Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers: preview, free NFL picks & predictions

Free American football tips, best bets and analysis for Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round of the 2020 NFL playoffs.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Action, 9.35pm Saturday

Best bet

Over 51.5 Raheem Mostert rushing yards
1pt 5-6 bet365

Match preview

Minnesota pulled off a huge upset last week as they dumped New Orleans out of the playoffs but they face another tough task when they travel to San Francisco.

The 49ers are the number one seeds and will be fresh and ready to go after their bye week as they look to make their first Super Bowl appearance since 2013.

They finished the season with a 13-3 record and have been dominant on both sides of the ball, most notably with their running game on offence.

They averaged the second-most rushing yards during the regular season and boast a plethora of talent in the backfield with Raheem Mostert, Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida all available.

While the carries will have to be shared around, Mostert has established himself as the team’s lead running back and should be able to move the chains.

He posted more than 50 rushing yards in each of the final five games of the season and also topped that number in the seven games in which he had ten or more carries.

Minnesota haven't been great at defending the run in terms of yardage but they allowed just eight rushing touchdowns all season, the third-fewest in the league.

Beating San Francisco is likely to be a step too far for the Vikings, and if they fall behind early the 49ers are likely to run the ball more to keep the clock running which may also be to Mostert’s advantage.

For more American sports analysis and tips, visit www.pickswise.com

The lowdown

Venue Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California
Surface Grass
Weather Partly cloudy, 13C
Vegas handicap Minnesota +7
Vegas points line 44

Injury report

Minnesota
Wide receiver Adam Thielen (ankle) is questionable. Fellow wideout Stefon Diggs (illness) has missed practice this week but is expected to play. Cornerback Mackensie Alexander (knee) is out and safety Jayron Kearse (toe) is doubtful.

San Francisco
Linebacker Kwon Alexander (pectoral) is expected to return. Guard Mike Person (neck) and safety Jaquiski Tartt (ribs) are also set to play. Defensive ends Kentavius Street (knee) and Dee Ford (hamstring) are questionable.

Key stat

An opposing player has rushed for more than 50 yards in six of Minnesota’s last seven games.

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