49ers-Rams player props: Usage changes at SoFi

This is the opening act to the big Hollywood show. With Super Bowl LVII looming in Los Angeles, this game might not be getting the credit it's due locally, especially if SoFi Stadium is loaded with 49ers fans.

The highly anticipated halftime show in two weeks will feature SoCal locals Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre. While the latter is known for "Straight Outta Compton," we'll turn to another Compton native, Kendrick Lamar, as we search for a good beat to help find value in the player prop market.

"Good Kid"

Cam Akers is electric with the ball at times - something we've seen since his days at Florida State - and it's great to see him back so soon after recovering from Achilles surgery. However, you have to hold on to the football.

The young tailback fumbled twice last week in high-leverage situations - first on the 1-yard line, then with the Rams trying to run the clock out. That will "Humble" a young running back. Maybe Sean McVay has more faith in Akers than I would, but veteran tailback Sony Michel is standing right next to the head coach on the sideline and has done everything asked of him to deserve a greater share of the carries than he received in the divisional round.

If McVay turns back to Michel for even a quarter of the total carries, then it's unlikely that Akers gets the same volume this week. Meanwhile, the 49ers are allowing just 3.1 yards per carry during their trio of must-win games. The Rams are going to have to throw to beat the Niners, so I'd rather bet on Akers' overall usage than his yardage total, especially given his big-play ability.

Pick: Akers under 17.5 rush attempts

A TD that's definitely going to happen

Of "All The Stars" who shone for the 49ers in these playoffs, George Kittle has seen less usage than you'd anticipate from a dominant force with the ball. I expect that to change in the dome Sunday, allowing us to see his big-play "DNA" shine through.

Kittle hasn't scored in his last six games, but he has 10 catches in two matchups with the Rams this season. San Francisco's offensive scheme seems to match up well with the Rams' zone, so there's often an outside threat available in open space. That said, there's going to be a point where Jimmy Garoppolo looks to Kittle in the end zone. Hopefully, it goes better than when he threw his lone interception to the Packers in the divisional round.

Pick: Kittle anytime touchdown (+175)

A TD that probably won't happen ... but maybe it does

I've held off on playing the anytime touchdown for San Francisco's "Overly Dedicated" fullback, but now it's time. The 49ers have had success against the Rams because their misdirection on offense results in various weapons getting lost in coverage.

Kyle Juszczyk can come out of the backfield to fill the open areas of the Rams' defense and is a tough matchup for any linebacker in man-to-man coverage. It's also possible Juszczyk gets a goal-line carry, as he's even been known to take quarterback sneak snaps under center.

For the Niners' do-it-all team player, it would be "Poetic Justice" if he contributed a score to help San Francisco punch a ticket to the Super Bowl.

Pick: Juszczyk anytime touchdown (+700)

Matt Russell is a betting writer for theScore. If there’s a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on Twitter @mrussauthentic.