The San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams played the two closest contests in 2012, with one ending in a tie and the other nearly doing the same before the Rams won late in overtime. That has not been the case in 2013.
Week 13 so far
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After beating the Rams 35-11 in Week 4, San Francisco made short order of St. Louis again on Sunday, winning 23-13 at home. The win improves the 49ers to 8-4, keeping them 2.5 games back of the Seattle Seahawks, the team they face next Sunday.
It looked like Jeff Fisher was really starting to put it together for the Rams, having coming off of back-to-back wins by a combined score of 80-29, but they couldn't get anything going against the tough Niners defense. Quarterback Kellen Clemens was mostly ineffective against San Francisco, going just 19-of-37 for 218 yards, one touchdown and an interception, picking up most of the yardage on a final desperation drive.
St. Louis was trying to get back to .500, but instead will try to regroup for its final four games of the season as the team falls to 5-7.
Fantasy Studs and Duds
San Francisco welcomed back its leading receiver from last season, Michael Crabtree, and he had two catches for 68 yards. Vernon Davis hurdled his way to four catches for 82 yards and a touchdown. Colin Kaepernick threw for 275 yards and a touchdown, with no interceptions.
Rams rookie receiver Tavon Austin came in hot but was held to just 35 total yards and no scores. He added 77 yards in the return game.
Injury Report
49ers left tackle Joe Staley left with a knee injury and Rams center Scott Wells suffered an ankle injury.
Did They Cover?
The 49ers were 7.5-point favorites according to OddsShark.com, so they covered rather easily.
Up Next
Sunday, Dec. 8, 4:25 p.m. ET: 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks
Sunday, Dec. 8, 4:25 p.m. ET: Rams at Arizona Cardinals
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