Rams, 49ers adopt opposite travel plans for NFL opener in Australia

The Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers will open the 2026 NFL season with a historic matchup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 10, 2026. Rams head coach Sean McVay has decided the team will fly to Melbourne only a day before the game and return to the United States immediately afterward, relying on a study of jet‑lag effects and the players’ mental toughness.

In contrast, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan plans for his squad to arrive a week early to acclimate to the 17‑hour time difference. Shanahan is also recovering from injuries sustained in a July car crash but expects his team to be ready for the opener. The differing approaches highlight the coaches’ strategies for handling the overseas venue and the logistical challenges of playing in Australia.