The Los Angeles Rams are favored by more than a field goal over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6, a development few could’ve seen coming at the start of the 2020 NFL season.

The defending NFC champions are 3.5-point home underdogs on “Sunday Night Football,” according to betting odds compiled by OddsShark. It’s a virtual must-win game for the 49ers, who sit in last place in the NFC West. ‘

With a 2-3 record in the conference’s most difficult division, a loss to Los Angeles would significantly damage San Francisco’s chances of ever finding its way into first place.

The 49ers have already suffered as many losses as they did a season ago. San Francisco is 0-3 at Levi Stadium, losing each of those games as a favorite of at least a touchdown.

The Miami Dolphins embarrassed the 49ers in Week 5, blowing them out 43-17. Jimmy Garoppolo was pulled at halftime, still recovering from an ankle injury and playing his worst game as a starter.

Injuries have been the story of San Francisco’s season. The losses on the defensive side of the ball, where the 49ers had been dominant, have finally started to catch up to the teams.

It’s been just the opposite for Los Angeles, who is among the NFL’s most pleasant surprises. The Rams are 4-1, coming off a dominant 30-10 victory over the Washington Football Team.

LA has played well on both sides of the ball. They rank in the top seven in both yards per play and opponents’ yards per play. No other team is in the top 10 in both categories.

The Rams have also taken advantage of an easy schedule, sweeping all four teams in the weak NFC East. The only team with a winning record on Los Angeles’ schedule, the Buffalo Bills, outlasted LA 35-32 in Week 3.

Garoppolo is likely to be back on the field Sunday. It’s all but certain that he’ll improve upon his 77-yard, two-interception performance from Week 5. There’s optimism that cornerback Emmanuel Moseley could be cleared to play, providing much-needed help to a decimated secondary.

Kyle Shanahan has put the 49ers in a position to win without some of their top players. It’s way too early to give up on San Francisco.

Sunday’s contest should be a competitive game that comes down to the wire.

Prediction: San Francisco over Los Angeles, 27-24

Deebo Samuel San Francisco 49ers
Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass against the Miami Dolphins during the second half of their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on October 11, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. Miami won the game 43-17. Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
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