The 2026 NFL season is kicking off across the globe, with the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers set to clash in Melbourne, Australia, this Thursday, Sept. 10 at 5:35 p.m. PT. This isn’t just some casual exhibition; it’s a huge NFC West showdown streaming on Netflix, and it means everything for setting the tone in what should be another brutal rivalry. Over the last three seasons, these teams have split their six regular-season meetings right down the middle, 3-3. The Rams actually dominated San Francisco 42-26 in Week 10 of 2025, after the 49ers got the W earlier that same year. Both sides expect to fight for the NFC West crown, so this opener in Melbourne is going to be massive.
Rams Offense: Run ‘Em Into The Ground
Sean McVay has got to be looking at the tape from last season’s Week 17 Falcons game. Remember when Raheem Morris, now the 49ers’ new defensive coordinator, was leading Atlanta? Matthew Stafford struggled in that matchup, throwing three picks, but the Rams still ran for 115 yards on just 20 attempts! Kyren Williams was an absolute beast, leading the way with 13 carries for 92 yards and averaging an impressive 7.1 yards per attempt. That’s the blueprint, man. McVay needs to establish the run with Williams and Blake Corum early. That will force Morris and San Francisco’s defense to respect the ground game, bringing extra defenders towards the line. That, in turn, could be the key to opening up passing lanes for Stafford to attack the second and third levels of the defense, where Puka Nacua can make some serious plays.
Rams Defense: The McCaffrey Problem
Let’s be real, though: the Rams’ defense has one giant problem to solve, and his name is Christian McCaffrey. This dude is a nightmare. He’s proven he can hurt Los Angeles in so many ways, especially as a receiver out of the backfield. Remember Week 5 last year? McCaffrey gave the Rams’ defense all sorts of issues through the air, catching eight passes for 82 yards and a touchdown. His ability to create mismatches against linebackers and defensive backs is a serious headache. If the Rams want to beat the 49ers in Melbourne, limiting McCaffrey has to be their number one priority.
This game isn’t just about a W or L in Australia. It’s about setting the stage for the entire NFC West. Getting off on the right foot, especially after how evenly matched these teams have been, is absolutely critical. Kickoff is Thursday night, 5:35 p.m. PT on Netflix, and believe me, you do not want to miss this one.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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