Two Division winners from last season meet up on Monday Night Football in week 7, as the 49ers look to bounce back from their first loss of the season, as they head to Minnesota to take on the Vikings. The Vikings will aim to get to 3-4, as their season becomes close to spiralling out of control with the loss of Justin Jefferson.
Below, we will dissect the matchup, previewing how we think things will play out, and give out our Best Bet. Make sure you are following BeforeYouBet, as we will have dedicated Match Previews for all Prime-Time NFL games this season, as well as a preview of the main slate on Monday’s. All for free!
NFL Week 7 Preview & Betting Tips
San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
U.S. Bank Stadium, Tuesday 24th October, 11:15am (AEDT)
Last Week
The 49ers had their first loss of the season last week, as they dealt with trying conditions and the best defence in the NFL in Cleveland, eventually losing on a last second missed field-goal, 19-17. They struggled offensively, managing only 215 total yards at 3.9 yards per play, with QB Brock Purdy finally throwing his first interception of the season. Injuries to Trent Williams, Christian McCaffrey, and Deebo Samuel made a bad day worse, and all eyes will be on the injury report this week for their 3 superstars.
As for the Vikings, they managed to sneak by the Bears on the road, winning 19-13 in a snooze fest. What made the struggle worse for the Vikings was the fact Justin Fields went down early in the 3rd quarter, meaning the Bears had to trot out undrafted rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent for the rest of the game. Despite this, the Vikings couldn’t even win the second half, and serious questions must be asked of the Vikings offense without Justin Jefferson.
Injury Report
Minnesota Vikings
James Lynch (DT) – OUT
Oli Udoh (OT) – OUT
Nick Mullens (QB) – OUT
Justin Jefferson (WR) – OUT
Marcus Davenport (OLB) – OUT
Patrick Jones II (LB) – Questionable
Chris Reed / Ezra Cleveland (OG) – Questionable
Akayleb Evans (CB) – Questionable
San Francisco 49ers
Cameron Latu (TE) – OUT
Samuel Womack (CB) – OUT
Christian McCaffrey (RB) – Questionable
Trent Williams (OT) – Questionable
Deebo Samuel (WR) – OUT
Dre Greenlaw (LB) – Questionable
Aaron Banks (OG) – Questionable
Isaiah Oliver (CB) – Questionable
Match Preview
These teams last met in late 2021, when the Vikings visited the 49ers in week 12, with the 49ers running out comfortable 34-26 winners. Both teams have changed quite a lot, so as usual with a game that occurred over 12 months ago, I take nothing from this result.
The lookahead had the 49ers as 7-point favourites, before re-opening at the same number. Money has slowly been coming in on the Vikings, however with no clear information on whether CMC and Williams will be available for the 49ers, the market will continue to move at this speed. I have the 49ers as 6.5-point favourites but will need more information on these injuries before making a call on the side.
The total was 45.5 on the lookahead, before re-opening at 45, dropping like basically all the totals after last weekend. A further point has come off the total, and with all the uncertainty surrounding the 49ers offense, I must agree. However, there is one side of the ball for the 49ers that hasn’t been affected by injuries, and it’s the defence. With the Vikings’ offense looking anaemic last weekend against the Bears, I really like the 49ers to keep a lid on the Minnesota offense. The 49ers have conceded just 14.5 points per game, whilst also conceding the third least total yards per game defensively. This unit is elite, and if the Vikings continue to struggle without their stud wide receiver, I trust the 49ers to shut this team down.
Vikings (Team Total) under 18.5
$1.93 (1.5 Units)
