The Los Angeles Rams have established themselves as one of the NFL’s marquee franchises thanks to their on-field success and market. Los Angeles is one of the biggest and most lucrative markets in the league and the Rams have given the community something to cheer about year in and year out.
Los Angeles has come close to winning a Super Bowl the past couple of seasons and the team is all-in on chasing another championship come the 2026 campaign. So far, the Rams have been aggressive in free agency as they look to supplement a roster led by reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford.
The Rams will get a chance to boost their international presence in Week 1 as they’re set to play the first NFL game in Melbourne, Australia against the San Francisco 49ers. Due to scheduling, the game will be played on Thursday of Week 1, via Joe Flint of Wall Street Journal:
Some small NFL TV news. The first game of the regular season will be on Wednesday night on NBC (vs usual Thursday). The Melbourne game will be on Thursday — platform TBD. NFL can't do a Friday game this year on opening week, hence the tweaks.
— Joe Flint (@JBFlint) March 17, 2026
The opening game of the season normally features the defending Super Bowl champions, so the Seattle Seahawks figure to be part of the Wednesday game. Given that it’s an overseas game, it’s no surprise to see the Rams and 49ers get Thursday evening as it will allow them more time to travel back for Week 2.
The downside to the Australia game is it will cost Los Angeles one home game, but getting to formally introduce the country to NFL football is an exciting feat only they and San Francisco can claim. The league has made it a point of emphasis to grow its international presence, and it’s working as fans across the globe have tuned in to the primetime games.
The Rams understand that this upcoming season could be its last run with Stafford, so getting a win against an NFC West rival in the 49ers would be a strong statement.
Rams discussed trading for A.J. Brown but have since moved on
The Rams aren’t afraid to trade draft capital for established stars, so it was no surprise they were linked to Philadelphia Eagles wideout A.J. Brown. While Los Angeles was deep into the mix for Brown, they have reportedly moved on.
