Week 1 concludes with the second half of ESPN’s Monday Night Football doubleheader, which features the San Francisco 49ers hosting the Minnesota Vikings. This is a battle of two teams seemingly heading in opposite directions.
Vikings vs. 49ers 2015 picks and predictions: Experts going with Minnesota on the road
After a tumultuous offseason, it’s little wonder why people are picking the Niners to lose their home opener.
The Vikings are preseason darlings after ending the 2014 season on a positive note. Teddy Bridgewater looks the part of a franchise quarterback and could end up being a steal at his No. 32 overall draft position. Adrian Peterson is back to stabilize the running game and the team added a deep threat in Mike Wallace. The defense has promising playmakers in Anthony Barr, Sharrif Floyd and Harrison Smith, and everything is guided by Mike Zimmer, one of the brightest minds in the game. This team still has some work to do (looking at you, offensive line) but for the most part, things are looking up.
The same can’t be said of San Francisco, at least after its offseason. Head coach Jim Harbaugh, offensive coordinator Greg Roman and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio are all gone. So are Patrick Willis, Justin Smith, Aldon Smith, Chris Borland, Frank Gore, Mike Iupati, Anthony Davis and Chris Culliver, among others. Needless to say, it could be a long season in the Bay Area if Colin Kaepernick and new head coach Jim Tomsula don’t start off on the right foot.
As expected, the Vikings are heavy favorites across the board. 10 out of 12 experts on ESPN are picking Minnesota on the road. CBS Sports is nearly unanimous, with Will Brinson being the lone vote for San Francisco. Our experts at SB Nation are also leaning towards the Vikings, although the OddsShark computer favors the 49ers to hold serve at Levi’s Stadium.
| Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | Joel Thorman | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | Matt Ufford | PFT Commenter | OddsShark Computer | |
| MIN @ SF | MIN | MIN | SF | SF | MIN | MIN | SF |
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