Minnesota Looks to Ride Peterson to Victory over San Francisco

The last game of Week 1 of the 2015 NFL regular season kicks off from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California when the San Francisco 49ers host the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football.

This is the first game Adrian Peterson will be playing for Minnesota since his suspension after Game 1 of last season.

It is also the first game for San Francisco’s linebacker Navorro Bowman since the 2013 NFC Championship when he tore his ACL.

Minnesota will have Teddy Bridgewater as its starting quarterback from Game 1 of this season and with Peterson returning, the offense for the Vikings could be tough this season.

Minnesota is favored by 2.5 points while the point total is sitting on 41.5.

San Francisco is coming off a tough offseason that saw the departure of Jim Harbaugh the head coach and of defensive players Aldon Smith, Patrick Willis, Justin Smith, Chris Culliver and Chris Borland.

Minnesota last season ended the season 8-2 against the number over its final 10 games. The Vikings are 0-4 ATS over their past four games during September as a favorite.

However, Terry Bridgewater entering his second season at the helm for the Vikings as the signal caller promises to give the team a very good arm with solid decision-making skills.

Minnesota will have a few problems on its offensive line, which could affect both the running of Peterson and protection for Bridgewater. Phil Loadholt the right tackle was lost for the season and John Sullivan the starting center will not play due to back spasms.

Jim Tomsula is the new head coach for San Francisco. The 49ers are 0-5 against the number over their past five games at home. San Francisco has had a major defensive overhaul, with only two starters back from the 2013 NFC Championship game team that lost to Seattle.

Colin Kaepernick begins his fourth year at quarterback and will have veteran Reggie Bush to throw to out of the backfield.

While San Francisco has slipped down from its annual contender status, they will likely still be very competitive during the 16-game NFL schedule.

The total has cashed UNDER in six of the past seven 49ers games.

The Vikings will look to establish the run with Peterson and then go over the top with Bridgewater’s strong arm.

If this is successful, the game could be high scoring.

Prediction: Minnesota will get the better of the 49ers in this opening game. I like the Vikings 23-17.