The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers are set to make NFL history when they meet at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia for the first-ever regular-season NFL game played in the country. The Week 1 matchup brings one of the league’s most familiar rivalries to an entirely unfamiliar setting, creating a unique backdrop for the start of the 2026 season.
Beyond the history and international spotlight, the game presents a fascinating football challenge for both teams. The two organizations have taken drastically different approaches to preparing for the trip. San Francisco arrived in Melbourne roughly a week before kickoff to acclimate to the time difference, while the Rams elected to maintain their normal routine and travel much closer to game day.
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The Rams enter the matchup as 3.5-point favorites, according to the FanDuel betting spread, adding another layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated NFC West showdown. Los Angeles will look to begin the season with a statement victory, while San Francisco will attempt to spoil the Rams’ historic international home game. With much anticipation going into the Rams season, here are five bold predictions for tonight’s game…
The Rams defense has a whole will collect 4 sacks but Fiske will be the man that sets the tone with Aaron Donald declared inactive. Fiske enters year three with a high ceiling considering the Rams defensive prowess. Kyle Shanahan will likely focus a lot of attention on Myles Garrett; giving Fiske the opportunity to win his 1 on 1s.
With Raheem Morris determined to take away Matthew Stafford, Sean McVay sets the tone on the ground with the tandem of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. The 49ers defensive front that is working its way back from past and current injuries can’t handle the Rams decision to attack on the ground out of 12 and 13 personnel.
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Second year tight end will be the first Ram to find the end zone; hauling in a 17 yard pass from Matthew Stafford to get the Rams first touchdown of the season and the first touchdown in Melbourne, Australia.
The Rams “fearsome foursome” earns its name in the opener; bottling up Christian McCaffrey to under 60 yards on the ground. McCaffrey still receives touches in the passing game but the Rams defensive front does its job; making the 49ers one dimensional.
The Rams special teams woes in 2025 really haunted them from the beginning of 2025 till the end. Harrison Mevis however brought stability to the place kicker position after the team cut Joshua Karty. Mevis starts off the 2026 season with a memorable performance; connecting on 4 field goals to help propel the Rams to victory.
