San Francisco 49ers defeat Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne NFL opener
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 5:45 PM
Last updated Sep 11, 2026
The San Francisco 49ers opened their 2026 NFL season with a 27-7 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia. Brock Purdy recorded 205 passing yards and three touchdowns, while the 49ers' offensive line allowed no sacks during the contest. Conversely, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford finished without a passing touchdown for the first time since 2024 and was hit eight times by the San Francisco defense. Rookie running back Kaelon Black earned a significant workload for San Francisco, logging 14 carries compared to 10 for Christian McCaffrey. The Rams currently sit at 0-1 in the NFC West standings, trailing both the 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. Los Angeles prepares to face the New York Giants in Week 2, aiming to improve upon their performance in the season opener.
- •San Francisco beat Los Angeles 27-7 in the first NFL game held in Melbourne.
- •Brock Purdy completed 25 of 34 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns.
- •The 49ers defense held the Rams to 155 passing yards.
- •Kaelon Black led the 49ers in rushing attempts during his NFL debut.
- •Matthew Stafford remains without a touchdown pass after the first week of play.
- 5:45 PMCBS NFL — NFL overreactions from Australia: 49ers are the team to beat in the NFC West, Rams are cooked
- 4:41 AMYahoo Sports — 49ers vs. Rams overreactions: Matthew Stafford loses MVP form, Christian McCaffrey in RB committee & more
"San Francisco and Los Angeles took their intense NFC West rivalry to Melbourne, Australia in the second game of the 2026 NFL season. Here's looking at the biggest rash judgments to be made from the 49ers' shocking 27-7 rout.
"San Francisco looked like a legitimate division contender in Melbourne, while Los Angeles raised questions about its travel strategy, aging stars and readiness for the season
Sources
External links- CBS NFLSep 11, 2026, 5:45 PMNFL overreactions from Australia: 49ers are the team to beat in the NFC West, Rams are cooked
San Francisco looked like a legitimate division contender in Melbourne, while Los Angeles raised questions about its travel strategy, aging stars and readiness for the season
- Yahoo SportsSep 11, 2026, 4:41 AM49ers vs. Rams overreactions: Matthew Stafford loses MVP form, Christian McCaffrey in RB committee & more
San Francisco and Los Angeles took their intense NFC West rivalry to Melbourne, Australia in the second game of the 2026 NFL season. Here's looking at the biggest rash judgments to be made from the 49ers' shocking 27-7 rout.
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