Rams already have an edge on the 49ers if health expert is right

The Los Angeles Rams must travel 17 hours to play their first game in Australia. The plan: get in, play a game, and then get the heck out of Dodge. Their opponents, the San Francisco 49ers, believe traveling a week early gives them the advantage. 30 teams are sitting back to see which strategy proves better.

It's just one more variable that could have a huge impact on the outcome. At least one expert hints that the Rams, and not the Niners, may have chosen wisely. Dr. Cathy Goldstein of the University of Michigan gives her nod to LA's approach for this game.

Her explanation dives into the science. To sum it up in layman's terms, the 17-hour time zone difference between the Pacific coast and Melbourne, Australia will require 17 days to realign for players and coaches. Meanwhile, sleep cycles and peak performances will suffer for San Francisco throughout the week as they undergo the realignment.

By getting in and getting out quickly, the Rams can keep players and coaches on LA time. That avoids the tremendous burden of trying to change sleep, meal, exercise, and rest periods.

Even Colin Cowherd give Rams the nod on travel plans

While talking head Colin Cowherd has a pattern of controversy, he scores strong points with his analysis of the different approaches to this game. In an episode of The Herd, he compares the Niners' preparation to a wedding and the Rams preparation to a business trip. He makes a valid point.

The Rams are staying anchored in familiar settings for practice, only traveling long enough to get to the site, play the game, and get home. Of course, that's not all they'll have to consider.

1. Stay hydrated

The greatest single concern for any flight is remaining hydrated. High-altitude pressurized cabins lack humidity, and that dry air takes its toll on passengers. So the first order of business for a 17-hour flight is to stay hydrated. That's not just sipping at a bottle of water. That means actively drinking prescribed quantities to ensure hydration does not become a problem.

2. It's just a football game

LA is treating this like just another game. Despite the distances travelled, in essence, that's just what this is. The Rams had a solid week of practice in familiar settings, and now they're traveling with one goal in mind - playing the game. How does that give them an advantage?

The 49ers have been trying to practice all week in a different time zone in unfamiliar settings. Sleep is disrupted. Meals are less nourishing. In almost every way, the players and coaches have been fighting an uphill battle all week just to get the normal amount of work accomplished.

This is just a football game. The Niners are treating it like a family vacation.

3. Get in, get 'er done, get out.

The 49ers have had to deal with distractions. Meanwhile, the Horns have remained focused throughout the week. That's much easier when variables and distractions are limited. Players won't have time to see the sights, lose sleep in unfamiliar beds, or even worry about their performances.

The 49ers have been inundated by the sights, sounds, and smells of Melbourne, Australia, all week. Not only have they had to overcome it this week, they'll get whacked again when they return to San Francisco to prepare for their next opponent.

As always, thanks for reading.

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