The Los Angeles [Rams](https://ramblinfan.com/) haven't allowed more than 10 points in any of their previous three games heading into Week 10's showdown against the San Francisco 49ers.
Interestingly enough, the last time LA surrendered more than 10 was back in Week 5 when it hosted the Niners on _Thursday Night Football_; a [26-23 overtime victory](https://ninernoise.com/injury-riddled-49ers-beating-rams-week-fluke-here-proof) for head coach Kyle Shanahan and Co.
Perhaps that was a wake-up call for Los Angeles' defensive coordinator, Chris Shula, whose side of the ball had given up at least 20 points in a three-game stretch, ending with the loss to San Francisco.
Since that point, LA has largely shut down opposing offenses:
* Week 6 @ Ravens: 3 points allowed
* Week 7 @ Jaguars (England): 7 points allowed
* Week 9 vs. Saints: 10 points allowed
Granted, the context of those weeks has to be taken into consideration. New Orleans isn't exactly a whirlwind of an offense, while Jacksonville might have been feeling some jet lag across the pond. And Baltimore has been dealing with plenty of injury issues, too, including quarterback Lamar Jackson's hard-felt absence because of a hamstring setback.
Still, Shula's defense enters Week 10 as the NFL's No. 2 ranked group in points allowed, and the 4.7 yards per play surrendered is tied for third best.
Needless to say, Shanahan's offense will be challenged on Sunday.
49ers face stiff Rams defense in crucial NFC West showdown
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At 6-3, the 49ers trail their NFC West rivals by half a game (Los Angeles has had its bye week), meaning Sunday's contest could tip the balance within the division, and another victory over the Rams might be vital in determining tiebreakers.
But the Niners are still missing their two best wide receivers, Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Ricky Pearsall (knee), while quarterback Brock Purdy (turf toe) isn't likely to return this week either.
If there is some solace that didn't exist the last time San Francisco faced LA, tight end George Kittle won't be sitting on injured reserve, which was the case in Week 5 as he dealt with a hamstring injury, and running back Christian McCaffrey remains the 49ers' best all-around offensive weapon.
Against a stingy defense that's ranked fourth best in net yards per attempt (5.3) and eighth best in rush yards per attempt (3.9), it'll still be tough for McCaffrey and the Niners offense to move the ball.
Los Angeles' 27 sacks are third most in the NFL through nine weeks, too, which doesn't exactly bode well for backup quarterback Mac Jones either.
Still, San Francisco wasn't expected or favored to win its last matchup against LA, but that's what happened.
Perhaps a similar outcome winds up being the result when these two NFC West rivals square off at Levi's Stadium on Nov. 9 at 4:25 p.m. ET.