49ers vs Vikings Odds - Williams Wall will swallow Gore as 49ers get reality check

Who could’ve imagined that the 49ers vs Vikings odds would be a battle of undefeated teams in Week 3? NFL betting fans expected Minnesota to be there but San Francisco has taken the NFC by surprise to start the season. A trip to the Metrodome is easily the 49ers’ toughest test yet.

49ers vs Vikings Odds: Vikings -7 (Total: 41)

• WHAT: NFL betting
  
• WHEN: Sunday, September 27, 1:00 p.m. ET
  
• WHERE: Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, MN
  
• KEY STAT: Vikings are 4-0 against the spread in last four home games versus 49ers
  
• PICK: Vikings; UNDER 41

49ers vs Vikings odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
We know exactly what the Vikings can do – run the ball better than anyone, stop the run better than anyone and survive in the offensive and defensive passing games. This week is more about determining how legit the 49ers are. Will Frank Gore’s dominance translate against the Williams Wall? Does Mike Singletary have a game plan to stop Adrian Peterson?

49ers vs Vikings odds maker breakdown: Offense
Frank Gore had a monster Week 2 for the 49ers, ripping off 207 rushing yards on the strength of two long touchdown runs. After he struggled in Week 1 against Arizona, he flourished against a possibly better Seattle front seven. Aside from Gore, though, the 49ers don’t have a ton going for them. Shaun Hill is a winner for sure but he’s playing caretaker as Gore and the defense do the heavy lifting.

So far, the Viking offense is exactly what it should be. Brad Childress isn’t overcompensating for Brett Favre’s presence; he’s sticking primarily with megastar Adrian Peterson, who looks absolutely unstoppable through two weeks, though he did play the Browns and Lions. Brett Favre has been solid in a caretaker role and is starting to find ways to use dynamic rookie Percy Harvin.

Betting Edge: Vikings

49ers vs Vikings odds maker breakdown: Defense
It’s crazy to think that the 49er defense is a strength, but it really has excelled early this season. It shut down the potent Arizona attack and made Seattle fans quickly forget about their team’s solid Week 1 effort. The Viking offense looks excellent early on but any offense could against Cleveland and Detroit. The 49ers should at least keep a lid on what Minnesota does, but the Vikings get the slight defensive edge since they’re more predictable. We know Pat and Kevin Williams will make life miserable for Frank Gore and the San Francisco O-line.

Betting Edge: Vikings

49ers vs Vikings odds maker breakdown: Special Teams
Special teams are a strength for both teams so far this season. Ryan Longwell’s leg has been perfect and Harvin has looked dangerous and consistent in the return game; Joe Nedney is perfect in the kicking game for the 49ers and Allen Rossum remains a solid veteran return man.

Betting Edge: Even

49ers vs Vikings odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Brett Favre’s hand injury is just a typical Favre injury – a nick that hurts but doesn’t sideline him. Gore tweaked his ankle on Sunday but is expected to play.

Betting Edge: Even

49ers vs Vikings betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Perhaps no player faces more pressure in this online betting matchup than Shaun Hill. The 49ers should have trouble running against the Vikings, as every team does, so Hill has to find a way to take the team downfield through the air. That’s a tall order on the road against a Super Bowl contender.

Since the 49ers will have trouble scoring and since their improved defense may keep Minny in check, it’s a good idea to bet under the total in this one.

STAN’S PICK: Vikings -7; UNDER 41

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Stan Simmons is one of BetOnline.com's NFL experts.