San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings Preview and Pick

NFL Football Betting Preview
San Francisco 49ers (2-0) at Minnesota Vikings (2-0)
Sunday September 27th 1:00PM Eastern

Betus.com betting line – Minnesota -7, 39 O/U

The Minnesota Vikings could be among the best teams in the NFC given that we have only seen them play just two games this year. While that is an early assumption, it may not be far from the truth. Despite LaDainian Tomlinson’s belief, Adrian Peterson is unquestionably the best running back in the league. However, that is nothing new for the Vikings. Although, consistency and ball control at the quarterback position is new. Brett Farve has not had to produce incredible numbers rather than just keep the Vikings from turning the ball over 31 times as they did in 2008.

Still, Farve has been effective when called upon completing 77% of passes with 3 touchdowns and more importantly 0 picks. The Vikings will be awfully tough to beat if they continue on those lines and could literally become the best team in the NFC. Still, the Vikings will have to overcome the Challenge from the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday in a battle of unbeaten teams.

The 49ers could very well be the “Cinderella” story in the making. San Francisco took down the defending NFC Champions by way of Arizona in week 1 and battled back to take down another division foe in Seattle last week. Despite remaining to struggle on offense, San Francisco has found reliability on defense holding teams to just 13 points per game in their first 2 contest. The trend should not be surprising considering the 49ers gave up just 14.7 points per game in the final 5 games of 2008 as they continue to play well behind the demanding respect from Coach Mike Singletary.

San Francisco is now 7-4 behind Singletary and appears to be improving. Singletary has kept it simple for San Francisco in establishing the run and letting the strength of the team, which is their defense, win the game. The 49ers have already forced 3 interceptions on the season compared to 12 they force all over 2008. The strength of the defense has been solid up front holding teams to just 53 yards per game even though that has been against two offenses they simply lack any type of rushing game. However, they will see just how good the guys up front truly are when Adrian Peterson gets anywhere from 20-25 carries.

On offense, San Francisco has had some success on the ground behind Frank Gore who is averaging 6.2 yards per carry on 38 attempts. If the 49ers can continue to get that type of work from their running game, it will make them a tough team this season. QB Shaun Hill has not posted any type of crazy numbers. Hill has thrown just 1 touchdown without an interception this year while completing 65% passing. However, outside of Isaac Bruce who is much past his prime in his 16th year in the league, the passing game really lacks the big time playmakers needed to spark an electrifying air game. Of course they could have that guy, but first round pick Michael Crabtree is still yet to step on the field due to the contract drama.

The Minnesota defense should also make it tough on the San Francisco offense. The Vikings defense has held opponents to just 17.7 points in their last 10 games dating back to the 2008 campaign. The rush defense ranked 1st in the NFL last season holding opponents to just 74 yards on the ground. If they can stop Gore on the ground this Sunday that forces Shaun Hill to beat the Vikings with his arm. The game has been posted at a very low 39 over/under mark. Reason being for the strong defenses and that both teams will try to win by the ground and pound game. Of course if the game does come down to the quarterbacks the advantage goes to Farve. However, the Vikings should have the advantage in all aspects of the game. Still, it will be interesting to see what kind of fight that Coach Singletary’s guys can put up and if they can pull out the victory.

Pick – Vikings -7