# 49ers vs Rams predictions, graded

Week 1, 2026: San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams

Sep 11, 2026 · final: 49ers 27, Rams 7 · 35 calls on record · updated Sep 12, 9:20 AM ET

Who do pundits pick in 49ers vs Rams? Of 26 pundits with a call on record, 16 take the Rams and 10 take the 49ers. 6 named a score; the median has the Rams by 5.5. The 49ers won 27-7, so 10 of 26 had the winner. Their graded calls averaged 34 out of 100.

Picks by outlet. Each pundit counted once, at the outlet or show their latest call ran on. An outlet is listed when two or more of its pundits have picked.

- [Sports Illustrated](https://missedtakes.co/outlets/sports-illustrated): Rams 6, 49ers 2
- [CBS Sports](https://missedtakes.co/outlets/cbs-sports): Rams 4, 49ers 1
- [Locked On Rams (podcast)](https://missedtakes.co/outlets/locked-on-rams-podcast): all 3 49ers
- [Locked On 49ers (podcast)](https://missedtakes.co/outlets/locked-on-49ers-podcast): all 2 49ers
- [The Rich Eisen Show (podcast)](https://missedtakes.co/outlets/the-rich-eisen-show-podcast): all 2 Rams

The other 6 pundits write or talk elsewhere: Rams 4, 49ers 2.

Page: https://missedtakes.co/nfl/games/2026-week-1-49ers-at-rams

Picks:

