Pick it!

Vikes 31 
SF 24

The way to beat the 49ers is to put 8 in the box and a spy on Deebo, forcing Jimmy G to beat you. And he can't.

I expect the Vikings to try this, but it's easier said than done. Without their starting backs, 49ers aren't the 7 yards and a cloud of dust team we saw in the playoffs two years ago. They're much scarier...with runs coming from backs, receivers and backup QBs.

In their two most recent losses to the Cards and Indy, Deebo didn't get a carry. In their two most recent wins, he's carried the ball 12 times and scored 3 TDs. He will likely be Zimmer's focus.  

49ers are a mediocre defense against the run and the pass. Cousins and the Vikings offense are playing well and I expect that to continue in San Francisco, where the 49ers are 1-4. But the Vikings are going to need Darrisaw to bring his A-game against Nick Bosa.

Vikings 30
49ers 27

@"MaroonBells" said: The way to beat the 49ers is to put 8 in the box and a spy on Deebo, forcing Jimmy G to beat you. And he can't.

I expect the Vikings to try this, but it's easier said than done. Without their starting backs, 49ers aren't the 7 yards and a cloud of dust team we saw in the playoffs two years ago. They're much scarier...with runs coming from backs, receivers and backup QBs.

In their two most recent losses to the Cards and Indy, Deebo didn't get a carry. In their two most recent wins, he's carried the ball 12 times and scored 3 TDs. He will likely be Zimmer's focus.  

49ers are a mediocre defense against the run and the pass. Cousins and the Vikings offense are playing well and I expect that to continue in San Francisco, where the 49ers are 1-4. But the Vikings are going to need Darrisaw to bring his A-game against Nick Bosa.

Vikings 30
49ers 27

Over the years I've learned to rely on whats on brand for this franchise over match-up analytics...

On brand for this franchise is get a big exciting win @ home and crap the bed on the road the next week. 

This is a big, important conference game and would be a tough out even with our DL intact.

Not feeling it today

SF 28
Vikings 22

But the best way to help the Vikings defensive line rests on the other side of the ball. In short, the offensive line needs to control this critical NFC game in every way that it utterly failed at the last time the Vikings were in San Francisco for a key conference game.
On Jan. 11, 2020, the Vikings lined up this way, left to right, along the offensive line for the NFC divisional playoff game at Levi's Stadium: Riley Reiff, Pat Elflein, Garrett Bradbury, Josh Kline and Brian O'Neill.
The running game was held to 21 yards on 10 carries. Dalvin Cook had 15 touches for 26 yards. Kirk Cousins tied a career high in sacks with six. And the offense limped home with 147 total yards in a 27-10 beatdown.
Coach Mike Zimmer was asked this week to assess the difference between the offensive line that lined up that day and the one he'll take with him into Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday.
"I'm trying to think back to what the pass protection was two years ago," he said. "I think have done a pretty good job for the most part. And I think Kirk knows where to go with the football."
No, this year's offensive line isn't dominant. Yes, right guard Oli Udoh leads the NFL with nine holding penalties. Yes, the center position isn't ideal whether it's former first-round draft pick Garrett Bradbury or 2021 under-the-radar free-agent pickup Mason Cole starting.
But Sunday's likely lineup of Christian Darrisaw, Ezra Cleveland, Cole, Udoh and O'Neill is better than what the 49ers exposed in that playoff game. The Vikings can win with this offensive line, which they have proven with back-to-back signature victories over the Chargers and Packers.
The Vikings rank second in the league in sacks allowed per pass attempt (3.72%) and fifth in red-zone touchdowns (67.74%). The 49ers defense is 10th in sacks per pass attempt (7.3%) and 18th in red-zone touchdowns allowed (61.76%).
Cousins is third in passer rating (106.3) and has a league-low two interceptions. He also has been sacked only 14 times, tying a career low through 10 games in his seven years as a starter.
In his first six seasons as a starter, Cousins averaged 19.7 sacks through his first 10 games. His 10-game totals in Washington were 17, 14 and 25. With the Vikings, they are 26, 17, 19 and 14.
Cousins had been sacked at least once in 24 straight games heading into Week 6 at Carolina. His next three games went like this: zero sacks at Carolina, one sack against Dallas and zero sacks at Baltimore.
https://www.startribune.com/vikings-offensive-line-stepping-up-is-the-best-way-to-help-their-defensive-line/600121360/

