Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers, 9/9/18 NFL Predictions & Odds

49ers vs. Vikings Prediction

Can the Minnesota Vikings open up the season with a dominant win over the San Francisco 49ers this afternoon at 1PM ET?

Game Snapshot & Odds

455 San Francisco 49ers at 456 Minnesota Vikings

Sunday, September 9, 2018

1PM ET – U.S. Bank Stadium

TV: FOX

Compare odds and from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our new NFL Odds & Betting Page.

Public Betting Trends

According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Vikings are favored at home, as they are getting odds of -6.5 points against San Francisco. The over/under total for the contest has been set at 46 points. The public betting for this game currently has 65 percent going on Minnesota at home. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NFL Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.

Vikings have high hopes

The Minnesota Vikings went 13-3 last season and won the NFC North. The Vikings ultimately reach the NFC Championship, but were beat up by the Eagles. Minnesota was 11-7 against the spread for the season and 9-9 with the over/under total. Mike Zimmer is entering his fifth season as head coach. He is 39-25 through his first four years.

Minnesota had one of the best defenses in the NFL, allowing just 15.8 points and 275.9 yards per game last season. That included just 83.6 rushing yards per game. The team added Sheldon Richardson to the defense in the offseason. They also have Everson Griffen, who had 13 sacks last year. Minnesota averaged 356.9 yards and 23.9 points per game on offense last year, but they are hoping for much more this season. They signed Kirk Cousins to a mega-deal and he has a pair of great receivers to work with in Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. Those two combined over for 2,100 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Running back Dalvin Cook looked impressive early in his rookie year, but suffered a knee injury that ended his season. He is expected to be ready for Sunday.

49ers hoping to contend

The 49ers were just 6-10 last season, but ended the 2017 season on a five-game winning streak. San Francisco ended up 9-7 against the spread and 8-8 with the over/under total. Kyle Shanahan is in his second season as head coach of the 49ers.

San Francisco finished the season averaging 20.7 points and 349.3 yards per game on offense last season. Things picked up toward the end when Jimmy Garoppolo was finally put under center. He finished the season with 1,560 yards and seven touchdowns with five interceptions. The team has some questions at running back after Jerick McKinnon suffered a season-ending injury last week. The team is hoping Matt Breida and Alfred Morris can pick up the slack. San Fran allowed 23.9 points and 351.6 yards per game on defense last year. The team is looking for some leadership. They added Richard Sherman in the offseason for that reason.

NFL Betting Trends

Minnesota

The Vikings have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games in September. They also are just 1-4 ATS in their last five conference games.

San Francisco

The 49ers have covered the spread in six of their last seven season openers. They also have covered in four of their last five road games.

Prediction:

The 49ers are getting a lot of hype coming into the season for their finish to last year with Jimmy G. However, they open the season on a tough note. Going to Minnesota is a tall task, especially with the Vikings defense. Minnesota’s defense is tough to move on and now the Vikings have an improved quarterback situation and a stronger player in the backfield to run the ball. I think the Vikings come out strong and make a statement that they are the team to beat in the NFC this season.

 

NFL Prediction: Minnesota Vikings -6.5

Related: 49ers vs. Vikings Total Prediction