The NFL is going to Australia, and it picked one heck of a rivalry to make history.
49ers-Rams in Melbourne.
These teams know each other extremely well, but they look very different entering 2026.
Los Angeles might have the most loaded roster in football.
Matthew Stafford is coming off an MVP season after throwing for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns, and he still has Puka Nacua and Davante Adams leading an offense that averaged an NFL-best 30.5 points per game last season.
But the defense is what really scares me for San Francisco.
The Rams added reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, who had 23 sacks last season, and Aaron Donald has come out of retirement. Donald’s status for the opener remains uncertain, but if he plays, Brock Purdy could potentially have to deal with Garrett and Donald on the same defensive line.
That’s a nightmare.
San Francisco certainly has enough talent to make this interesting. Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel and Brock Purdy give Kyle Shanahan plenty of options offensively.
The problem is health.
McCaffrey and Nick Bosa both missed the 49ers’ first open practice in Melbourne, while Bosa, Kittle and several other key players have spent the offseason working their way back from significant injuries.
San Francisco does have one potential advantage: preparation.
The 49ers arrived in Australia nearly a week early to adjust to the time difference, while the Rams chose to arrive much later and keep their players closer to their normal Pacific Time body clocks.
Maybe that makes a difference.
But when I look at these rosters, I trust Los Angeles much more right now.
The Rams have too many weapons offensively, and I think Garrett and that defensive front make Purdy uncomfortable all night.
The 49ers might eventually become one of the NFC’s best teams if they get healthy.
I just don’t think they’re ready for this Rams team in Week 1.
Prediction: Rams 28, 49ers 13
