Rams' Week 1 Australia debut sizing up to be century's must-see game

First impressions make lasting impressions. And for the Los Angeles Rams and the NFL at large, the first impression to be made by opening the 2026 season in Melbourne, Australia, is a high-stakes opportunity.

Even as American football takes on soccer in international markets, it faces the challenge of exciting crowds who are unfamiliar with the sport. The NFL is counting on the Rams to unleash their big guns and woo Aussies to fandom.

What compels crowds to view games? Domestically, the league relies on the fervor of fandom mixed with the limited number of games. As few as eight games are held annually in an NFL city. It's that limited number of chances to see teams play that keeps fans hungering for more.

While the first game in Australia is certainly rare, the fervor has yet to hit its peak. The NFL is banking on several theatrical draws to make this a can't-miss hit.

Rams are bringing NFL's best to Melbourne

1. LA fields defending MVP and DPOY on same team

Before the Rams, no team in NFL history had boasted both the defending Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year. So MVP Matthew Stafford and DPOY Myles Garrett have already made made history before kickoff.

2. Rams face one of their toughest opponents

Of course, one of the most compelling reasons to watch any athletic competition is the uncertainty of the outcome. To ensure the outcome of LA's Week 1 remains a mystery, the NFL has matched the Horns against the San Francisco 49ers. Even as LA has upgraded its roster, the 49ers hope a bevy of once-injured players all get healthy this season.

Week 1 will be a slobberknocker.

3. Victor earns advantage over Seahawks

Many fans scoff at watching the standings too soon. But the winner between San Fran and LA in Week 1 gains an early tie-breaker advantage over the Seattle Seahawks. And since Seattle is the defending Super Bowl Champion, any advantage is a good thing.

4. Aaron Donald may unretire in time to play Down Under

The opportunity to pair Garrett with Aaron Donald is irresistible. And if they are on the same defensive front, no offense is safe. While it hasn't happened yet, the fact that Donald pondering a comeback has been enough to encourage NFL insiders and analysts to pivot from asking if he will return to when he will return.

If Donald does, he will not be coming back for a paycheck. He is a true competitor. He will only return to play. And if Donald lines up alongside Myles Garrett, the entire league will want to see what happens next.

Is it worth the investment of time and resources to see the Rams compete in Australia? For Horns fans, that answer is definitely yes.

For others as well as residents of Melbourne, Australia, this is more than the first NFL game in the city. It might just be the best Week 1 game of any season for at least the next 73 years.

As always, thanks for reading.

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