Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (Photo : Reuters)
Former league MVP Adrian Peterson is back for the Minnesota Vikings and they will be looking for a strong start to the season as they face the San Francisco 49ers at the Levi's Stadium in Sta. Clara, California on Monday, September 14.
The Vikings, who endured the absence of the six-time Pro Bowler last season due to off-field problems involving his family, is heavily favored to win this game even on the road mainly because of the return of Peterson and the loss of former 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh, as per Bleacher Report.
Harbaugh was replaced by his former defensive line coach Jim Tomsula in January of this year after reportedly having a falling out with team officials.
Tomsula is said to have brought a new life and enthusiasm to the players after their fateful season last year, especially to star signal caller Colin Kaepernick.
Still, Minnesota is favored to win this encounter as Mike Zimmer managed to boost his team's confidence after a "solid preseason", as coined by ESPN's Ben Goessling.
Prediction: Vikings win, 21-10
Minnesota Vikings starting lineup
Offense: Bridgewater (QB), Peterson (RB), Line (FB), Johnson (WR1), Wallace (WR2), Rudolph (TE), Kalil (LT), Fusco (LG), Sullivan (C)¸ Harris (RG), Clemmings (RT)
Defense: Robison (DE), Joseph (DT), Floyd (DT), Griffen (DE), Barr (OLB), Cole (MLB), Greenway (OLB), Rhodes (CB1), Newman (CB2), Blanton (SS), Smith (FS)
San Francisco 49ers starting lineup
Offense: Kaepernick (QB), Hyde (RB), Miller (FB), Smith (WR1), Boldin (WR2), Davis (TE), Staley (LT), Boone (LG), Martin (C), Devey (RG), Pears (RT)
Defense: Dorsey (DE), Williams (NT), Dial (DE), Lynch (OLB), Bowman (ILB), Wilhoite (ILB), Brooks (OLB), Brock (CB1), Acker (CB2), Bethea (SS), Reid (FS)
