Unbeatens Square off In Minnesota

NFL News - September 22nd, 2009 - Written by John

49ers at Minnesota -- Even when a red-hot, surprise of the NFL team comes to town, the Minnesota Vikings are still nearly favored by a touchdown. Thus is the respect commanded when you have the all-time passing touchdown leader and a guy named Adrian Peterson on the same team.

This week, BetUS is giving the Vikings a 6 1/2 point advantage when they host San Francisco, a team fresh off a 2-0 start for only the second time this decade. It is the only game between unbeaten teams this week.

With the addition of Brett Favre, the Minnesota Vikings have become one of the front-runners for the NFC title. And after two easy wins, it seems the learning curve is all but over.

Favre has completed more than 75-percent of his passes and has the third best rating in the NFL, while Peterson is first in the league in yards (272) and touchdowns (4).

San Francisco has also turned into a contender in a hurry. Head coach Mike Singletary seems to have the team turned around after years of turbulance. The team hasn't won their conference since 2002 and are now the only team in it without a loss. They beat the top two contenders in back-to-back weeks to start the season, stifling Kurt Warner and the Cardinals before manhandling the Seahawks. They were also able to hurt Seattle after the fact, injuring his ribs and rendering him doubtful for this weekend.

Frank Gore ran for 207 yards against the Seahawks and is showing no strain on his oft-troubled knees. He is second in the NFC in rushing yards behind Peterson. Much of that has to do with an improving offensive line, namely Joe Staley. The left tackle will have his work cut out for him, not just in the running game, but in the passing game as well. He gave up the fourth most sacks last year and will have to fend off Pro Bowler Jared Allen to keep Shaun Hill upright.

Hill has been a surprise for the Niners, going without a turnover so far and has been surprisingly efficient with the offense. A quick start will be key to handing Minnesota it's first loss of the season. The Vikings were outscored by the Browns and Lions, 23-17, in the first half in '09. The difference, however, has been Minnesota's ability to close out games, blowing out their opponents 44-10 after the break.

That tends to happen when you have a veteran quarterback (nay, THE veteran quarterback) and a bruising rushing attack that easily wears down defenses.

The Vikings are 5-2 when Peterson runs for at least 100 yards since 2007. However, in the their most recent meeting against the Niners in '07, Peterson was held to only three yards on 14 carries.

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