Rams are early favorites over 49ers in Melbourne

TL;DR

The Los Angeles Rams are favored by 2.5 points over the San Francisco 49ers for their Week 1 matchup in Melbourne, Australia. This early betting line reflects confidence in the Rams' potential for a strong 2026 season.

Key points

Rams favored by 2.5 points over 49ers
Game scheduled for Week 1 in Melbourne, Australia
Confidence in Rams' potential for strong 2026 season

Mentioned in this story

Melbourne

Los Angeles RamsSan Francisco 49ersNFL

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - February 1: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers poses with Puka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams during a Pro Bowl team practice during the NFL Pro Bowl Games at Moscone Center South on February 1, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Getty Images) | Getty Images The NFL schedule release is coming this Thursday night, but it’s already known that the Los Angeles Rams will play the San Francisco 49ers Week 1 in Melbourne, Australia. Despite L.A. taking Simpson with their 13th overall pick in the latest NFL Draft, a player who may help the team one day as opposed to grabbing a player who can help now, the Rams are still favored to win in Week 1 by 2.5 points over their NFC West rival. Of course, so much can change, but for now, the Rams are favored in that specific Week 1 matchup, so regardless of how you think L.A.’s draft went, people around the league, and the linemakers must still have a lot of respect for this team, and their ability to have a strong 2026 season. L.A. being favored in Week 1 is evidence of that. Injuries, signings, trades and more can happen, so if you gamble do keep an eye on the ever-changing lines, especially as we march towards Week 1. After that massive week around the NFL, there will plenty of new data to go off of, but for now we focus on Week 1, and the data (or lack thereof) we do have. It’s only one week, but whoever finds a way to prevail in that opening contest will have a significant jump on the loser. When there are only 17 games to prove you belong in the postseason, every week matters. Will the Rams start off hot? According to some of the oddsmakers, yes, as they’ll start off their 2026 campaign with a win. Rest assured, the 49ers have other plans for how the Rams head into Week 2, despite what the bookies may believe.

Q&A

Why are the Rams favored over the 49ers in Melbourne?

The Rams are favored by 2.5 points due to their perceived strength and respect from oddsmakers despite recent draft choices.

When will the Rams play the 49ers in Melbourne?

The Rams will play the 49ers in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.

What impact does the Week 1 game have on the NFL season?

The outcome of the Week 1 game is crucial as it can provide a significant advantage in the race for postseason qualification.