The NFL season is barely a few days old, but ESPN's predictive computer has already thrown a curveball. The Los Angeles Rams, who entered Week 1 as the top team in the FPI ratings, have been knocked off their perch after a disastrous opener across the globe.
San Francisco's dominant 27-7 victory over the Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday wasn't just a statement win — it was enough to make the 49ers the new Super Bowl favorites in ESPN's model. The Rams, meanwhile, slid from No. 1 to No. 4 after failing to get anything going on either side of the ball.
The Rams came into the season with sky-high expectations after adding Aaron Donald, Myles Garrett, and Trent McDuffie to a roster that already featured stars like Puka Nacua and Matthew Stafford. But against the 49ers, that star power never materialized. The defense had no answer for Brock Purdy, who threw for 205 yards and three touchdowns, while the offense sputtered all night.
“Probably only had two good drives, to be honest,” Stafford said after the game. “Not enough good stuff on offense. We didn’t do the things that we’re accustomed to doing. Too many times, we were on different pages. That starts with me.”
The loss was a rude awakening for a team that had been the talk of the offseason. But as Sean McVay's journey has shown before, early-season stumbles don't always define a campaign. Still, the Rams now face an uphill climb in a loaded NFC West.
San Francisco, on the other hand, looks every bit the powerhouse many expected. Their defense harassed Stafford all game, and Purdy was sharp when it mattered. The 49ers' rise to the top of the FPI rankings is a testament to their complete performance — but does one win really make them the team to beat?
It's a question that will be answered in the coming weeks. The two teams will meet again on Dec. 13 at Levi's Stadium, a rematch that could have major playoff implications in the NFC. If the Rams hope to reclaim their spot atop the conference, they'll need to fix their issues fast.
For now, the 49ers are the new kings of the FPI hill, and they've put the rest of the league on notice. The Rams, meanwhile, are left to regroup after a humbling trip Down Under.
