The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams will begin their new campaigns by meeting at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, marking the first NFL game played in Australia. 

The Rams, who fell 31-27 to Seattle in the NFC Championship game, have since added two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, while franchise legend and three-time DPOY Aaron Donald is officially back after a two-season retirement. 

The acquisition of cornerback Trent McDuffie further strengthens a roster that is the preseason Super Bowl favourite. Like their opponents, the 49ers ended last season with a road loss to the Seahawks, falling 41-6 in the Divisional Round. 

The offseason has been marred with distraction, from owners, to coaches, to players, to substations. 

San Francisco will be praying for some improved injury luck, and has focused on boosting the receiving game, signing veterans Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel while drafting De’Zhaun Stribling. 

These divisional rivals split their battles last season; San Francisco won 26-23 at SoFi Stadium before the Rams responded with a 42-26 victory at Levi's Stadium. So, who will reign supreme Down Under at the G? Let’s find out!

For all the latest news, analysis, and odds ahead of the NFL’s first ever official game in Australia, check out our Los Angeles Rams vs San Francisco 49ers tips and predictions below.

Rams vs 49ers Prediction and Betting Tips 

Head-to-Head Prediction 

The head-to-head result of this historic clash Down Under could very well come down to travel preparations.

Will a jetlagged LA Rams team be able to show up on a new continent in a new time zone and beat a divisional rival to start the regular season? The market seems to think so. 

After all, the Rams are Super Bowl favourites and will be looking to start the season by living up to that billing.

On the other hand, the 49ers have taken the alternative approach to their opponents.

They touched down in Melbourne almost a week ahead of schedule to give them every chance to fully acclimatise to their new surroundings and time zone.

Due to also being one of the more glamour clubs in the NFL, San Fran should also have a bigger following on this side of this globe and we anticipate a 49ers-skewed crowd to reflect that. 

Take away jet lag and add superstars like Christian McCaffery and Deebo Samuels as well as a potentially non-partisan crowd and we like the value play of backing the underdogs here. 

Betting tip: San Francisco 24-17 Los Angeles. 

First Touchdown Prediction 

Yes, superstar running back Christian McCaffrey is both the obvious pick and the favourite in this market.

However, there is a certain red-hot Ram with a TD record against San Fran that for us, is impossible to ignore. 

Los Angeles running back Kyren Williams has scored two or more touchdowns in four of his five previous appearances against the 49ers and with a strike rate like that, we’re tipping him to be the first one to end up in the end zone with the pig skin in hand. 

Betting tip: Kyren Williams.

Over/Under Prediction 

Each of the Rams' last six games at neutral venues have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under 48.5 total match points. 

Line Prediction

The Rams have covered the line in four of their last five games against the 49ers.

Betting tip: Rams (-3.5) line. 

Rams vs 49ers Anytime Touchdown Betting Tips 

Christian McCaffrey

Christian McCaffrey has scored at least one touchdown in six of the 49ers' last seven regular season games.

Davante Adams

Davante Adams has scored at least one touchdown in six of his seven previous regular season appearances against the 49ers.

Deebo Samuel

Deebo Samuel has scored at least one touchdown in five of his last seven appearances against the Rams.

How to Watch NFL in Australia 

For all the American Football fans Down Under who failed to secure tickets for this historic NFL match between the 49ers and the Rams at the MCG, don’t fret, there are a multitude of ways to watch the NFL in Australia. 

Everyone in Australia can watch the game live on free-to-air TV thanks to Channel 7. The game will also be available to live stream on 7plus.

Other ways to watch the NFL Melbourne game include: Netflix, Disney+, DAZN and Kayo Sports. 

Los Angeles Rams vs San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne Match Details 

Date: Friday, September 11, 2026. 

Kick-off: 10:35pm AEST. 

Location: MCG, Melbourne, Australia.