Vikings’ 3 keys to victory in home opener vs. 49ers
The Minnesota Vikings (1-0) host the San Francisco 49ers (1-0) at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday at noon. These two teams faced one another last regular season on Oct. 23 with the Vikings winning in front of their home fans 22-17. However, the game may have been the turning point Minnesota didn’t want to experience, as the quarterback at the time – Kirk Cousins – suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
The 49ers carry an all-time 25-24-1 series edge heading into Sunday’s matchup. The Vikings dominated the New York Giants on the road last week 28-6 while the 49ers handled business at home against the New York Jets in Week 1, winning 32-19. Here’s a look at three keys to a Vikings victory. KEEP THINGS SIMPLE ON OFFENSE
It was a great week for the Vikings offense as they picked apart the Giants. However, it will be a night-and-day difference of opponents from Week 1 to 2, as the 49ers come to Minneapolis. Minnesota did a great job in Week 1 of balancing the passing and rushing game and will go into this matchup hoping to do the same.
Quarterback Sam Darnold was surgical, completing 19-for-24 passes for 208 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Running back Aaron Jones rushed 14 times for 94 yards (6.7 yards per attempt) and a touchdown. Both players will need to play well if Minnesota wants any shot to win. If the game starts to get one-side from the offense’s execution standpoint, it could get ugly. WIN THE TRENCHES San Francisco has one of the best defensive lines in the NFL but the Vikings offensive line is pretty good too.
Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd will be edge rushers to watch but Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill have proven themselves to be up for the challenge at the offensive tackle positions and it could be the difference on Sunday. If Darnold isn’t rushed in the pocket, it will open up more plays downfield and simply create more opportunities for the offense as a whole. JALEN NAILOR TIME In last year’s matchup, Cousins picked apart the 49ers defense, throwing for 378 yards. A majority of those yards came via Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson.
The latter is on Injured Reserve still recovering from an ACL injury last year and Addison is considered doubtful for Sunday’s game. You know what that means: it’s Jalen Nailor time. Nailor started off his 2024 campaign with a 21-yard touchdown catch last week and should be relied on heavily opposite of Justin Jefferson on Sunday. The Vikings will need a lot of younger players to step up against a Super Bowl-caliber team in the 49ers but Nailor could be the biggest X-factor in getting the Vikings their second win of the year.
