49ers vs Rams Game Analysis: Australia-Bound
As is the yearly tradition in the NFL, the game after opening night is played outside of the US. This year, it’s being played in Melbourne, Australia. The San Francisco 49ers take on the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, September 10th at 5:35 pm PST (10:35 am local time on Friday). Join us at PayPerHead to see which team is the favorite in this 49ers vs Rams prediction.
The two teams have taken completely different approaches to the extreme travel. The 49ers arrived almost a full week before the game to acclimatize to the 17-hour time difference, while the Rams will arrive approximately one day before the game after a 15-hour flight. We’ll see which approach wins the day.
San Francisco 49ers Recent Scores: Downed By The Hawks
The 49ers finished the 2025 season 12-5, placing third in the NFC division behind the LA Rams and the Seattle Seahawks. Their playoff run was short: they beat the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round but were defeated by the eventual Super Bowl champs in a blowout, 41-6 in the divisional round.
They finished the 2026 preseason 2-1, including a blowout win over the Chargers. Against the Titans, backup QB Adrian Martinez completed 12-of-14 for 101 yards before sustaining a rib injury. Rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling made 7 catches for 63 yards.
Against the Raiders, Piñeiro scored the only points, completing 6-for-6 field goals.
Week 1: Tennessee 19 – 13 San Francisco
Week 2: San Francisco 41 – 17 LA Chargers
Week 3: San Francisco 18 – 12 Las Vegas
Los Angeles Rams Recent Scores: Perfect Preseason
The Rams entered the 2025 playoffs as Wild Card contenders, beating the Carolina Panthers before defeating the No. 2-seeded Chicago Bears 20-17 in overtime in the divisional round. They advanced to their third NFC Championship Game in eight seasons, but lost to the Seattle Seahawks, 31-27.
They had a commanding 2026 preseason, winning all three games, including a 34-0 blowout against New Orleans. None of the starters played, including reigning MVP Matthew Stafford, whose back is better than it was last year.
QB Ty Simpson (No. 13 overall pick) had a great preseason, completing 47-of-60 for 382 yards and 3 TDs in total.
Week 1: LA Rams 20 – 12 Kansas City
Week 2: New Orleans 0 – 34 LA Rams
Week 3: LA Rams 20 – 18 LA Chargers
San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams History: 76 Year Rivalry
This rivalry is one of the oldest in the NFL. The teams have played each other twice every season since 1950. Overall, they’ve been pretty even, with the 49ers leading 79-72-3. In the playoffs, they’ve each won once. Both were NFC Championship games.
These rivals tend toward close games, but their last meeting ended in the Rams winning 42-26 on November 9, 2025.
49ers vs Rams Prediction: Will Jetlag Make a Difference?
The 49ers continue to be the unluckiest team when it comes to injuries. They still carry an injury hangover from the 2025 season, but are healing. Nick Bosa is back but still integrating. The Rams have done an amazing job over the summer improving their roster even more, including bringing in Defense Player of the Year Myles Garrett, which is partly why they are 3.5-point favorites.
These rivals both have Super Bowl aspirations, so expect a hard-fought game.
Our 49ers vs Rams prediction is a close 19-17 win for the 49ers, as the last-minute flight into Australia will take a toll on the Rams, enough to give San Francisco the win. Follow us on social media to stay tuned for this NFL season.
