Pros
- The 49ers are a 6.5-point favorite this week, likely leading to a running game script.
- The predictive model expects the San Francisco 49ers to be the 8th-most run-centric offense in football (in a neutral context) at the moment with a 41.3% run rate.
- The predictive model expects Christian McCaffrey to total 15.7 rush attempts in this week’s game, on average, ranking him in the 94th percentile when it comes to running backs.
- Christian McCaffrey has earned 64.9% of his team’s carries this year, placing him in the 94th percentile when it comes to running backs.
- Christian McCaffrey’s 101.0 adjusted rushing yards per game this year conveys a a significant boost in his running prowess over last year’s 68.0 figure.
Cons
- Based on their underlying traits and game dynamics, the San Francisco 49ers are projected by the projection model to run only 62.9 offensive plays in this contest: the 3rd-fewest on the slate this week.
- The San Francisco 49ers have called the fewest plays in football this year, totaling a measly 55.2 plays per game.
- This game will be played in a dome—meaning no wind, higher pass volume, higher TD potential, and better passing efficiency.
- The Vikings defense has had the 5th-best efficiency against opposing rushing attacks this year, giving up just 3.78 adjusted yards-per-carry (YPC).
- When it comes to the defensive tackles’ role in defending against the run, Minnesota’s unit has been one of the most skilled this year, ranking as the 5th-best in football.
Projection
THE BLITZ
68
Rushing Yards