Rams vs 49ers DFS Picks: McClure Likes Purdy-McCaffrey Stack — SkimNews
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- 2026 NFL Australia Game pits the Rams against the 49ers on Thursday in Melbourne, adding Australia to the NFL's list of international game locations (UK, Brazil, Germany, Mexico).
- Aaron Donald did not make the trip to Melbourne, leaving the Rams' star-studded defense without him for DFS roster construction.
- Mike McClure (SportsLine DFS expert with $2M+ in career winnings) locked in his top daily Fantasy football picks for the 49ers vs. Rams slate using a model that simulates every snap.
- Brock Purdy is among McClure's top picks; he missed both 2025 games versus L.A. but ranked second in QBR last season and averaged 27.5 rushing yards over his final six games of 2025 — more than Lamar Jackson's 26.8 yards per game average for the full season.
- Christian McCaffrey pairs with Purdy in McClure's optimal stack, having posted at least 96 scrimmage yards in all six career games versus the Rams (147.7-yard average), and the Rams were among the league's most vulnerable teams to pass-catching backs in 2025 — only four teams allowed more receptions or receiving yards to opposing RBs.
- Mac Jones posted 300+ passing yards in each of last season's two games against the Rams with 5 total passing TDs, but McClure views Purdy as an upgrade at quarterback for the 2026 matchup.
Why it matters: McClure's model targets the Rams' weakness against pass-catching backs — only four teams allowed more RB receptions or receiving yards in 2025 — as the core DFS edge, paired with Purdy's 27.5-yard rushing average over his final six contests. Aaron Donald staying home in Melbourne removes a defensive anchor and reshapes the stacking calculus on FanDuel and DraftKings slates.
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