Despite a dominant 20-point victory in Australia, critics still exclude San Francisco from the elite ranks. Discover why Stephen A. Smith’s travel-based snub is fueling locker room fire.
The San Francisco 49ers are becoming all too familiar with not receiving due praise. They did not see much acclaim during the offseason, and certainly have not since their season-opening win.
The team led by the likes of players like George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, Fred Warner, Nick Bosa and Mike Evans is somehow not being respected as such. Even after a dominant win over the Los Angeles Rams, some are still doubting their ability to compete atop the NFC.
ESPN First Take host Stephen A. Smith says the team's win over the Rams was not enough to rank the Niners in his Top 5 NFL teams because they won the game in Australia. One analyst was not buying that explanation.
Newsweek's Matthew Couden wrote the following on Smith's bold take.
"Smith's reason for leaving San Francisco out of the top five is certainly wild, although a lot was made about travel plans ahead of the NFL International Series game in Australia. The 49ers arrived in Australia nearly a week before the game, compared to the Rams getting there just over a day before kickoff.
Whether or not jet lag and not being acclimated to their new time zone and surroundings played a part is unclear. Rams head coach Sean McVay shrugged that off when asked about it, and it's believed he feels there's a lot the team needed to address after that loss.
The Rams were built up as a superteam before the season started and had heavy odds to win the Super Bowl in 2027. Many touted their significant roster moves, especially on defense, as they added Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie via trades. Along with that, Aaron Donald made headlines with his decision to unretire and join the team this season."
Sep 11, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) at press conference after the 2026 NFL Melbourne Game against the Los Angeles Rams at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesThere's no question that the Niners should be considered one of the best teams, if not the best, in the NFC after taking down the team expected to win the conference. And not only that, but the Niners did also so in dominant fashion securing a 20-point victory.
You can blame any set of circumstances for why a team might lose, but the 49ers faced those same circumstances as a team having to make the trip to Australia. Their response to a trip that difficult may actually be more evidence of how strong a team they have.
At any rate, the Niners have every reason to be confident in their ability to contend. They will hope to prove it as they progress past their emphatic season opening win.
