San Francisco 49ers (3-2) at St. Louis Rams (1-3)

Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis – TV: ESPN

*TV announcers: Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden, Lisa Salters

*Keys to the game: The 49ers’ offense has finally started to show some rhythm, starting with the play-calls getting to QB Colin Kaepernick quicker so he can make adjustments at the line without stressing the play clock. Most important has been a re-commitment to RB Frank Gore after an early season influx of four- and even five-receiver sets. The Rams have an excellent front four, but the run defense ranks 29th in the NFL, allowing 152.5 yards per game on 4.9 yards per carry. As confident as San Francisco is, the easiest way to keep the Rams in the game is to get pass-happy and open Kaepernick up to St. Louis’ pass rush.

There is no questioning the impact of QB Sam Bradford’s season-ending injury on St. Louis’ offense. At the same time, Austin Davis has led a pass-heavy attack, throwing for a combined 702 yards and six touchdowns over the past two games. However, his inexperience shows and he has not had the luxury of a solid ground game. RB Zac Stacy isn’t finding many running lanes as opponents challenge Davis to beat them.

*Matchup to watch – 49ers RT Jonathan Martin vs. Rams DE William Hayes: Martin has quietly performed well in Anthony Davis’ absence, but he won’t receive much help against Hayes with Robert Quinn charging from the other side. Hayes has just five tackles and no sacks on the season, but had 12.0 sacks over the previous two seasons combined.

*Player spotlight – 49ers OLB Aaron Lynch: A first-round talent who dropped to the fifth round following a tumultuous college career, has elevated to the 49ers’ left outside linebacker on passing games the past two games. He has eight quarterback hits and 14 pressures on the season, ranking second on the team to perennial Pro Bowl pick Justin Smith.

*Fast facts: The 49ers have allowed 1,045 yards through the air this season vs. just 369 on the ground. … Quinn has four sacks in three career Monday night games.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

Despite outside noise, coach Jim Harbaugh has a crew that has shown intense focus in beating the Eagles and Chiefs the past two weeks. Facing a Rams team wounded without its starting quarterback, the 49ers use the primetime venue as another opportunity to show the country they’re about football first.

*Our pick: 49ers 27-20