One game was enough to reshape the NFC West betting market. The San Francisco 49ers opened the season as the third choice to win the division, but after a 27-7 dismantling of the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, they have climbed to the top of the odds board.
ESPN’s odds figures show San Francisco now at +160 to claim the NFC West, ahead of Seattle at +175 and the Rams at +205. The shift is notable given that not many had faith in the 49ers entering the season, while the Rams were odds-on Super Bowl favorites and the Seahawks were considered the stronger division contender.
Week 1 Result Sets the Tone
The 49ers’ victory came at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia, where they covered a 3.5-point spread with room to spare. The Rams’ only loss of the young season is that defeat, and the NFC West as a whole sits at 3-1 through Week 1.
San Francisco’s core stars were healthy for the opener, a contrast to recent seasons in which the team has dealt with a long list of injuries. That availability showed on the field and immediately influenced how oddsmakers view the division.
Super Bowl Odds: Rams Still on Top
Despite the lopsided loss, Los Angeles remains the Super Bowl favorite at +650. The Rams added star talent in the offseason and still carry the shortest championship odds in the league. But the oddsmakers’ view is split: they see Los Angeles as the most likely Super Bowl winner, yet not the most likely NFC West winner.
San Francisco is tied with Kansas City at +1400 for the Super Bowl, placing them well behind the Rams but firmly in the conversation. Baltimore sits at +900, Buffalo at +950, and Seattle at +1100.
In the NFC championship market, the Rams are first at +455, the 49ers second at +550, and the Seahawks third at +580. Philadelphia is at +710 and Chicago at +800.
Injury Concerns Cloud the Rams
Los Angeles is dealing with significant absences. Myles Garrett has been placed on Injured Reserve and will miss at least a month. Aaron Donald has not yet played this season. Sam Darnold is out with a hip injury, and Drew Lock will start at quarterback in his place.
Darnold could return around Week 5, which would coincide with a critical stretch in the division race.
San Francisco has its own injury issues. Ricky Pearsall and Alfred Collins are out for the season. But the team’s core group was intact for Week 1, and that health has helped fuel the early optimism.
What's Next for the 49ers
San Francisco will host the Dolphins, Cardinals, and Broncos before Week 5. That stretch offers a chance to build on the Week 1 win and solidify its position atop the division odds.
The Week 5 matchup at Seattle could be a turning point. If the 49ers continue winning, their division odds may shorten further. If the Seahawks defend home field, the NFC West race could tighten again.
For now, the 49ers are the favorites in a division that looked far less certain just a week ago.
