San Francisco 49ers vs. Minnesota Vikings 2018: Prediction, Betting Odds, Preview For NFL Week 1

Two potential NFC playoff contenders face off in the season opener Sunday when the San Francisco 49ers take on the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

Though the 49ers are coming off a 6-10 season, they finished with five straight wins under their new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The 26-year-old makes his first season-opener start as a member of the 49ers and after more than three seasons backing up New England Patriots superstar Tom Brady.

Garoppolo may have his hands full. The 49ers are thin at running back and his top targets are Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin, who combined for just 1,462 yards and two touchdowns in 2017.

The Vikings also have a quarterback making a debut. High expectations surround veteran Kirk Cousins, who signed a three-year deal with Minnesota for $84 million after success with the Washington Redskins.

Despite finishing with a 13-3 record, Minnesota struggled in the playoffs, failing to reach the Super Bowl under quarterback Case Keenum and falling to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, 38-7, in the NFC conference championship.

Both the Vikings and 49ers have their sights set on the playoffs in the deep NFC. The Vikings have the best odds to win the NFC North at 5/4, while the 49ers have the second-best odds (7/2) of winning the NFC West.

Things look promising for Minnesota. The Vikings return 10 starters to a defense that was among the best the NFL.

But questions remain about the offense and Minnesota may need a strong performance from the inexperienced Dalvin Cook. The 23-year-old running back is expected to receive the most carries for the Vikings in 2018 after playing in just four games last season after suffering a left ACL injury.

A key matchup will be the Vikings' offensive line against the 49ers' defensive line. Both units have had their struggles and will look to find new players to step up into bigger roles.

Betting Odds: Vikings by 6.5; over/under is 46

Prediction: Vikings over 49ers, 30-10