5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers – Week 7

5. The shorthanded 49ers will hand the Vikings another loss

Last week’s win over the Bears wasn’t pretty, but it showed the Vikings could get the job done. While some would view that as a positive, others will look at who they were playing and dismiss it as more of the same.

For this article, we’re considering it as the latter. The defense has been much improved this season, and the Vikings have had their share of bad luck after having everything go their way one year ago. Even if the pendulum is due to swing their way, the absence of Justin Jefferson, Marcus Davenport, and a functional running game loom large against a team that many thought was one of the best in football one week ago.

Yes, the 49ers are down some key players. But Purdy orchestrated a game-winning drive without McCaffrey, Samuel, and Richardson last week before Jake Moody missed the field goal.

The Browns' defense is better than the one Purdy will face this week, and with a lack of offensive firepower, the Vikings will have to answer some serious questions at 2-5.

Prediction: 49ers win 27-10