49ers vs. Rams Prediction: Week 1 Odds, Picks & Best Bet
The first regular-season NFL game in Australia is upon us, and I’m backing Sean McVay's and Co. to cover the spread in my San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams predictions.
The Rams are the 3.5-point betting favorite for the Week 1 clash at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday (8:35 p.m. ET, Netflix), where there are more storylines than a Hollywood soap opera.
Here’s what I expect to happen Down Under.
🏈 49ers vs. Rams prediction: NFL Week 1
See the latest NFL odds and our experts' NFL picks for every game this season.
| 💰 Pick | ⚖️ Units |
|---|---|
| Rams -3.5 (-114 at BetMGM) | 1.0u → 0.88u |
| Under 48.5 (-111 at BetMGM) | 1.0u → .90u |
Total wagered: 2.0 units | Max profit: +1.78 units
💰 49ers vs. Rams best bet
Rams -3.5 (-114)
The Rams are the Super Bowl odds favorites for a litany of reasons, including an offense that should be just as good as the unit that finished first in DVOA last season.
They also have a seismically improved pass rush thanks to Myles Garrett joining and Aaron Donald coming out of retirement.
Despite that glowing review, I was on the verge of backing the 49ers, as 3.5 points is significant, especially since they're playing at a neutral venue in Melbourne.
However, the 49ers lost starting defensive end Alfred Collins to a season-ending injury during Tuesday’s practice.
Because of existing injuries to Mykel Williams and Sam Okuayinonu, the 49ers will enter the tilt with C.J. West, rookie Gracen Halton, and Osa Odighizuwa as the only healthy options, excluding the practice squad.
That’s a recipe for disaster against the reigning MVP and his cohort of elite playmakers.
🔬 SBR Edge
The Rams have played three international games under McVay’s stewardship since 2017. They are 3-0, outscoring opponents 92-17, a 25-point average margin of victory.
The Rams new-look defense as formidable as it comes.
While Donald won’t feature in Week 1, the rest of the Rams’ star-studded defense will be revved up to start with a demonstrative display befitting the immeasurable hype.
Garrett will line up opposite Byron Young, preventing Brock Purdy from finding a viable escape route. And if Purdy does have the time to deliver, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson will be lurking in the secondary.
Even though I disagree with the Rams’ decision to arrive in Australia just over 24 hours before game time, their luxurious full-size beds in first class should allow for plenty of rest.
Score prediction: Rams 27, 49ers 21
📊 49ers vs Rams odds: NFL Week 1
See the latest NFL odds for every Week 1 matchup.
49ers vs. Rams opening odds
- Moneyline: 49ers (-105) | Rams -3.5 (-114)
- Spread: 49ers (+172) | Rams (-205)
- Over/Under: Over 48.5 (-105) | Under 48.5 (-115)
📺 How to watch 49ers vs Rams: NFL Week 1
- Date: Thursday, Sept. 10
- Kickoff: 8:35 p.m. ET
- Location: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne, Australia
- Streaming: Netflix
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