Minnesota at San Francisco

Quite a stark contrast between these franchises as one team is on the way up under a second-year coach who is very good (Vikings), while the other is on the way down with a shaky passing QB and a new coach in Jim Tomsula who has a lot of question marks; and even more work to do. San Francisco had a disastrous offseason, losing their coach and a ton of talent on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick has never excelled as a passer despite great targets to throw to, and now he's lost most of them. And he will be protected by an almost entirely different offensive line. San Francisco's offensive line went through a nearly complete overhaul, as only left tackle Joe Staley remains in the same place as he was during Week 1 last year. All-Pro guard Mike Iupati is in Arizona after signing with the Cardinals, and 25-year-old right tackle Anthony Davis unexpectedly announced his retirement. 2013 undrafted Memphis prospect Jordan Devey will take over on the right side. Meanwhile, the defense lost inside linebacker Patrick Willis and interior defensive lineman Justin Smith, a duo of potential Hall of Famers, plus 2014 standout rookie linebacker Chris Borland retired. The 49ers are on a 6-1 run UNDER the total at home and a 6-1 run UNDER overall. Minnesota is an up and coming young team and had a strong offseason minimizing its losses and adding difference-makers on both sides of the football. RB Adrian Peterson is also back after sitting last season. Minnesota turned things around quickly under Mike Zimmer, especially with a hard hitting, young defense. The defense ranked 14th in yards last year and 11th in points allowed. The Vikings are 4-1 UNDER the total on the road, and when these teams meet the UNDER is 4-1, so look for a defensive duel. Play this one UNDER the total.