The second game of the 2026 NFL season takes us Down Under.
We're set for an NFC West showdown between the Los Angeles Rams
and San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, on Thursday night in the first game of the 2026 NFL international series. The Rams enter the season with high expectations after reaching the NFC Championship Game last year. They traded for Myles Garrett this offseason and brought Aaron Donald out of retirement.The Niners, meanwhile, went 12-5 and won a playoff game last year, though some think their window could be closing because their roster is largely made up of aging stars.
If you are looking for some betting advice for the matchup, we've got you covered. Here are the latest odds, courtesy of BetMGM.
Rams vs. 49ers game odds:
All college football
odds via BetMGM
- Spread: Rams -3.5 (-110), 49ers +3.5 (-108)
- Money Line: Rams -210, 49ers +170
- Over-Under: Over 48.5 (-108), Under 48.5 (-110)
Rams vs. 49ers injury report:
Rams vs. 49ers prediction, pick:
The hype surrounding Los Angeles is certainly understandable: This is a bona fide superteam. Matthew Stafford's health is a major question coming into this season, though. He's had some back issues in recent years but stayed healthy in 2025, and it led to an MVP season. The Rams also won't have Donald in this game, as he didn't travel with the team to Melbourne and is inactive.
San Francisco, meanwhile, could potentially be in for a step back this year. Mike Evans was the biggest addition on offense, and he could certainly prove helpful if he still has high-caliber play left in the tank. The Niners also brought back Deebo Samuel to help out Brock Purdy. Its defense was middling last year but returns stars Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, who were lost to season-ending injuries in the first half of the campaign.
This should be a tight division showdown, but I have more confidence in what Los Angeles brings to the table.
Prediction: Rams 28, 49ers 23
Best Bet: Rams -3.5, Over 48.5
Rams vs. 49ers channel, start time, streaming:
Time: 8:35 p.m. ET
Stream: Netflix (subscription required)
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Rams vs. 49ers: Week 1 NFL betting odds, prediction, pick
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