I figured the travel difference between the 49ers and Rams would be noticeable.
However, the game would still be close, and it wasn’t, as McVay took the biggest hit of his Rams tenure, especially against the 49ers.
With that, I expect the 49ers to be up to the challenge given their extended rest time from a Thursday night game, although it was in Australia and they do need at least a day or two to adjust. I think the 49ers will beat the Dolphins, and so do Vegas and the odds. 49ers are 13.5-point favorites, with an over/under at 44 points and 90% of the bets on the 49ers.
So, if the Dolphins somehow find a way to win, they’ll surprise and screw over a lot of people at the same time.
I expect the 49ers to almost cover the over themselves in this one, but read on to find the predicted Week 2 score.
Dolphins and Raiders Perfect Blueprint for 49ers Win
Credit: San Francisco 49ers-Twitter/XIf anyone watched the Dolphins/Raiders game in Week 1, they noticed the Dolphins have a healthy QB under center who can push the ball downfield and a decent running game. Dolphins’ biggest problem going into Week 2 against the 49ers is their marginal defense, whose defensive backs and linebackers were tested all game against the Silver and Black in Week 1.
Look for the Dolphins’ defensive front to get penetration, as their Week 1 opponent, the Las Vegas Raiders, noticed the key was getting the ball out quickly, and Kirk Cousins is a master at such. Purdy will have no problem slashing the Dolphins’ defense with his quick reads and release; just like McVay and the Rams, he looked like that. Look us up and look more into the matchup and scores below.
An Improved Dolphins Team Since Last Meeting
Malik Willis now commands the Dolphins, so look for the Dolphins offense to be more dynamic, which won’t be a problem for the 49ers’ hardened defense. The news that Stribbling will be out for 10 weeks after surgery is a little devastating for the offense, but that would be worse if we didn’t sign Mike Evans and Christian Kirk in the offseason. Not to mention, Evans had a stellar Week 1 while posting 6 catches for 49 yards. Most importantly, his first couple of catches kept the Shanahan-built offense moving, as each reception was a first down that kept the drive alive.
Kittle has been on the injured report with Achilles soreness, so don’t look for him to be a big factor. Jake Tonges is also ruled out for the year after damaging his MCL and needing season-ending surgery. A steady run game will speed up this game, which is precisely what the 49ers will look to do.
Look for McCaffrey and Black to have huge days as the running back tandem looks to send fans home early from Levi’s with a win to go 2-0 to start the early season.
Dolphins Offensive Weapons
The only 2 players that strike fear into the 49ers’ defense, in my opinion, are De’Von Achane and Malik Willis. Those who saw Malik relieve an injured Jordan Love last season got a glimpse of what Willis could do behind center, which is why he became the starter in Miami.
I expect Willis to mature and grow with the Dolphins, but I don’t expect much early success, since it’s only week 2 of the 2026 season. While he may have some flashes, I expect Willis to wear down by mid-3rd quarter when this game is already decided, 28-10. I also expect De’Von Achane to have a field day, as most elusive running backs do, and this will be a true test of San Francisco’s defense in stopping the run.
Possible Trap Game
The 49ers have to be careful; this could be a trap game where the team lets its guard down after a fierce battle with the Los Angeles Rams.
The 49ers can’t overlook their opponent, as their Week 3 matchup is against a very good, mature Arizona Cardinals team.
Look for the 49ers to get in and out of this game and rest up for another division opponent in Week 3.
Final score 35-10, watch out though as this one can actually turn out to be a good ol’ western shoutout at the Levi Coral.
