49ers vs. Rams Prediction & Opening Odds: NFL Melbourne Game Preview, Expert Pick
Australia welcomes the NFL for the first time ever for a blockbuster Week 1 matchup on Thursday night, and my 49ers vs. Rams prediction and early picks back the Super Bowl favorites to start 1-0 down under.
The opening odds reflect the hype surrounding Los Angeles entering the 2026 season, especially with superstar pass-rusher Myles Garrett making his Rams debut against San Francisco. Kickoff from Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia, is set for 8:35 p.m. ET (Netflix), with the Rams priced as a 3.5-point neutral-site betting favorite.
🏈 49ers vs. Rams early prediction: NFL Melbourne Game
See the latest NFL odds and our experts' NFL picks for every game this season.
Rams -3.5 (-108)
The Rams' hype train is full steam ahead. Whether the recently unretired Aaron Donald plays this week, the 49ers will have to contend with a reloaded Rams defense featuring reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and a rebuilt secondary.
Going up against the league's most talented defensive line, 49ers QB Brock Purdy can't keep pace with Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, and Co. Also important to note: the 49ers have had a major advantage in recent Rams matchups by playing in front of a strong contingent of San Francisco fans - even in Los Angeles. A neutral-site contest benefits the Rams and makes them an easy choice for me to back against the 3.5-point spread.
🤔 How will Patriots fare in Super Bowl rematch?
Our LJ Blut provides his early Patriots vs. Seahawks prediction for Wednesday's season opener.
📊 49ers vs. Rams odds: NFL Melbourne Game
49ers vs. Rams odds update live in real time. Our NFL analysis and expert predictions cover every game this season.
49ers vs. Rams opening odds
- Moneyline: 49ers +121 | Rams -148
- Spread: 49ers +2.5 (-105) | Rams -2.5 (-115)
- Over/Under: Over 48.5 (-110) | Under 48.5 (-110)
49ers vs. Rams line movement
The spread now sits at Rams -3.5 after opening at -2.5. Los Angeles is also now trading as high as -200 on the moneyline, while the total continues to sit at 48.5. I would place a wager now if you're looking to back the Rams against the spread, before it potentially hits the key number of 4. But if you like the 49ers to cover, I'd hold off until closer to kickoff in case you can get a better price - I expect you will be able to.
📈 49ers vs. Rams trends & betting notes: NFL Melbourne Game
- Kyle Shanahan holds a 11-7 head-to-head record over Sean McVay as head coaches
- Matthew Stafford is 4-6 vs. the 49ers since joining the Rams
- Rams were 11-6 ATS as a favorite in 2025
📺 How to watch 49ers vs. Rams: NFL Melbourne Game
- Date: Thursday, Sept. 10
- Kickoff: 8:35 p.m. ET
- Location: Melbourne Cricket Ground (Melbourne, Australia)
- Streaming: Netflix
📃 Affiliate disclosure
Sportsbook Review may receive a commission if you sign up through our links. Not intended for use in MA. Bonuses not applicable in Ontario. 21+ only. (Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
Related Articles
