to be quite the first test for Anthony Davis. He was the starting right tackle for the 49ers in 2014, retired for a year in 2015 and is now back as the teams’ starting right guard. The first mission being asked of him? Block the best interior pass rusher in football. Aaron Donald is a popular pick for Defensive Player of the Year. Davis may be a capable blocker but he’s got little experience at guard. He’ll have to learn fast.