Los Angeles Rams vs San Francisco 49ers Prediction & Picks - NFL

Prediction published on 9/8/26, 8:35 PM  by Matt Lowrimore | Modified on 9/8/26 at 8:40 PM in NFL Picks

Week 1 of the NFL season has finally arrived and will continue on Thursday with an NFC West matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers. Note that this game will be played in Melbourne, Australia. Let's take a look at the match statistics and predictions for this game between the Rams and the 49ers.

San Francisco enters this game having finished with a record of 12-5 in the 2025-2026 season. The 49ers made the playoffs, beating the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild-Card Round, before losing to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Round. They once again have high expectations this season, with Brock Purdy under center and Christian McCaffrey headlining their offense.

As for Los Angeles, they enter this game having finished 12-5 in 2025-2026. The Rams also made the playoffs, beating the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Wild-Card Round, beating the Chicago Bears in the NFC Divisional Round, before losing to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship. Over the offseason, the Rams were able to bolster their defense, adding Myles Garrett and convincing Aaron Donald to come out of retirement. Further, their offense is led by Matthew Stafford under center, who continues to prove he can compete at a high level.