49ers Dominates In Australia, Defeat Rams 27-7 in Week 1

The San Francisco 49ers dominated the Super Bowl favorites and division rival Rams 27-7 in their 2026 NFL season opener in Melbourne, Australia.

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Sep 10, 2026, 8:33 PM Updated: 8:35 pm

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball in the third quarter of the NFL football game against Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 11, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

(Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

The San Francisco 49ers began their season with a convincing 27-7 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia. It was a slow first half, but a dominant victory overall with impressive performances on both sides of the ball.

After falling behind 7-3 early in the second quarter, San Francisco scored the final 24 points of the game. Brock Purdy threw touchdowns to three different receivers, while the defense kept Los Angeles off the scoreboard for the entire second half and came away with two turnovers.

Kicking off the season with a 1-0 start is always welcome. Doing so against a division rival, who most view as the Super Bowl favorites, in the NFL’s first Australia game just adds to it.

Here’s how the 49ers got the job done.

49ers vs. Rams Game Notes

The Rams received the opening kickoff, but it was San Francisco’s defense that impressed early. Los Angeles went three-and-out, with Fred Warner nearly coming away with an interception on the first play of the game.

San Francisco responded with a slow, methodical possession that was very on brand for a Kyle Shanahan offense. Brock Purdy spread the ball around through short passes with plenty of yards after catch (YAC), while Mike Evans, the 49ers’ biggest offseason addition, was involved early.

The 49ers went 65 yards over 14 plays and held the ball for more than seven minutes, but stalled at the Rams’ 2-yard line and settled for a 20-yard field goal from Eddy Pineiro.

Los Angeles went three-and-out again on its second possession, with Nick Bosa recording an early tackle for loss in his return.

The Rams eventually made the first big play of the night when Matthew Stafford connected with Puka Nacua for 41 yards. Kyren Williams finished the drive with a five-yard touchdown run to give Los Angeles a 7-3 lead early in the second quarter.

Momentum continued to favor the Rams when Purdy threw the first turnover of the game on an ill-advised attempt to George Kittle.

San Francisco’s defense quickly answered. Renardo Green backpedaled and came down with an interception of Stafford, just the second pick of his career after going without one throughout the 2025 season.

The 49ers offense then created its own explosive play as Purdy found Demarcus Robinson over the middle for a 39-yard touchdown, putting San Francisco back in front 10-7.

Undrafted rookie running back Kaelon Black also saw notable playing time behind Christian McCaffrey after impressing throughout the preseason.

As has been an unfortunate theme, the 49ers dealt with multiple injury concerns before halftime. Rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling returned after suffering an ankle injury, only to aggravate it and eventually be ruled out. Tight end Jake Tonges also went down with a non-contact right leg injury late in the half.

The 49ers entered halftime leading 10-7 and holding a 208-137 advantage in total yards. Purdy finished the half with 141 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception.

San Francisco came out of halftime loudly as Deebo Samuel opened the second half with a big kickoff return.

McCaffrey followed with one of his best runs of the night as the 49ers worked their way down the field. The drive ended with a reminder of the one-on-one threat that Mike Evans brings, securing his first touchdown. Evans came down with the contested catch for his first touchdown as a 49er, extending San Francisco’s lead to 17-7.

Los Angeles responded with one of its best offensive possessions of the night, with Davante Adams making his first catch in the process. The Rams eventually worked their way down to the goal line, where Stafford connected with Puka Nacua on third down but was stopped just short of the end zone.

Facing a pivotal fourth-and-inches, the Rams kept their offense on the field and attempted a quarterback sneak. San Francisco’s defensive front held him out, coming away with a massive goal-line stop. The 49ers then went 99 yards the other direction.

Purdy started using his legs more on the possession, including two notable runs, before rolling to his right and finding Samuel for a 15-yard touchdown and giving San Francisco a 24-7 lead with 12:57 remaining.

The defense did more to secure the final outcome in their favor from there. Greenlaw forced his second fumble of the night, knocking the ball loose from Tyler Higbee before San Francisco recovered around midfield.

San Francisco turned the turnover into another three points as Eddy Pineiro connected on a 56-yard field goal, extending the lead to 27-7 with 9:48 remaining and putting the 49ers firmly in control.

Pineiro later missed a long field goal attempt to extend the lead with 3:29 remaining, but the game was already all but over. That was apparent when the Rams turned the offense over to backup quarterback Stetson Bennett.

The 49ers closed out the 27-7 win with a 379-291 advantage in total yards. They dominated possession, holding the ball for nearly 34 minutes.

Purdy finished 25/34 for 205 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. McCaffrey rushed for 68 yards on 10 carries, while Black added 65 yards on 14 attempts. Evans caught six passes for 49 yards and his first touchdown as a 49er. Samuel also caught a touchdown in his first game since returning to the team this offseason.

San Francisco’s defense forced two turnovers and held Stafford to 155 passing yards with no touchdowns and one interception before Bennett took over late in the fourth quarter.

In a game where they were facing the Super Bowl favorites, the 49ers were clearly the better squad and the scoreboard reflected that dominance.

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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