@"purplefaithful" said: But the best way to help the Vikings defensive line rests on the other side of the ball. In short, the offensive line needs to control this critical NFC game in every way that it utterly failed at the last time the Vikings were in San Francisco for a key conference game. On Jan. 11, 2020, the Vikings lined up this way, left to right, along the offensive line for the NFC divisional playoff game at Levi's Stadium: Riley Reiff, Pat Elflein, Garrett Bradbury, Josh Kline and Brian O'Neill. The running game was held to 21 yards on 10 carries. Dalvin Cook had 15 touches for 26 yards. Kirk Cousins tied a career high in sacks with six. And the offense limped home with 147 total yards in a 27-10 beatdown. Coach Mike Zimmer was asked this week to assess the difference between the offensive line that lined up that day and the one he'll take with him into Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday. "I'm trying to think back to what the pass protection was two years ago," he said. "I think have done a pretty good job for the most part. And I think Kirk knows where to go with the football." No, this year's offensive line isn't dominant. Yes, right guard Oli Udoh leads the NFL with nine holding penalties. Yes, the center position isn't ideal whether it's former first-round draft pick Garrett Bradbury or 2021 under-the-radar free-agent pickup Mason Cole starting. But Sunday's likely lineup of Christian Darrisaw, Ezra Cleveland, Cole, Udoh and O'Neill is better than what the 49ers exposed in that playoff game. The Vikings can win with this offensive line, which they have proven with back-to-back signature victories over the Chargers and Packers. The Vikings rank second in the league in sacks allowed per pass attempt (3.72%) and fifth in red-zone touchdowns (67.74%). The 49ers defense is 10th in sacks per pass attempt (7.3%) and 18th in red-zone touchdowns allowed (61.76%). Cousins is third in passer rating (106.3) and has a league-low two interceptions. He also has been sacked only 14 times, tying a career low through 10 games in his seven years as a starter. In his first six seasons as a starter, Cousins averaged 19.7 sacks through his first 10 games. His 10-game totals in Washington were 17, 14 and 25. With the Vikings, they are 26, 17, 19 and 14. Cousins had been sacked at least once in 24 straight games heading into Week 6 at Carolina. His next three games went like this: zero sacks at Carolina, one sack against Dallas and zero sacks at Baltimore. https://www.startribune.com/vikings-offensive-line-stepping-up-is-the-best-way-to-help-their-defensive-line/600121360/

49ers did a lot of damage that day with Deforest Buckner, Dee Ford, and Kwon Alexander, none of whom are playing today. And they ran the ball down our throats with Mostert, Coleman and Brieda, none of whom are playing today. 

Tough game, to be sure, and we'll need good games from Darrisaw, Cousins, Cook, whoever has Deebo and that "makeshit" DL in order to win on the road, but there hasn't been a team yet the Vikings haven't played to the finish, and I doubt this game will be any different. 

Dalvin hasn't been spectacular for a while...I'd bet the personal stuff going on has affected him on the filed.

A big game from him is overdue and sorely needed today with the DL situation. 

We should not expect a win today BUT,  

These 2 teams are very similar in talent and coaching. I think today comes down to limiting Bosa and Armstead impact and Kirk continuing his stellar agressiveness and getting the ball out on time. 

Niners love to stop the run and then grab and hold receivers.  If we establish a run game and stay agressive down the field with shots I like our chances. 