- [Jordan Dajani](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/jordan-dajani) took the Rams, Rams 24–49ers 20; said Sep 10, 2026; on CBS Sports; scored 11.9 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/f6565d23-03db-4e60-a574-21a0b86dafb0
- [Jared Dubin](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/jared-dubin) took the Rams, Rams 31–49ers 21; said Sep 10, 2026; on CBS Sports; scored 26.19 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/5017ce6e-d3fa-471a-bcf6-b9834182fded
- [Jared Dubin](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/jared-dubin) took the Rams, Rams 31–49ers 21; said Sep 10, 2026; on CBS Sports; scored 26.19 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/71ca9946-84c7-4234-bc1e-37db563e9ccd
- [John Middlekauff](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/john-middlekauff) took the 49ers; said Sep 10, 2026; on 3 and Out with John Middlekauff (podcast); scored 100 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/581128af-a57f-4ec8-b904-e3f1e7c65e67
- [Tyler Sullivan](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/tyler-sullivan) took the 49ers; said Sep 10, 2026; on CBS Sports; scored 100 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/cd6c3269-8c90-4044-9c48-0b1fc3537699
- [Richard Sherman](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/richard-sherman) took the 49ers, 49ers 27–Rams 24; said Sep 9, 2026; on The Richard Sherman Podcast (podcast); scored 59.52 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/3b4f1960-4810-4136-8023-c9a76a0598a3
- [Mike Florio](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/mike-florio) took the Rams, Rams 24–49ers 13; said Sep 9, 2026; on NBC Sports; scored 28.57 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/4b20f46e-ebc0-462f-9e7a-2ab82f91a2ea
- [Mitch Goldich](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/mitch-goldich) took the Rams; said Sep 9, 2026; on Sports Illustrated; scored 0 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/643de3da-467f-48c2-a141-4656c392ab89
- [Conor Orr](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/conor-orr) took the Rams; said Sep 9, 2026; on Sports Illustrated; scored 0 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/54ae8d21-7621-4c3d-816c-e879aed9b5c2
- [Mike Kadlick](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/mike-kadlick) took the 49ers; said Sep 9, 2026; on Sports Illustrated; scored 100 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/934613ff-97e3-4894-a383-faa755bdfc35
- [Eva Geitheim](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/eva-geitheim) took the 49ers; said Sep 9, 2026; on Sports Illustrated; scored 100 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/599df4d8-af5a-4097-b802-1d21ce7b6ce1
- [Albert Breer](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/albert-breer) took the Rams; said Sep 9, 2026; on Sports Illustrated; scored 0 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/81a0a660-de14-460e-a283-c357a6a1bcda
- [Gilberto Manzano](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/gilberto-manzano) took the Rams; said Sep 9, 2026; on Sports Illustrated; scored 0 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/f6e2bb80-47ba-4803-9002-1ab10e7ee54c
- [John Pluym](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/john-pluym) took the Rams; said Sep 9, 2026; on Sports Illustrated; scored 0 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/e7e5c159-21f2-4766-92de-857294ef51cf
- [Matt Verderame](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/matt-verderame) took the Rams; said Sep 9, 2026; on Sports Illustrated; scored 0 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/e4f51f97-310d-4665-a47e-fdab93ff1fd1
- [Pete Prisco](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/pete-prisco) took the Rams, Rams 28–49ers 27; said Sep 9, 2026; on CBS Sports; scored 4.76 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/d6f9bde0-aad0-4013-967c-c197b2e9be19
- [Nick Winkler](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/nick-winkler) took the 49ers; said Sep 9, 2026; on Locked On 49ers (podcast); scored 100 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/b72b3856-bff5-45a8-9698-19c2f6480d44
- [Eric Crocker](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/eric-crocker) took the 49ers; said Sep 9, 2026; on Locked On 49ers (podcast); scored 100 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/229afb05-cc72-486a-acc8-b16d7d2ccb94
- [Nick Winkler](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/nick-winkler) took the 49ers; said Sep 9, 2026; on Locked On 49ers (podcast); scored 100 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/b72b3856-bff5-45a8-9698-19c2f6480d44
- [John Breech](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/john-breech) took the Rams, Rams 24–49ers 17; said Sep 8, 2026; on CBS Sports; scored 19.05 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/b823d5ce-fc63-4d24-9f48-839f494b538a
- [Jason McIntyre](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/jason-mcintyre) took the Rams; said Sep 1, 2026; on The Herd with Colin Cowherd (podcast); scored 0 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/7b33b448-da81-4b34-9c3e-71da132c31b3
- [Richard Sherman](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/richard-sherman) took the Rams; said Sep 1, 2026; on The Richard Sherman Podcast (podcast); scored 0 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/899da7d4-df5a-4224-84ca-ef4e215dc978
- [Chris Brockman](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/chris-brockman) took the Rams; said Aug 31, 2026; on Overreaction Monday (podcast); scored 0 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/b5fffa08-e5d3-4d2b-ba4b-284a5cb89375
- [Veejay Huskey](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/veejay-huskey) took the Rams; said Aug 30, 2026; on Fox Sports Radio (podcast); scored 0 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/9b37fc24-8be7-499e-85c9-5743fdc71d25
- [John Breech](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/john-breech) took the Rams; said Aug 19, 2026; on CBS Sports; scored 0 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/50eb251e-cf6b-417d-a0d6-bccba95e06fc
- [O'Shea Jackson Jr.](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/o-shea-jackson-jr) took the Rams; said May 29, 2026; on The Rich Eisen Show (podcast); scored 0 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/d56386d9-bfad-4790-855e-65fdbb116735
- [O'Shea Jackson Jr.](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/o-shea-jackson-jr) took the Rams; said May 29, 2026; on The Rich Eisen Show (podcast); scored 0 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/d56386d9-bfad-4790-855e-65fdbb116735
- [Gavin Carlson](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/gavin-carlson) took the 49ers; said May 19, 2026; on Locked On Rams (podcast); scored 100 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/204238c3-a246-4c2a-a708-95c2390df560
- [Michael Brockers](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/michael-brockers) took the 49ers; said May 19, 2026; on Locked On Rams (podcast); scored 100 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/e7d13468-d30b-4b62-95a8-1fbd66171345
- [Gavin Carlson](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/gavin-carlson) took the Rams; said May 19, 2026; on Locked On Rams (podcast); scored 0 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/204238c3-a246-4c2a-a708-95c2390df560
- [Rob Bushka](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/rob-bushka) took the 49ers; said May 19, 2026; on Locked On Rams (podcast); scored 100 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/c93b88cb-d927-4b77-8e1f-f6651712338e
- [Michael Brockers](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/michael-brockers) took the Rams; said May 19, 2026; on Locked On Rams (podcast); scored 0 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/e7d13468-d30b-4b62-95a8-1fbd66171345
- [Rob Bushka](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/rob-bushka) took the Rams; said May 19, 2026; on Locked On Rams (podcast); scored 0 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/c93b88cb-d927-4b77-8e1f-f6651712338e
- [Chris Brockman](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/chris-brockman) took the Rams; said May 13, 2026; on The Rich Eisen Show (podcast); scored 0 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/ecf298ec-5674-4848-84f0-040409c29bdd
- [Rich Eisen](https://missedtakes.co/pundits/rich-eisen) took the Rams; said May 13, 2026; on The Rich Eisen Show (podcast); scored 0 out of 100 (the naive pick scored 0) — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/04528a2d-b0b7-4367-b629-a1cdde3716f3

## How they came in

The 49ers went 12-5 last season and the Rams went 12-5 last season. It is a division game. On win totals, 13 pundits put the 49ers at 10.1 wins on average, and 15 pundits put the Rams at 11.8 wins on average.

Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia

- San Francisco 49ers: 0-0
  - Unit ranks this season: offense 2nd, defense 9th of 32
  - Last season: 12-5
  - Win-total calls: 13 pundits, average 10.1, 3 to 14 wins
- Los Angeles Rams: 0-0
  - Unit ranks this season: offense 10th, defense 13th of 32
  - Last season: 12-5
  - Win-total calls: 17 pundits, average 11.8, 3 to 17 wins

## Players to watch

Each club's starting quarterback, leading rusher, receiver and tight end, and its sack and tackle leaders, with their 2026 regular season so far, with the latest call on each from a pundit ranked on the leaderboard whose record beats the naive pick, made since the 2026 schedule came out ("No." is that rank). Leaderboard: https://missedtakes.co/nfl/leaderboard

