Game Info
Kickoff: Thursday, September 10, 2026, 8:35 PM ET
Location: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, AUS
Network: Netflix
San Francisco 49ers
Quarterback
Brock Purdy: SIT, QB2 (Startable in Superflex)
It was actually Mac Jones who made both of the 49ers’ starts against the Rams in 2025, and he played quite well. But Brock Purdy takes on a stout Rams defense with a less than 100% George Kittle, Mike Evans, Christian McCaffrey, and no Christian Kirk (Short-Term IR), Ricky Pearsall (Season-Long IR), or Brandon Aiyuk (Stuck in the Upside Down). Purdy isn’t a terrible start, but I’d prefer to look elsewhere.
Running Back
Christian McCaffrey: START, RB1
Jordan James: SIT
Kaelon Black: SIT
If Christian McCaffrey is on the football field, you’re starting him in fantasy. But coming off his least efficient season since his rookie year and an explosive run rate that had CMC finish outside the top 35 in both categories among running backs with at least 100 carries, his ceiling isn’t what it once was. It feels blasphemous to think, let alone type, but McCaffrey is a borderline RB1 with a phenomenal floor thanks to target volume, but I fear that RB1 overall potential is gone. Jordan James and Kaelon Black are high-value handcuffs.
Wide Receiver
Mike Evans: START, WR3
Deebo Samuel Sr: SIT
De’Zhaun Stribling: FLEX, WR4/5
Per Mike Evans himself, none of his injuries were significant, and missing the majority of training camp was nothing more than the team exercising an overabundance of caution. While that may be true, the missed time prevented Evans from working on his rapport with Brock Purdy. A veteran like Evans will have no issues stepping on the field for any team and catching footballs, but their timing could be off early. He’s a boom/bust WR3 who has a great chance to get into the end zone. It appears De’Zhaun Stribling will be the starting slot receiver for the Niners, but until we see what type of target share he sees, Stribling is a risky FLEX. Could Deebo Samuel Sr wind up a fantasy-viable asset? Sure. But I want to see it in multiple games before I’m willing to start him.
Tight End
George Kittle: SIT
It’s looking like George Kittle will be able to suit up for the 49ers opener in Australia, but I’m not comfortable with the risk of starting him. I’d expect him to be on a limited snap count just eight months removed from suffering a torn right Achilles. Him suiting up is a phenomenal development for his season-long value, but I’m ok with being wrong if Kittle winds up blowing up down under.
Defense/Special Teams
San Francisco 49ers: SIT
Not against the reigning MVP and Top Offense from last season.
Los Angeles Rams
Quarterback
Matthew Stafford: START, QB1
I’m on record that I expect Matthew Stafford to come back down to earth from his incredible MVP season of 2025, but he’s still locked in as a borderline QB1 in all formats as long as he has Sean McVay calling plays with Davante Adams and Puka Nacua running routes.
Running Back
Kyren Williams: START, RB2
Blake Corum: FLEX, RB3
San Francisco held Kyren Williams under 100 rushing yards in both of the teams’ meetings last season, but Williams was able to get in the end zone twice, twice against the Niners. Blake Corum has been nipping at his heels for the 1A role in this RB tandem for a while now, but as things stand, he’s still Robin to Williams’ Batman. They eat into each other’s upside, but there’s enough to go around to keep Corum as a low-end FLEX in Week 1.
Wide Receiver
Davante Adams: START, WR2
Puka Nacua: START, WR1
There’s a real chance that Puka Nacua winds up missing games this season for his offseason issues, but if he’s active, you start him. Period. Davante Adams returns to LA for a second season and should maintain his “goal line receiver” role, good enough to keep him in WR2 land. The Rams are among the top five in implied team totals for Week 1, and both could/should eat.
Tight End
Colby Parkinson: SIT
Tyer Higbee: SIT
Terrance Ferguson: SIT
Max Klare: SIT
🤷
Defense/Special Teams
Los Angeles Rams: START
The Rams finished +11 in turnover differential in 2025. They also added Myles Garrett and the recently unretired Aaron Donald (who won’t play in this game).