San Francisco at Minnesota

The up-and-coming San Francisco 49ers head out on the road for this opener. Second-year coach Kyle Shanahan impressed in his debut in 2017, winning six of their final seven contests. QB Jimmy Garoppolo passed for 1,542 yards in his five starts last year and completed at least 70 percent of his passes in three of the outings. The 49ers averaged 28.8 points in their final five games with Garoppolo. San Francisco added star CB Richard Sherman during the offseason, with an NFL-leading 32 interceptions since 2011. Throw in kicker Robbie Gould (39-of-41 field goals last year) and this team has balance everywhere. They face a Minnesota squad with a new quarterback in Kirk Cousins and concerns on the offensive line. Center Pat Elflein started 14 games last year but didn't play in the preseason or practice as he makes his way back from offseason shoulder and ankle injuries. Nick Easton, the starting left guard, is out for the season after undergoing surgery. The underdog is 5-1 ATS when these teams clash and this shapes up as another close one. Play the points on San Francisco.