My Percy Harvin Blog

This game features two exciting 2-0 teams and 2 of the top 3 rushers in the league so far. This will be Brett Favre's first home game in a Vikings uniform, so we can expect his 39-year old body to be hyped up to play.

49ers on Offense

San Francisco will look to pound the ball against Minnesota with Frank Gore, who is by far their offensive MVP. Gore has a great knack for finding open space and breaking for big gains, as seen last week against the Seahawks. Offensive Coordinator Jimmy Raye will dish out a bunch of different formations and blocking schemes to disguise certain running plays and give Gore an edge out of the backfield. But the Seahawks rush defense is a far cry from Minnesota's, who has yet to allow a rushing touchdown this season. Minnesota will have to dig deep and try to neutralize Gore in order to put pressure on QB Shaun Hill to make plays. Hill has been consistent, but he has only thrown one touchdown and hasn't had to go out and win a game yet. Not to mention that he'll be playing on the road against a solid pass rush led by Jared Allen, which ranks third in the league with seven sacks. Hill will have to use the services of veteran receiver Isaac Bruce and his dependable TE Vernon Davis, who will be tough for CB's Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin to bring down in the open field. Too bad Michael Crabtree is a no-show for San Francisco; they could've used him this week.

Vikings on Offense

Like San Francisco, the Vikings' offense relies on their stud RB, Adrian "All-Day" Peterson. Even with his hurt back, Peterson will be dangerous against the Niners. But San Francisco's rush defense has allowed only 53 yards per game and 0 rushing TDs in two games this season. So for Minnesota to get an early lead at home, they should go after the big plays. This means that Favre has to shake off his bent fingernail and bring back the old-school, aggressive Brett from Green Bay. And by old-school I don't mean he should take too many chances and throw interceptions, but he may have to break from his conservative role and look for rookie Percy Harvin, Bernard Berrian, and Sidney Rice for the long ball. This receiving corps is one of the fastest in the league and will pose a threat to the Niners secondary. When it comes down to match ups, the Vikings offense is complete and has too many weapons for San Francisco to handle. If the Vikings can get an early lead, Shaun Hill and the Niners will have a tough time playing from behind on the road.

Prediction

Minnesota                  27

San Francisco             20