🏈 (Updated 6:57 pm) MNF: 49ers at Vikings

NFL Week 7 Monday Night Football

MONDAY, OCT. 23

The biggest question heading into tonight’s 49ers-Vikings matchup is whether or not San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey will be at anywhere near full strength this evening.

Online sportsbooks have weighed in with their opinions on this via the over/under in scrimmage yards prop bets for this contest.

Here is how McCaffrey is listed for that wager at various sportsbooks.

• BetMGM: 95.5 yards (-115 odds for over or under)

• Caesars Sportsbook: 95.5 yards (-135 over, -101 under)

• DraftKings: 95.5 yards (-115 odds over or under)

• FanDuel: 94.5 yards (-114 over or under)

With the odds all either even or favoring the over (as the -135 odds at Caesars Sportsbook indicate), there is an expectation that McCaffrey has a very good chance to produce his fifth game with 100+ scrimmage yards this season.

It’s almost game time. Let’s get it!

1. Tonight’s Game: 49ers at Vikings

2. Injury Report

3. Inactive List (updated as of 6:57 pm)

4. Week 7 Winners & Losers

5. 5 Big Questions from Week 7

6. Week 8 Early Injury Report

49ers (5-1) vs. Vikings (2-4)

• WHERE: U.S. Bank Stadium (Minneapolis)

• WHEN: 8:15 p.m. ET | ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, NFL+

• MONEYLINE: 49ers: -305 | Vikings: +240

• SPREAD: 49ers -7.0 | O/U: 44.0
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Our Take

Purdy suffered his first defeat as a starting quarterback (11 games) as the 49ers limped and stumbled through a 19-17 loss to the Browns. His 49ers also had their perfect 2023 record spoiled. Now, how will they respond?

Up next is a Monday night date with the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis, where the 49ers haven’t won since 1992. Look for Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores to dial up a steady stream of blitzes in an attempt to disrupt the young Purdy.

His effectiveness could hinge on the availability of running back Christian McCaffrey, who is questionable. But without wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who was ruled out for at least the next two games Saturday, Purdy will have to shoulder a heavier load than he’s accustomed to. This could be one of the biggest tests of his young career, and an opportunity to prove whether he can carry a team rather than serve as a facilitator.

If he doesn’t have his full supporting cast, Purdy will have to shoulder a heavier load than he’s accustomed to. This could be one of the biggest tests of his young career.

Betting Odds Trend:

For those looking to place a wager on tonight’s game, here some odds trends:

• Brock Purdy has been favored in all 11 of his regular-season starts, joining Ken Stabler and Roger Staubach as the only quarterbacks in the Super Bowl era to be favored in each of their first 11 career starts (regular season).

• The 49ers have been road favorites of seven or more points eight times under Kyle Shanahan. While they are 7-1 straight up in those games, they are 2-5-1 ATS.

• The Vikings haven't been a home underdog of seven or more points since 2014.

49ERS

• OUT: WR Deebo Samuel (shoulder)

• DOUBTFUL: OT Trent Williams (ankle)

• QUESTIONABLE: RB Christian McCaffrey (oblique), LB Dre Greenlaw (hamstring)

VIKINGS

• OUT: G Ezra Cleveland (foot)

• QUESTIONABLE: WR Jalen Nailor (hamstring), CB Akayleb Evans (oblique)

49ERS

• Deebo Samuel (WR)

• Brayden Willis (TE)

• Kalia Davis (DT)

• Brandon Allen (QB)

• Tyrion Davis-Price (RB)

• Jalen Graham (S)

VIKINGS

• NaJee Thompson (CB)

• Andre Carter II (EDGE)

• Lewis Cine (S)

• Nick Muse (TE)

After seven riveting weeks of the 2023 NFL season, Week 7 did not disappoint. Highlights included the Patriots' upset over the Bills, Ravens dominating the Lions, and a high-octane face-off between the Browns and Colts.

Let's spotlight the standout players, coaches, and teams from this weekend, celebrating the highs and scrutinizing the lows of Week 7.

Winner: Bill Belichick

Despite rumors of his waning dominance, Bill Belichick's underdog Patriots stunned the Bills, especially after news broke of his off-the-radar multiyear contract extension. With Mac Jones' impressive performance and a sharp defense pushing Buffalo to a 4-3 season record, Belichick finds a silver lining, even if the Patriots aren't the top contenders.

Loser: The Lions

Before Week 7, Detroit was viewed as a top NFL contender, alongside the 49ers. However, their strength was tested in Baltimore, resulting in a crushing 38-6 defeat by the Ravens, with Jackson delivering three touchdowns. This week's loss means all major NFC teams, including the Eagles, 49ers, and Lions, have faced recent setbacks.

Winner: Tyson Bagent

Many doubted the Bears after Justin Fields' Week 6 injury. However, undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent from Division II Shepherd stepped up with confidence, impressing in his debut against the Raiders. Despite facing a defense that previously held the Packers in check, Bagent showcased his dual-threat ability, helping Chicago amass over 170 rushing yards.

