(By Daisy Barringer)

I'm pretty sure everyone thinks that the San Francisco 49ers are going to run all over the St. Louis Rams this weekend for an easy Niners' victory. And yeah, I'm not gonna lie: I'm a little cocky about this one. I mean, it's the Rams. The 2-9 Rams. The Rams who were everyone's NFC West darlings during the off-season, but who turned out to be a horrible (yet delightful) bust. The Rams who are looking for their third win of the season.

And us? We're looking for our tenth win and our first NFC West title since 2002.

That being said, on any given Sunday blah blah blah, so let's see what's going to have to happen to bring this win home. As always, well start with:

The Bad

• There is no way for the Rams to make it to the playoffs, so at this point they're playing for pride and the sweet feeling they'd get if they kept the 49ers from clinching the NFC West.

• Steven Jackson. I mean, kind of. He's the best weapon the Rams have, but frankly, I'm not worried about him against our stellar run defense.

• Our offensive line. God did they suck last week. If the Rams can create pressure, that might be problematic for Smith, who has showed poise, but can't be expected to perform with zero protection. (Does anyone else think it sounds like I'm talking about sex in that last sentence?)

• Braylon Edwards hasn't practiced in three days. As of the time I am writing this (which is late because I totally forgot I had to write it and was actually on my way out the door to see Twilight, but then remembered I had this due, so I guess I'll have to swoon over Edward another day), the official injury report hadn't been released, but it's not looking good. He said this week that his main priority is to be healthy for the playoffs and I'm totally down with that.

• The Ravens defense totally figured out our offense. Good for them, but I highly doubt the Rams are going to be able to do the same. Maybe it's just me, but I don't see a 2-9 team who's already focused on the 2012 draft studying extra hard before a game that basically means nothing.

The Good

• The Rams suck against the run. I'm definitely starting Gore on my fantasy team this week. Okay, fine. I start Gore on my fantasy team every week.

• The Rams rank LAST in the NFL in touchdown production in the red zone. So adorable!

• The 49ers run defense. Seriously, when a team gets into the red zone, I start panicking. We have yet to allow a rushing TD this season and ohmygod, don't you want that streak to stay alive? (Isn't it funny how stuff like that totally doesn't matter as long as we win, but yet it actually totally and completely matters?)

• Rams QB Sam Bradford has an ankle injury. This is good for me on several levels because I also have the Rams in my Bad Quarterback League. I guess he’s going to be a game-time decision.

• The 49ers coming off a tough loss and they have a lot to prove. Also, they super need to make up for the fact that they ruined Thanksgiving.

The Rest of It

So apparently there's this huge rivalry between the Rams and the 49ers. According to Wikipedia, Sports Illustrated considers the rivalry the 8th best of all time in the NFL. HOT! I love a good rivalry. Just ask all of the people who hate me; it's totally true.

That being said, I've been to a bunch of Rams games and, sorry, but it just doesn't feel like a huge rivalry. Maybe because both teams sucked for so long. Anyway, I will do my best to hunt down some sexy rival action for you guys and report back on Monday.

In the meantime, don’t get too comfortable because, yes, we can beat these guys, but, um, did you watch the Seattle vs. Eagles game last night? EXACTLY.

Watch SAN FRANCISCO vs. St. Louis Sunday at 1:15 p.m. on FOX KTVU (FOX 2).