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Golden Nuggets: Nothing better than having NFL football back on the TV

The San Francisco 49ers kicked off their 2026 campaign in commanding fashion, notching a 27-7 triumph over the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia. Playing before an audience exceeding 100,000 spectators on September 11, the 49ers controlled the contest, highlighted by Mike Evans catching a touchdown during the third quarter.

While Christian McCaffrey was limited to 15 touches on offense, San Francisco capitalized on spending an entire week preparing Down Under, whereas the Rams landed merely a day prior to kickoff.

Following the decisive outcome, linebacker Fred Warner voiced immense confidence in quarterback Brock Purdy, strengthening the club's early standing as a legitimate championship contender. The victory was especially satisfying for San Francisco after enduring an offseason in which division-rival Los Angeles secured Myles Garrett and the Seattle Seahawks captured the previous Lombardi Trophy on the Niners' own home turf.

The historic international contest also saw three former UCLA Bruins contribute notable plays.