NFL Underdog Pick for Week 3
September 24th 2009 - Special K            

San Francisco 49ers (+7) at Minnesota Vikings

Smash mouth football is the identity that the San Francisco 49ers have inherited from their coach Mike Singletary. The Vikings also play a similar style of football - solid defense, short passing game, and some timely runs, so I expect to watch a very low scoring conservative battle this Sunday. 7 points is a huge spread to be getting in a game like this so I like the points. 

Brett Favre had a miserable experience last year season the 49ers. Granted he did have a bum arm and didn't have Adrian Peterson in the backfield, but he only threw for 137 yards, was sacked 3 times and threw a pick. Patrick Willis and the 49ers defense will make Brett Favre uncomfortable in the pocket this time around as well. If you watched both the Browns and Lions games, you saw Favre get hit many times and these defenses aren't anywhere close to the 49ers.

Concerned about All-Day? The 49ers defense has only allowed 106 yards rushing so far in 2009. 

Did you know that Shaun Hill is 6-1 in his last 7 starts as the 49ers starting QB? He has done nothing but win. Look for Joe Nedney's leg to be the x-factor in this game.
 
And if you like trends in your favor: Since 2005, teams that have their home opener in week 3 are 1-6-1 ATS. 

Take the 49ers plus the points