09-08-2018, 11:22 AM
Linemen might hold key but don’t forget about Jimmy Garoppolo’s undefeated magic
MINNESOTA – Chants of “Skol!” roared through the Vikings’ state-of-the-art stadium as fans celebrated the “Minneapolis Miracle,” a playoff comeback against the New Orleans Saints. That was the last time the Vikings played high-stakes football at home. They missed out on truly hosting the Super Bowl there last February.
Entering that intimidating cauldron Sunday is a 49ers team determined to make its own playoff noise this season.
These aren’t the same 49ers who started last season 0-9 in coach Kyle Shanahan’s debut. That franchise-worst start callused them up, tested their mettle, and became a distant memory once Jimmy Garoppolo’s 5-0 December debut sparked great expectations.
Now the 49ers start anew against last year’s NFC runners-up.
“It’s going to be a challenge for us,” Garoppolo said, “but it will be fun.”
Here are five ways to a Week 1 upset...
https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/09/07/4...f=obinsite