Loser: The NFC South

In a messy showdown, the Falcons barely beat the Buccaneers, with both teams showing glaring issues. Desmond Ridder had three red zone fumbles, while Baker Mayfield's repeated errors handed Atlanta multiple interceptions. After seven weeks, these rivals stand at a combined 7-6, consistently delivering lackluster performances. Meanwhile, Derek Carr and the Saints underperformed against the Jaguars. Ironically, the winless Panthers might've had the best week in the South, simply by being on a bye and avoiding potential defeat.

Winner: Browns

Despite their high-priced QB, Deshaun Watson, being benched due to an injury and their defense struggling against Gardner Minshew's Colts, the team managed a narrow 39-38 victory. Thanks to Jim Schwartz's unit stepping up at crucial moments, the team boasts a respectable 4-2 record in the challenging AFC North, aligning with their best expectations.

Losers: Bills

Despite high expectations, the Buffalo Bills faltered against the struggling Patriots. Josh Allen's early interception hindered them, but the larger concern was Sean McDermott's defense, highlighting a potential need for secondary upgrades. Instead of progressing to 5-2, the inconsistent Bills are now at 4-3, having also lost to the Jets and Jaguars in matches they should've won.

Winner: The Mahomes-Kelce combo

In a spectacular return to form, the Chiefs' key players shone against the rival Chargers. Patrick Mahomes dazzled with over 300 yards by halftime, culminating in four touchdowns, while Travis Kelce, recovering from a slow start due to injuries this year, effortlessly logged 12 receptions for 179 yards and a touchdown. This display underscored the Chiefs' offensive prowess despite concerns about Brandon Staley's defense.

Loser: Brett Maher

The Rams kicker, previously tied for second in field goals made, had a challenging Week 7, missing multiple times and dropping his season conversion rate to 74%. A crucial miss came when L.A. led 17-10, which paved the way for their 24-17 defeat against the resilient Steelers.

Winner: Sean Payton

Despite challenges, the Broncos managed to clinch their second win against the Packers, bringing some positivity amid Denver's tumultuous season. This victory places them just one game behind the Chargers in the AFC West, offering a morale boost for Payton and hope for the Mile High City.

What have the first seven games revealed about QB Jalen Hurts?

It's a tough evaluation. On the one hand, he has helped his team to a 6-1 record. As he'll regularly point out, the only thing that matters is winning. But he's turning the ball over at a high clip. He had a pair of giveaways Sunday, including a pick-six in the third quarter that tied the game. He now has 10 turnovers this season, second in the NFL to only Falcons QB Desmond Ridder (11). Bottom line: He has been good enough to get the job done, but he needs to protect the ball better before it costs them.

How much has the Dolphins' schedule had to do with their success?

The Dolphins are a good team, and their offense is for real with playmakers at every position and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa playing at an MVP level. But it is impossible to ignore the fact that their five wins have come against bad teams. Both of Miami's games against top-tier opponents have resulted in multiple-score losses. It's frustrating for players and coaches to hear it but, until they beat a good team, there will be an element of skepticism hanging over the Dolphins.

How did the Bronco’s defense go from a 70-20 loss to the Dolphins to allowing two touchdowns to the Packers?

The Broncos' defense gave up two touchdowns Sunday and has shown more progress in many ways than the team's offense. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has tweaked the lineup with Fabian Moreau starting at corner opposite of Pat Surtain II to go with rookie linebacker Drew Sanders being added into the nickel package. They've also done better with their run fits and have played with far more passion and far more assignment sound football.

Can the Steelers' offense play two complete halves?

It's fitting that there was a suite full of fans dressed and face-painted as zombies at SoFi Stadium because the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense looked like the walking dead for the first three quarters of Sunday's 24-17 win against the Los Angeles Rams. At halftime the Steelers had just three points and 91 yards. But in the second half, the Steelers scored touchdowns on three of their first four drives -- all on the ground for their first rushing touchdowns of the season. Coming alive in the second half isn't new for the Steelers' offense. Entering Sunday, they gained 791 yards in the second half to 550 in the second. They also averaged 5.0 yards per play in the second to 4.0 in the first. Sunday, they dug out of a six-point halftime deficit with 210 yards of offense in the second half -- including 191 yards in the fourth quarter.

Why is Atlanta having red zone turnover problems?

It might be because the offense's best option, Bijan Robinson, was primarily used as a decoy for reasons unclear. But either way, quarterback Desmond Ridder, following a 2-yard touchdown run on the Falcons' first drive, proceeded to lose three red zone fumbles -- marking the first time that has happened in 45 years. It also marks the first time a team had three red zone turnovers of any kind in a game since quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw three interceptions for the New York Jets in 2016. It's beyond Ridder, though. Critical errors have plagued the offense. But a game-winning drive, once again punctuated by a Younghoe Koo field goal, saved the day.

Week 7 brought some respite from the recent spate of injuries in fantasy football, though several crucial players weren't spared:

1. RB Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns | Ankle Injury | Projecting Week 11 Return

2. TE Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns | Concussion / Shoulder | Projecting Week 8 Return

3. WR Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers | Knee Injury | Projecting Week 11 Return

4. WR Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins | Back Injury | Projecting Week 9 Return

5. TE Luke Musgrave, Green Bay Packers | Ankle Injury | Projecting Week 10 Return

6. TE Gerald Everett, Los Angeles Chargers | Quadriceps Injury | Projecting Week 9 Return

7. RB Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons | "Illness?" | Timeline TBD