Practice Report 12/20: Renewing the California Rivalry

The Rams and 49ers are one of the NFL’s oldest and most competitive rivalries. The first matchup came Oct. 1, 1950 with the L.A. Rams defeating San Francisco 35-14 at Kezar Stadium up in the Bay Area.

After 133 regular-season games — and one playoff game — the 49ers hold a slight three-game advantage in matchup record: 67-64-3.

With Saturday being the first contest in Southern California between the two teams since the Rams’ recent relocation, this game carries plenty of weight for L.A. And that’s despite the struggles and records of both teams heading into Week 16.

“We had a little discussion about that,” Rams interim head coach John Fassel said. “I thought it was important to the players,…