Five 49ers to watch in Week 3 NFC West showdown vs. Rams

The 49ers' offense provided one of the toughest challenges for defense due to their ability to line up two of the most unique players at their respective positions. Christian McCaffrey is a running back who runs routes and catches passes like a wide receiver. Deebo Samuel is a wide receiver who can line up in the backfield and take handoffs like a running back. Neither McCaffrey nor Samuel will be available on Sunday when the 49ers face the Los Angeles Rams in an early season matchup of the two teams expected to battle for the NFC West title this season. Now, tight end George Kittle's availability is in question, too, due to a hamstring injury that kept him out of practice on Thursday. The Rams are 0-2 and in danger of falling out of the playoff picture. The 49ers (1-1) look to rebound after a substandard performance in all facets against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2. The 49ers can be expected to challenge the Rams' defense with a big dose of running back Jordan Mason, who rushed for 247 yards in the first two games of the season. Mason's production in this game will be important, of course. But there are others on the 49ers' offense who must come through in order to move the...