The Minnesota Vikings (1-0) host the San Francisco 49ers (1-0) in Week 2 of the 2024-25 NFL season in a matchup between two teams looking to start the year with a 2-0 record. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM EST on September 15th at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Both of these teams emerged victorious in Week 1 of the 2024-25 NFL season, as San Francisco put on an offensive clinic against a tough New York Jets defense despite the absence of star RB Christian McCaffrey. The Vikings also came out of the gates strong, beating the Giants handily 28-6 on the road.
Injuries will also likely be a factor in this game, as McCaffrey is expected to be out for at least 2-4 more weeks. Minnesota is also dealing with an important injury on the offensive side of the ball, as Jordan Addison is dealing with significant ankle soreness. His participation in practice this week will be important to monitor leading up to kickoff.
Matchup Details, Betting Market Information and Where to Watch
Oddsmakers opened this game up with the 49ers listed as five-point road favorites. The spread has widened by a full point after early betting, as San Francisco is currently priced at -6 on most sportsbooks. The total for this matchup is 45.5 points. Viewers hoping to watch the game should note that it will be televised exclusively on the CBS Sports Network. In Canada, the game will also be available on DAZN.
San Francisco 49ers Turn to Jordan Mason Due to Lingering McCaffrey Injury
The 49ers didn’t show any signs of a Super Bowl appearance hangover in Week 1, crushing the New York Jets 32-19 in front of an energized home crowd at Levi’s Stadium on Monday Night Football. San Francisco jumped ahead 16-7 in the first half and never looked back, cruising to victory despite Christian McCaffrey being held out of action due Achilles tendonitis. RB Jordan Mason looked fantastic out of the backfield in the lead back role, racking up 147 rushing yards and a touchdown on a team-high 28 carries.
Brock Purdy also looked solid in his regular season debut, throwing for 231 yards through the air while also avoiding any costly turnovers. Purdy spread the ball around all night long, as Jauan Jennings, George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and Kyle Juszczyk all had at least 40 receiving yards against a very talented Jets secondary.
On the other side of the ball, San Francisco successfully made things tough on veteran QB Aaron Rodgers all night, holding him to just 167 yards and a lackluster 13/21 completion ratio. The 49ers also completely shutdown RB Breece Hall, allowing him to gain only 54 rushing yards from scrimmage the entire game.
Minnesota Vikings Hope Darnold Continues Strong Start
There was a lot to be excited about for Minnesota in Week 1, as their new look offense looked above average en route to a convincing 28-6 triumph over the Giants. QB Sam Darnold was very consistent against an improved New York secondary, throwing for over 200 yards and two touchdowns through the air. Veteran RB Aaron Jones also looked very solid in his first game for the Vikes, rumbling for 94 yards and a touchdown on just 14 carries.
As expected, star WR Justin Jefferson led the way for the receiving corps, hauling in four catches for 59 yards and a score through the air. Jordan Addison also chipped in with three catches for 35 yards, although he left the game due to an ankle injury and is expected to be out for at least a week or two. If Addison is forced to miss any time, Josh Oliver is the likeliest candidate to see a slightly increased workload.
The Vikings did an incredible job on defense to open the year, holding New York to well under 300 total yards of offense while also forcing multiple turnovers. Minnesota completely shut down Daniel Jones and the rest of the Giants passing attack, surrendering only 186 yards through the air and adding two interceptions.
Our 49ers vs Vikings NFL Betting Prediction and Pick
This all-NFC clash here in Week 2 is setting up to be a very interesting matchup, as both teams looked quite strong to open the regular season. However, while Darnold and the rest of the Vikings offense were able to move the ball with relative ease against an average Giants defense in Week 1, a home battle with a formidable 49ers defense will certainly be a much tougher test.
The same can be said for the matchup on the other side of the ball for both teams, as Minnesota will really be in tough to duplicate their Week 1 success on defense against a 49ers squad that just put up 30+ points against one of the NFL’s best overall defensive units in 2023-24. While the Vikings did look great last weekend, there is a massive talent gap between the struggling Giants and a San Francisco team that came within one game of winning a Super Bowl Championship last season.
Against the Spread Betting Market Tip: 49ers -6
The first few weeks of a new season always seem to have a few unexpected surprises, but I’m not convinced that Minnesota finding a way to keep pace with the 49ers in this particular spot will be one of them. It is very important to not overreact to the Vikes opening win, as the Giants team they faced to open the year is likely to be in the bottom of the NFC East yet again in 2024-25.
Having said that, it is also critical to remember that many were expecting the Jets to compete for the division title with Miami and Buffalo in the AFC East. The fact that San Francisco dominated on both sides of the ball against such a quality opponent should not be overlooked or underestimated. As long as this line stays under a full touchdown before kickoff on Sunday afternoon, I think the sharp play is to roll with the road favorite in this spot. Take the Niners to cover!
