Biderman: Rams’ Australia strategy could favor 49ers in Week 1

The 49ers enter the 2026 season with plenty of questions surrounding them, but The Sacramento Bee’s Chris Biderman believes San Francisco could have an advantage when it opens the season against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia.

Speaking with Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys, Biderman explained why the Rams’ decision to arrive in Australia roughly 24 hours before Thursday’s game could ultimately favor the 49ers.

The Rams have chosen a travel strategy designed to minimize the impact of the time-zone change once they return to Los Angeles.

While Biderman understands the logic, he believes Los Angeles may be prioritizing the entire season over maximizing its chances of winning Week 1.

“I have a really hard time, anecdotally, as somebody who has flown cross-country, to think like I’m just going to get off a plane, sleep for one night, and then go,” Biderman said.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 02: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after catching a pass for a touchdown against Troy Reeder #51 of the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at SoFi Stadium on October 02, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The 49ers, meanwhile, will spend more time acclimating to Australia before the game. That could leave San Francisco better prepared for the unique circumstances of Thursday’s matchup.

“It feels like what the Rams are doing is to better prepare themselves for the rest of the season, rather than give themselves the best chance to win this game,” Biderman said.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the Rams made the wrong decision. Biderman pointed out that Los Angeles should have an easier time readjusting to life back home, while the 49ers will have to deal with their own transition back to California before Week 2.

Still, when it comes specifically to Week 1, Biderman believes the 49ers could benefit.

That belief extends beyond the travel situation. The Rams will also be without future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who decided not to travel to Australia.

Put it all together, and Biderman isn’t ruling out a San Francisco victory.

“I might actually even pick them to win, particularly with Donald not playing,” Biderman said.

A major reason the 49ers have a chance is the return of Nick Bosa. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris confirmed Bosa will play, although his workload remains unclear as he returns from his third ACL injury.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 17: Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers is introduced before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on November 17, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Biderman called Bosa one of the most important players on San Francisco’s roster and emphasized just how much the defense needs him.

“When he’s healthy, he’s so much better than anybody else they have at defensive end,” Biderman said.

Bosa’s availability could dramatically raise the ceiling of the 49ers’ defense. With Sam Okuayinonu unavailable and Michael Williams sidelined, San Francisco needs Bosa to make an impact.

“If Nick Bosa can stay healthy, the Niners’ defense has a much higher ceiling,” Biderman said. “If not, it’s going to be really hard to contend without him.”

For a 49ers team facing one of the NFC’s biggest favorites in Week 1, that could make Bosa’s return–and the unusual circumstances surrounding the game–even more significant.

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

Full episodes of Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• Brock Purdy on his journey from Mr. Irrelevant to 49ers QB1
• Kubiak: George Kittle ‘looks good’ ahead of 49ers season opener
• 49ers DC: Nick Bosa will play in 49ers’ season opener vs. Rams
• Greg Papa opens up about life-saving transplant & his 49ers comeback attempt
• Caraway: Nick Bosa must prove his value to the 49ers

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers 2026 Schedule

• Thursday, September 10th – vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia (Season Opener) – 5:35 pm PT
• Sunday, September 20th – vs. Miami Dolphins – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, September 27th – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Denver Broncos – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, October 11th – @ Seattle Seahawks – 1:25 pm PT

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