Rams vs. 49ers Bet Prediction: Why Los Angeles Is the Pick in Australia

The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers will face off in a divisional matchup in Week 1 of the NFL season. The game will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia. This will mark the first-ever NFL game in Australia.

The Rams were one of the best teams in the NFL last season, ranking second in average margin of victory (+8.7). They featured an elite offense, also ranking second in points per play (0.463). Los Angeles was solid defensively, only allowing 0.332 points per play.

Even though they were a top-10 defense, the Rams added several key pieces to improve. They traded Jared Verse and draft picks for Myles Garrett, adding arguably the best defensive player in the NFL. Los Angeles also traded for Trent McDuffie, signed Jaylen Watson, and brought back Kam Curl.

It’s important to note that Aaron Donald also came out of retirement to join this team in hopes of winning a Super Bowl. He won’t play in this game, though, but it shows what a player of that caliber thinks about this team.

The 49ers posted a 12-5 record in 2025, but that doesn’t tell the entire story. They ranked 12th in the NFL, posting a +1.8 average margin of victory. San Francisco was drastically better on offense, as they ranked 17th in points allowed per play (0.374) in 2025.

They didn’t make as many impactful moves as Los Angeles. The 49ers signed Mike Evans, bolstering their receiver group. They also replaced Jordan Elliott with Osa Odighizuwa at defensive tackle.

How to bet on Australia NFL game

This is an interesting situation, and it’s why I believe we’re getting such a good number on the Rams.

There isn’t a home team, with both traveling to Australia. There also hasn’t been a game played here, and both teams are taking different approaches to adjust to the time difference. Finally, it’s a divisional matchup, which generally plays tougher and closer than other games.

I don’t want to move past the key number at 3, allowing Los Angeles to win by a field goal. Instead, I'm adding Puka Nacua 50+ receiving yards.

Nacua is one of the best receivers in the NFL, and he consistently beat this number as a focal point throughout his career. Ultimately, I don’t see a situation where the 49ers hold Nacua under 50 yards and lose this game, so I’m adding him to get a better price on the 2.5-point spread.

Where to Bet: Los Angeles Rams -2.5 & Puka Nacua 50+ receiving yards | -129 at FanDuel Sportsbook

2026 NFL Season Betting Record: 0-0