NFL: San Francisco 49ers & Minnesota Vikings go 5-0

San Francisco beat Super Bowl champions Seattle 32-29 in a typically brutal contest between divisional rivals, with the Niners having defensive star Dre Greenlaw ejected early on for a headbutt on Ernest Jones, who was not wearing a helmet, on the sidelines.

Both defences are elite and forced a season-high seven turnovers in the game, with the 49ers in particular taking advantage by scoring three touchdowns from theirs. The 21 points off turnovers was the most Seattle have allowed in a decade.

Brock Purdy eventually got San Francisco over the line thanks to new wide receiver Mike Evans, who had 113 yards receiving and a touchdown, taking some great catches late on.

The only team to have a top-five scoring offence and defence, the 49ers again have injury problems this season, but if Evans stays fit he could be the missing piece in the puzzle.

San Francisco are now 5-0 for the third time under head coach Kyle Shanahan. They have made the NFC Championship on all four previous occasions and, if they keep finding ways to win, they have every chance again.

The Minnesota Vikings are also 5-0 after another defensive masterclass from Brian Flores’ unit in their 23-13 win at the slumping New Orleans Saints.

With wins over the Saints (1-4), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-4) and Miami Dolphins (0-5), we will know more about the Vikings after their bye, but allowing only 13 points a game will always give you a chance.