49ers-Vikings predictions: Can the Niners pass their first test on the road in Week 2?

In one of the six Week 2 games between two undefeated teams, the San Francisco 49ers (1-0) head to U.S. Bank Stadium to take on the Minnesota Vikings (1-0).

After holding Aaron Rodgers and the Jets to just 19 points in Week 1, the 49ers defense will face former 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold only threw five incomplete passes with two touchdowns and an interception, throwing for 208 yards on 24 attempts. The Vikings’ defense took advantage of the Giants’ choice to start Daniel Jones and held New York to a pair of field goals, with Minnesota winning 28-6.

These two teams met last season on a Monday night in Minnesota, and Kirk Cousins led the Vikings to a 22-17 win. The 49ers haven’t won in Minnesota since Week 15 of the 1992 season, a seven-game road losing skid. The starting quarterbacks for the last San Francisco win in Minnesota? Steve Young took on future MVP Rich Gannon, with the 49ers coming out on top 20-17.

Brock Purdy hopes to lead the 49ers to the same result as Young did 31 years ago on Sunday against Darnold.

49ers at Vikings odds, money line, over/under

According to Fanduel, the 49ers are nearly a touchdown favorite on the road over the Vikings.

• Spread: 49ers (-5.5)
• Moneyline: 49ers (-260); Vikings (+215)
• Over/under: 46.5

Andrew’s prediction: 49ers 35, Vikings 13

Likely without Christian McCaffrey again, the 49ers run game will be led by Jordan Mason, who torched the Jets for 147 yards on the ground. Minnesota might have only given up six points in Week 1, but Purdy and the 49ers offense is in a different stratosphere than the Giants. While Minnesota was able to defeat the 49ers last season, it’s tough to see how Minnesota can repeat the feat on Sunday. Nick Bosa might think the Vikings are better than the Jets, but the 49ers will have a much easier time with Minnesota.

Rohan’s prediction: 49ers 27, Vikings 13

When you look at this matchup on paper, the 49ers should be clear favorites going into this one. But, there are some underlying factors to note. San Francisco is working off one less day of rest, is traveling mid-country, and faces one of the more unique defensive coordinators in Brian Flores, who likely presents a blitz-heavy package this weekend.

Still, I think the 49ers will ultimately win and cover the spread comfortably. While the Vikings offense did well in the season opener, presenting a two-pronged attack with efficiency in the air and on the ground, I’m not sure they can really replicate that success against San Francisco. I expect at least one turnover from Sam Darnold, while I think the Minnesota run game comes down a notch as well.

Offensively, San Francisco has a pretty good on-paper advantage against the Minnesota defense. Brock Purdy has historically played well against the blitz, while the run game should flourish once again. That leads me to a 27-13 win for the 49ers in Week 2.

Kyle’s prediction: 49ers 23, Vikings 17

It feels weird to predict the 49ers to continue to surpass 30 points. They did last week and could’ve easily reached 40. But that was at home, and Minnesota is a challenging environment to excel in — something Brock Purdy has acknowledged.

Last year, Purdy diced the Vikings up against the blitz, going 15-for-19. The turnovers and the 49ers losing masked that, but that can’t be ignored the first time going up against a Brian Flores defense. Now, will he repeat those numbers? Will he have to?

If the offensive line can perform the way they did on Monday night football, then the answer is no. They were dominant, and Jordan Mason was decisive. I don’t think the Niners will have as much success on the ground, which means that puts more on Purdy’s plate.

One game in, without Christian McCaffrey and with Brandon Aiyuk clearly not himself, one takeaway I had was Purdy raising the talent around him. We’ll see if Purdy can do it again on the road. I can see another field goal fest as the 49ers stall in the red zone, but the defense does its job, and the 49ers escape on the road with a win.

Jason’s prediction: 49ers 28, Vikings 13

Regardless of the travel and history with Minnesota (the 49ers’ last win in Minnesota was in 1992), the 49ers are the better team even if Christian McCaffrey doesn’t play. Yes, McCaffrey is a difference maker but his absence leaves the 49ers with only four all-pros on offense, the horror!

The Vikings’ offensive line is solid at the tackle positions, but the interior is where they need to be exploited. Big Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins game on Sunday, and the 49ers pick apart Brian Flores’ blitz attack to roll to an easy victory on Sunday. There are levels in the NFL for teams and Minnesota isn’t in the conversation with the 49ers—easy win and on to Week 3.