Predicting the Final Score of the 49ers-Vikings Game

If the 49ers win this week, they'll need their defense to lead the way because their offense is shorthanded.

Deebo Samuel is out with a hairline fracture in his shoulder, Trent Williams is doubtful with an ankle injury and Christian McCaffrey will try to play through a slight oblique tear but almost certainly won't be at full strength.

Jaylon Moore most likely will start at left tackle, and he has five career starts in three seasons, which means the Vikings will come after him. They'll blitz from his side and see if he can communicate with the other offensive linemen and pick up the right pass rushers.

Advantage: Vikings.

On the right side of the offensive line, Colton McKivitz will have to face Danielle Hunter, who leads the NFL with 8 sacks. McKivitz can't handle him one on one, which means George Kittle will have to stay in the backfield and block.

Advantage: Vikings.

Kyle Shanahan will have to call lots of quick passes for Brock Purdy, who won't have Deebo Samuel to dump it off to. And if McCaffrey can't carry a full workload, the offense could really struggle.

But the 49ers won't have to score 30 points to win. That's because they're facing Kirk Cousins, who's good for at least two head-scratching turnover-worthy plays per game. Especially on nationally televised games when he knows lots of people are watching. That's when he crumbles.

Advantage: 49ers.

The Vikings don't have their best player, wide receiver Justin Jefferson. And they can't run the ball, which is how the Browns beat the 49ers last week.

Advantage: 49ers.

Look for the 49ers to win a low-scoring game.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: 49ers 23, Vikings 13.