The NFL takes on Australia for the first time tonight, and it’s got me all twisted around. Well, turned upside down.
The 17-hour time difference for both teams is one thing, but the difference in travel arrangements is a whole other ball of yarn.
By now, many smarter people have broken down the difference between the San Francisco 49ers leaving last week and the Los Angeles Rams flying in a day and a half before kickoff, so I’ll spare you my thoughts.
But what I will share are four bets that I’ve faded myself on.
This game is being played on a Friday morning in Australia but will be watched on a Thursday night in North America, and after listening to 49ers head coach Kyle Shannan talk about the difference in time zones, I’m not sure who to trust anymore.
But someone I do trust is Jordan Henry, and I’m going to take the advice he gave me this morning when we chatted about the game, and I told him I was hesitant due to all the unknown travel effects.
“The game is being played upside down, just fade yourself on everything.”
Now it all makes sense.
Four bets, all the opposite. It’s football in the upside-down world. I hope you enjoy it.
De’Zhaun Stribling Under 33.5 receiving yards
Stribling has been one of the flavours of the month during the NFL preseason, and expectations for the rookie receiver have gone through the roof since he was drafted 33rd overall.
In the midst of all the hype, it’d be very easy to pencil him in for at least 34 yards tonight in a game with a high total.
But considering it is Week 1, against a divisional rival, and there’s been a lot of travel, we’re going to fade the hype and take his under.
Puka Nacua Under 2.5 rushing yards
The Rams aren’t going to Australia to not showcase Puka Nacua, right?
Surely they’re going to get him at least one jet sweep, right?
He went over this number in four straight games to end 2025, so surely he’ll do it again, right?
Wrong.
Did you forget this game is being played upside down? The trends aren’t your friends today.
Matthew Stafford Over 0.5 rushing yards
Stafford had a grand total of one rushing yard on 29 attempts in the 2025 regular season.
We’re going to take him to match (or beat) that total in the opening game of the 2026 season.
Sure, why not?
Nick Bosa Over 0.5 Sacks
Myles Garrett this. Myles Garret that.
After playing in just three games last year, Nick Bosa returns to the 49ers lineup flying under the radar and looking to show everyone he’s still got the juice.
I’ll ignore the obvious click with Garrett and take a swing at Bosa who might be playing extra inspired in his return to action.
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Anyway, if you want a real best bet for the game, check out Morning Coffee where Domenic Padula writes about Brock Purdy and his rushing ability.
As for this SGP, these four props come out to around +1381 odds on FanDuel.
