Home · Sports · Sep 11 archive
Our guide to every remaining Week 1 NFL game: Matchup previews, predictions and what to watch
Confirmed
In Short: The NFL's first-ever game in Australia between the 49ers and Rams has sparked controversy over cultural representation, with some critics questioning the league's priorities.
SportsLine's team of NFL experts have analyzed the matchup between the 49ers and Rams, the NFC West rivals set to face off in Melbourne for the first time. The game, part of the NFL's expansion into international markets, has drawn criticism, particularly over a pregame ceremony featuring Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin, a figure from Australian Indigenous culture. Critics argue that the league's focus on cultural representation may overshadow the significance of the division rivalry.
The game marks the first of many international NFL events, with the league aiming to grow its global footprint. According to reports, the Rams and 49ers split their season series last year, with the road team winning both matchups. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford had a strong performance in those games, while the 49ers were without key players Brock Purdy and Nick Bosa.
Despite the controversy, the game is expected to draw significant attention, with SportsLine expert Eric Cohen predicting the 49ers to edge out the Rams. Cohen, who has a strong track record of NFL predictions, suggests that the 49ers could capitalize on their home-field advantage, despite the long journey to Australia.
NFL fans and bettors are encouraged to consider the exact score predictions from SportsLine, as well as other traditional betting options. The game is part of a broader trend of NFL games being played in different locations, with the league looking to expand its reach and appeal to a global audience.
What's confirmed
- SportsLine's team of NFL experts have analyzed the matchup between the 49ers and Rams, the NFC West rivals set to face off in Melbourne for the first time. The game, part of the NFL's expansion into international markets, has drawn criticism, particularly over a pregame ceremony featuring Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin, a figure from Australian Indigenous culture. Critics argue that the league's focus on cultural representation may overshadow the significance of the division rivalry.
- The game marks the first of many international NFL events, with the league aiming to grow its global footprint. According to reports, the Rams and 49ers split their season series last year, with the road team winning both matchups. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford had a strong performance in those games, while the 49ers were without key players Brock Purdy and Nick Bosa.
- Despite the controversy, the game is expected to draw significant attention, with SportsLine expert Eric Cohen predicting the 49ers to edge out the Rams. Cohen, who has a strong track record of NFL predictions, suggests that the 49ers could capitalize on their home-field advantage, despite the long journey to Australia.
- NFL fans and bettors are encouraged to consider the exact score predictions from SportsLine, as well as other traditional betting options. The game is part of a broader trend of NFL games being played in different locations, with the league looking to expand its reach and appeal to a global audience.
What's still developing
- Claim the latest Polymarket promo code CBSSPORTS to get a $50 bonus after $10 in trades : Los Angeles and San Francisco will play the first-ever NFL game in Australia on Thursday, with the NFC West rivals hoping to get off to a strong start.
- The most off-putting thing about the NFL asking two teams to fly 16 hours to the other side of the world and play a key division rivalry game in Australia the first week of the season was the league agreeing to give the performative antics of some lady named Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin a stage during its pregame ceremony.
- It was 60,000 years ago, if you believe Aunty Joy's speech at the Melbourne Cricket Ground before Thursday's game.
- And the obvious question one might ask is why the NFL would accept this narrative being part of what was otherwise a solemn and respectful 9/11 pregame memorial featuring both Americans and Australians?
- A SportsLine expert and host, Cohen is evaluating the entire Week 1 NFL slate and delivers score predictions and logic for each matchup.
- Week 1 road games have been Josh Allen's Kryptonite as over three away starts, he has 10 turnovers, compared to just five passing touchdowns.
- As the 2026 NFL season approaches, bettors will race to sportsbooks to make NFL predictions on the spread, in addition to bets on the money line, total or with player props.
- However, another wager one could make is a Week 1 NFL score prediction, where you guess what the exact score will be for a given game.