- [Brock Purdy](https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/brock-purdy) (Starting QB, QB): 1,980 passing yards · 17 TD, 5 INT · 69.1% completions · 201 rushing yards · 8 games; 14th in the NFL in passing yards
  - No. 4 Bryan DeArdo, Nov 3, 2026: Brock Purdy to stay with San Francisco 49ers (not settled yet)
  - No. 8 Pat Fitzmaurice, Sep 6, 2026: Brock Purdy to finish top 12 at his position, by fantasy points (not settled yet)
- [Christian McCaffrey](https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/christian-mccaffrey) (RB1, RB): 457 rushing yards on 102 carries · 10 TD · 36 catches for 270 · 8 games; 19th in the NFL in rushing yards
  - No. 8 Pat Fitzmaurice, Jun 26, 2026: Christian McCaffrey to outplay his draft cost (that mid first round pick) (not settled yet)
  - No. 29 Brian Peacock, Aug 25, 2026: Christian McCaffrey to make the roster (scored 100 out of 100)
- [Mike Evans](https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/mike-evans) (WR1, WR): 27 catches for 420 yards · 3 TD · 6 games; 33rd in the NFL in receiving yards
  - No. 8 Pat Fitzmaurice, Nov 13, 2026: Evans figures to be back by Week 11 at the latest (not settled yet)
  - No. 12 Derek Brown, Jun 27, 2026: Mike Evans to outplay his draft cost (a locked and loaded top twenty four guy) (not settled yet)
- [George Kittle](https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/george-kittle) (TE1, TE): 38 catches for 483 yards · 5 TD · 8 games; 25th in the NFL in receiving yards
  - No. 29 Brian Peacock, Aug 25, 2026: George Kittle to make the roster (scored 100 out of 100)
  - No. 30 Andrew Erickson, Sep 29, 2026: George Kittle to finish top 5 at his position, by fantasy points (not settled yet)
- [DeForest Buckner](https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/deforest-buckner) (Sack leader, DT): 4 sacks · 12 solo tackles · 8 games; 30th in the NFL in sacks
  - No. 27 Tyler Sullivan, Oct 27, 2026: DeForest Buckner to move — “may ship out before the deadline” (not settled yet)
  - No. 54 Colin Cowherd, Oct 27, 2026: DeForest Buckner to move to San Francisco 49ers (not settled yet)
- [Fred Warner](https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/fred-warner) (Tackle leader, LB): 0.5 sacks · 36 solo tackles · 8 games; 14th in the NFL in solo tackles
  - No. 26 Bucky Brooks, Sep 3, 2026: Fred Warner to make All-Pro (not settled yet)
  - No. 29 Brian Peacock, Aug 25, 2026: Fred Warner to make the roster (scored 100 out of 100)
- [Matthew Stafford](https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/matthew-stafford) (Starting QB, QB): 2,374 passing yards · 16 TD, 9 INT · 66.5% completions · 9 games; 4th in the NFL in passing yards
  - No. 5 Tom Pelissero, May 22, 2026: Matthew Stafford to be 1st on the depth chart (not settled yet)
  - No. 8 Pat Fitzmaurice, Aug 11, 2026: Matthew Stafford to outplay his draft cost (the middle rounds) (not settled yet)
- [Kyren Williams](https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/kyren-williams) (RB1, RB): 593 rushing yards on 127 carries · 7 TD · 36 catches for 258 · 9 games; 13th in the NFL in rushing yards
  - No. 8 Pat Fitzmaurice, Aug 22, 2026: Kyren Williams to be 1st on the depth chart (not settled yet)
  - No. 20 Jake Ciely, Jul 20, 2026: Kyren Williams to outplay his draft cost (third round) (not settled yet)
- [Puka Nacua](https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/puka-nacua) (WR1, WR): 70 catches for 715 yards · 4 TD · 7 games; 7th in the NFL in receiving yards
  - No. 5 Tom Pelissero, Oct 2, 2026: it appears to be, as far as I know, all systems go for him to be back against Stevens (vs. Philadelphia, Week 4) (not settled yet)
  - No. 8 Pat Fitzmaurice, Nov 11, 2026: “it might even be worth trading Gordon for Puka Nacua, who should be back in time to help you in Weeks 15-17.” (not settled yet)
- [Tyler Higbee](https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/tyler-higbee) (TE1, TE): 28 catches for 287 yards · 1 TD · 8 games; 74th in the NFL in receiving yards
  - No. 28 Mike Renner, Jun 24, 2026: Tyler Higbee: a roster call with no direction stated (not settled yet)
- [Byron Young](https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/byron-young-9137) (Sack leader, LB): 4.5 sacks · 15 solo tackles · 9 games; 22nd in the NFL in sacks
- [Quentin Lake](https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/quentin-lake) (Tackle leader, S): 37 solo tackles · 3 interceptions · 9 games; 13th in the NFL in solo tackles

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The room is counted in pundits, each one's latest call standing. Accuracy is out of 100; the naive pick is the home team.
The week: https://missedtakes.co/nfl/games/2026-week-1
Method: https://missedtakes.co/methodology