Rams-49ers open NFL season in Melbourne: odds, picks — SkimNews
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- Rams and 49ers open the 2026 NFL regular season Thursday at Melbourne Cricket Ground (8:35 p.m. ET), marking the league's first regular-season game in Australia
- Both teams finished 2025 tied for second in the NFC West with identical 12-5 records; the Rams lost 31-27 to Seattle in the NFC Championship and the 49ers were routed 41-6 by the Seahawks in the divisional round
- Aaron Donald will not play for the Rams as he continues conditioning following his return from a two-year retirement
- Los Angeles is listed as a 3.5-point favorite with the over/under set at 48.5
- SportsLine's model, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times and is 53-37 on top-rated picks since 2024, projects the game to go Over 48.5 with 49 combined points
- Matthew Stafford is projected to throw for 235+ yards and two touchdowns, while Brock Purdy is projected for 220+ yards and one touchdown
Why it matters: Both 12-5 teams finished behind division champion Seattle in 2025, making this opener an early head-to-head tiebreaker in the NFC West race. Aaron Donald's continued absence removes a key defensive piece, while Stafford's projected 235+ yards and two TDs underscore the Rams' offensive identity after their league-best 30.5 points-per-game average.
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