Well, we got the Wednesday game over with. Now it’s time to settle in and watch some normal Week 1 action in… Australia?!
That’s right. The first Thursday Night Football game of the season will also be the NFL’s first-ever contest in Oceania. Most of the 49ers and the Rams have traveled half-way around the world for this one — I’m looking at you Aaron Donald — and the action will be settled at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Who will score the league’s first touchdown in Australia? Let’s break down the odds on the DraftKings Sportsbook and make a couple picks.
49ers vs. Rams First Touchdown Scorer Odds
49ers at Rams First Touchdown Scorer Picks
Christian McCaffrey First TD Scorer (+500)
It’s absolutely the most basic pick, but there’s good reason for McCaffrey having the shortest odds of anyone to find the end zone first on Thursday evening. In 2025, McCaffrey led the NFL in red zone rushing attempts (71) and red zone rushing rate, seeing a jaw-dropping 76.3% of the 49ers’ carries inside the 20. But that’s not all. On top of having the league’s most secure goal line back role, McCaffrey also finished fourth in red zone targets (25). Not fourth among running backs. Fourth overall. He trailed only Amon-Ra St. Brown, Trey McBride and Davante Adams. That’s simply a staggering amount of high-leverage volume. It’s also why, even at 30-years-old, CMC remains one of the best in the business in fantasy and prop betting.
Tyler Higbee First TD Scorer (+2500)
I’ll be honest. The only reason I have Higbee listed as the pick is that he has longer odds than Colby Parkinson (+2000) and Terrance Ferguson (+2200). But in all honesty, there’s a case to be made that all three deserve a sprinkle in this market. Look no further than Eli Raridon scoring the first touchdown in last night’s tilt — back-up tight ends are a viable strategy with these types of bets. That’s only more true when specifically dealing with the Rams. No team loves 13 personnel as much as Los Angeles. In fact, it isn’t even close. The Rams had three tight ends on the field for 30.5% of snaps in 2025, which was more than double any other offensive unit. Also doesn’t hurt that Matthew Stafford led the NFL in red zone passing attempts (104) and red zone touchdown passes (33), either.
