After an eventful offseason that featured more marquee additions than any other team, the Los Angeles Rams finally get to put their new-look team to the test against a familiar foe. No more talk about potential or ceilings, and most importantly, travel schedules.
They're facing the San Francisco 49ers tonight in Australia, kicking off their season in uncharted territory for the NFL. The winner will match the Seattle Seahawks at 1-0 after they beat the New England Patriots on Wednesday night, tying for first place in the division after one game.
Though this game counts the same as the other 16, the Rams would love to begin the year with a victory and move above .500, especially with some difficult matchups coming up in the next month.
Below are
the latest odds for this game, as well as our final score prediction.
Stream Rams vs. 49ers
Rams vs. 49ers odds, money line, over/under
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Thursday, Sept. 10
- Moneyline: 49ers +165, Rams -200
- Spread: 49ers +3.5 (-105) | Rams -3.5 (-105)
- Over/under: 48 (O: -112 | U: -105)
Rams vs. 49ers predictions, picks for NFL Week 1
Assuming both stay healthy, the Rams and 49ers should be contenders in the NFC this season. They're each loaded on offense, and they have star playmakers on defense: Trent McDuffie, Myles Garrett, Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, to name a few.
The 49ers' offensive scheme has given the Rams trouble in the past, using quick passes and creative run designs to move the ball up and down the field. Part of the reason Los Angeles had its share of struggles was the team's lack of cornerbacks who can cover for more than 2 seconds.
With McDuffie and Jaylen Watson now, the Rams have the coverage guys to slow down Brock Purdy, Mike Evans and the 49ers' passing attack. Stopping Christian McCaffrey on the ground and as a receiver is another story, but the Rams are well-equipped to do that, too.
McVay will have his team prepared, and Matthew Stafford will pick up where he left off from his MVP season last year. It'll be a close game, but the Rams will win with a late stop on defense to preserve the lead and beat the 49ers.
Final score prediction: Rams 24, 49ers 20
Rams vs. 49ers time, TV channel today
- Kickoff time: 8:35 p.m. ET
- TV channel: KNBC locally
- Streaming: Netflix
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams vs. 49ers predictions, picks, odds: Who wins Week 1 matchup?
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. It is your sole responsibility to act in accordance with your local laws.
Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose. While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling. We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is up to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site and we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of following the betting tips provided on this site. Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next. The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.
Prediction Markets: Certain prediction markets are event contracts regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) or other applicable regulatory authorities and are legally distinct from traditional gambling and sports betting. Eligibility requirements to participate in prediction markets differ from those for sports betting and gambling — you may be required to be 18 or older (or such other age as the applicable platform requires) and to satisfy other eligibility criteria established by the relevant platform and governing law. Prediction market trading involves financial risk and may not be available in all jurisdictions. The legal and regulatory status of prediction markets varies by jurisdiction and by platform. It is your sole responsibility to confirm that participation is lawful where you reside and to comply with all applicable laws and platform terms.
