The Los Angeles Rams have opted for a late trip to Australia, where they will face the San Francisco 49ers. Head Coach Sean McVay explains the reasoning.

The San Francisco 49ers traveled to Australia last week.

There, at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground, the game against the Los Angeles Rams is scheduled for the night of September 11.

Their opponent has taken a completely different approach, as the Rams are still in L.A. They won’t travel to Melbourne until Tuesday, meaning they’ll arrive there just before the game. The approach, then, is that of a business trip. Get there just before the game, play, and then head back just as quickly.

“To put it in perspective: We’ll be leaving at a time that, for me, is roughly equivalent to a Friday night,” Head Coach Sean McVay explained. “For you, it’s Tuesday night, but for us, the timing feels like Friday night. We’ll sleep through the night on the flight, then arrive there and maintain a certain rhythm.”

Los Angeles Rams: Players Should Stay in Their Rhythm

McVay emphasized that the decisions were made with the players in mind. They should stick to their usual routine as much as possible.

“That doesn’t mean we believe our approach is right and someone else’s is wrong. It’s simply what we consider the best solution based on our experience and the things we’ve learned during our time here,” the coach continued.

This even went so far that the franchise had tested it out beforehand: “We felt the results were positive. All of these factors went into our decision to take this approach.”

Rams vs. 49ers: Just a Small Window of Opportunity and a Lot of Criticism

Because, essentially, the matchup against the 49ers comes down to a three-hour window during which the Rams have to deliver: “Then we have to be ready to really get going. That’s what it’s all about,” said McVay.

And it’s about getting back into the usual U.S. rhythm after returning. In Week 2, the Miami Dolphins await the 49ers. The Rams host the New York Giants.

Even though the Rams’ coach defended the franchise’s approach, the decision has been met with confusion by many fans and experts: “Totally silly, especially since it’s the season opener. Go there, acclimate yourselves, and then take off right after,” commented NFL journalist Benjamin Allbright on “X.”

NFL writer Don Atkinson shares a similar view; from a marketing perspective, he can’t make sense of the Rams’ decision: “The Rams are the ‘home team’ and the ones responsible for forcing the 49ers to make this long trip (and we all know why). And they’ve done absolutely nothing to promote the NFL brand or connect with the Australians. Fly there, fly back—no contact. I’m sure the Australians are thrilled about this snub.”

Atkinson therefore expects a clear majority of fans in the stadium: “The stands will be predominantly red again.”

Super silly, especially since it’s a season opener. Go. Get acclimated, leave immediately afterward. https://t.co/sKKUwMqGti

— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) August 31, 2026