NFL Preseason Predictions: Will 49ers upset Vikings? 8/27/17
Will the 49ers pull off the upset tonight when they visit the Vikings tonight at 8:00PM ET?
The Matchup: 49ers vs. Vikings, 8:00PM ET, U.S. Bank Stadium
According to oddsmakers, Minnesota is now a 6.5-point home favorite to beat San Francisco tonight. The Vikings opened as 4.5-point favorites but the line was bet up two points. As for the total, the number hit the board at 42 but has been bet down to 41.
San Francisco 49ers
After being the Chiefs 27-17 in their preseason opener, the Niners fell to 1-1 in exhibition play with a 33-14 loss to the Broncos last week. Rookie third-round pick C.J. Beathard completed seven of his 12 pass attempts for 110 yards and a touchdown, while Brian Hoyer went 8-for-11 for 89 yards and a pick. Hoyer also fumbled twice, losing one, while the Niners fumbled five times total, losing four.
Carlos Hyde, meanwhile, rushed eight times for 26 yards to lead San Francisco in rushing. Marquise Goodwin also added three receptions for 44 yards on four targets. Jaquiski Tartt had a big game defensively, racking up seven tackles, a sack and one tackle for loss.
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota is now 1-1 in preseason play after beating the Bills 17-10 in its exhibition opener before losing 20-13 to the Seahawks in Seattle last week. Starter Sam Bradford completed 7-of-11 pass attempts for 95 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Backup Taylor Heinicke completed six-of-nine pass attempts for 84 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Rookie Dalvin Cook also rushed seven times for 40 yards, which was good for a 5.7 yards-per-carry average. Heinicke got involved in the running game too, taking off three times for 25 yards. Stefon Diggs finished with four catches for 65 yards.
Our Prediction
San Francisco may top out at only five wins this season but that doesn’t mean the Niners are a bad bet tonight. Six-and-a-half points is a lot to lay in a preseason game when there’s so much uncertainty surrounding the second half. I see plenty of value in the 49ers tonight.
NFL Preseason Prediction: San Francisco 49ers +6.5
