Miner Pickaxe vs Viking Battle Axe - Pick it!

[HappyViking]

vs...

Well, I'm delighted to say I was so wrong last week, and expected the worst from our Vikings.  They finally played for four quarters and then some, and left NO with a historically sweet road playoff victory; probably Cousins’ best win of his entire career.  While I truly didn’t believe they'd win until Rudy made the fantastic OT nab to end it, it was fun to see the team so confident and just go out and kick a$$. 

Can they do that again?  We'll see, but again, I'm not feeling it.  That 49er team runs the ball, and runs it better than any team not named the Ravens.  The Vikings tend to wear down against running teams when the offense struggles, and I do think the offense will struggle against that 49er D.  Their D is stout, fast, and has playmakers on all levels.  JG has proven to be a very efficient, accurate passer, and that running game really helps him out.

I think the Vikes play well, and make it a game, but I'm not convinced yet they're good enough to knock off the #1 NFC team.  Could it happen? Yep, I so badly hope it does, but I'll only really believe it when I see it.  Please Vikings, show me the "W" - SKOL!

Battle Axes: 17Pickaxes: 27

[Guest]

I don't feel as optimistic as last week, even though I felt N.O. was the best team in the NFC. I think last week was so emotionally draining that we can't match the same intensity. We will frustrate and confuse JG, but Zim won't be able to keep up with Shannahan for four quarters.


Vikes 17
49ers 24 

[Guest]

I was much more confident against New Orleans because of the matchups then I am this game. I believe Shanahan will scheme his WRs into single coverage with Rhodes and to a lesser extent Waynes and take shots. The Saints only did it a handful of times but most of them were completions.

Sanders and Samuel will do enough in the intermediate area to force Zimmer to back his Safeties up and that will open up their running game. Look for some shots to their Slot guy Bourne and the fullback with the impossible name to spell.

On the other side I do see Minnesota having success running the ball. But on the road off of a short week with Thielen not 100% and Diggs not able to practice much I just think the Offense won't catch the rhythm fast enough to keep up. And that pass rush is lethal with Ford back, especially if they can ignore the run.

I look for San Francisco to get up 2 scores early. Minnesota will battle back and score late but not get the onsides kick.

San Francisco 31
Minnesota       28

[Guest]

What the heck...I posted a thread on "make the call" so I'll stick with my dream prediction...

Vikings 20

 49'ers  17

[Guest]

24-13 Ninners

[Guest]

Go Get It !!!    27-24 Vikes !!!!!

[Guest]

Walk-off win playoff teams are 1/6 the following week...That's 1 nasty statistic. 

It worked well last week, so I'm sticking with my Saints/Vikings prediction and carrying it over to Divisional Weekend:

49'ers 33
Vikings 18

SKOL

[Guest]

What I don't like: 

Health
Vikings traveled across country twice within 6 days. 49ers sat at home for 14 days. Thielen's hobbled, damn near every sub package corner we have is out, and the 49ers are as healthy as they’ve been all year. It's hard to see many paths to victory.  

49ers front seven
49ers have the best front seven in football. They know in order to do what we do, we have to run the ball. If we can’t, the whole thing blows up. And it’s really hard to run on good defenses with loaded boxes. We’re going to have to be able to pass. In fact, what I would do is come out firing right away. Loosen that up first and then run the ball. If we come out with some sort of “enforce our will” mentality, we’ll lose. 



What I like:

Jimmy G
Handsome Jimmy is playing good football, but he’s in a tier below Kirk Cousins. He’s vulnerable to pressure and mistakes, with more interceptions (13) and fumbles (10) than any other QB remaining in the playoffs. And he’s playing in his 1st playoff game ever.  Vikings are an experienced playoff team who ranks near the top in takeaways. So after not blitzing Brees, I’m betting Zimmer’s dying to dial up some heat. This is how we win. Pressure Jimmy into turning the ball over. 

Vikings Inside rush
Like the Saints, the 49ers interior OL is vulnerable with a backup center and league average guards. We’ll see more of Griffen and Hunter inside in this one. Jimmy hates inside pressure. 

Summary:
49ers will be tough to beat at home, but this isn’t the ’85 Bears. Each of their last five games was a down to the wire, one-score game. I think this one will be too, with neither offense able to do much. I see a low-scoring game with a lot of field goals. 

Vikings 16
49ers 13

[Guest]

Vikes will win on the left coast 30 - 20

[Guest]

I think we will see a surprising amount of purple in the stands today and the Vikings will party like it is 1987!

Vikings 31
noners  17