23-20 Vikings 

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"purplefaithful" said: But the best way to help the Vikings defensive line rests on the other side of the ball. In short, the offensive line needs to control this critical NFC game in every way that it utterly failed at the last time the Vikings were in San Francisco for a key conference game. On Jan. 11, 2020, the Vikings lined up this way, left to right, along the offensive line for the NFC divisional playoff game at Levi's Stadium: Riley Reiff, Pat Elflein, Garrett Bradbury, Josh Kline and Brian O'Neill. The running game was held to 21 yards on 10 carries. Dalvin Cook had 15 touches for 26 yards. Kirk Cousins tied a career high in sacks with six. And the offense limped home with 147 total yards in a 27-10 beatdown. Coach Mike Zimmer was asked this week to assess the difference between the offensive line that lined up that day and the one he'll take with him into Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday. "I'm trying to think back to what the pass protection was two years ago," he said. "I think have done a pretty good job for the most part. And I think Kirk knows where to go with the football." No, this year's offensive line isn't dominant. Yes, right guard Oli Udoh leads the NFL with nine holding penalties. Yes, the center position isn't ideal whether it's former first-round draft pick Garrett Bradbury or 2021 under-the-radar free-agent pickup Mason Cole starting. But Sunday's likely lineup of Christian Darrisaw, Ezra Cleveland, Cole, Udoh and O'Neill is better than what the 49ers exposed in that playoff game. The Vikings can win with this offensive line, which they have proven with back-to-back signature victories over the Chargers and Packers. The Vikings rank second in the league in sacks allowed per pass attempt (3.72%) and fifth in red-zone touchdowns (67.74%). The 49ers defense is 10th in sacks per pass attempt (7.3%) and 18th in red-zone touchdowns allowed (61.76%). Cousins is third in passer rating (106.3) and has a league-low two interceptions. He also has been sacked only 14 times, tying a career low through 10 games in his seven years as a starter. In his first six seasons as a starter, Cousins averaged 19.7 sacks through his first 10 games. His 10-game totals in Washington were 17, 14 and 25. With the Vikings, they are 26, 17, 19 and 14. Cousins had been sacked at least once in 24 straight games heading into Week 6 at Carolina. His next three games went like this: zero sacks at Carolina, one sack against Dallas and zero sacks at Baltimore. https://www.startribune.com/vikings-offensive-line-stepping-up-is-the-best-way-to-help-their-defensive-line/600121360/

OK, but let's not turn this 49ers team into the '85 Bears.

49ers did a lot of damage that day with Deforest Buckner, Dee Ford, and Kwon Alexander, none of whom are playing today. And they ran the ball down our throats with Mostert, Coleman and Brieda, none of whom are playing today. 

Tough game, to be sure, and we'll need good games from Darrisaw, Cousins, Cook, whoever has Deebo and that "makeshit" DL in order to win on the road, but there hasn't been a team yet the Vikings haven't played to the finish, and I doubt this game will be any different. 

With seven teams making the postseason in the NFC, the Vikings are currently in the No. 6 spot and the 49ers are No. 7. The winner will have a tiebreaker if the teams are deadlocked at the conclusion of the NFL’s first 17-game season. “It’s an important game,” Zimmer said. “I’m sure they’d say the same thing.” 
Zimmer said the 49ers are similar to the team that handled the Vikings in the playoffs on offense and defense. One difference, he said, is a lot more “movement pre-snap” on offense, including sets with stars Deebo Samuel at wide receiver and George Kittle at tight end. 
On defense, the biggest difference is DeMeco Ryans, who replaced Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator after he left at the end of last season to become head coach of the New York Jets. The 49ers remain stout on that side of the ball, ranked sixth in the NFL in total defense. 
The Vikings, though, have shown continued improvement on offense. Cousins is playing as well as he has in his 10-year career. Second-year wide receiver Justin Jefferson is the most recent NFC Offensive Player of the Week winner after catching eight passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns in last Sunday’s 34-31 win over the Packers. Cook continues to get better, as well, and hasn’t had many clunkers since the one in his last visit to Levi’s Stadium. 
“We put that to bed, but (it’s) always (a challenge) having an opportunity to compete against a good defense, good players that they have over there,” Cook said of his return. “I definitely remember that game, that environment. I know it was a playoff game and different, but their fans get pretty rowdy.” 
The Vikings will try to silence the fans with their seventh-ranked offense. But will they be able to stop the 49ers with their defense? 
The Vikings rank just No. 28 in the NFL in total defense and on Sunday will be without their four preferred starters on the defensive line. Defensive end Everson Griffen is away from the team after a mental health issue on Wednesday, and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson has been ruled out after being placed Tuesday on the COVID-19 reserve list. They join end Danielle Hunter, lost for the season to a torn pectoral muscle on Oct. 31, and nose tackle Michael Pierce, on injured reserve with an elbow injury. 
“It’s a big advantage for us,” Garoppolo told reporters on Wednesday about Minnesota’s depleted line. “I think, you know, the guys stepping in are no slouches, either. So, we’ve got to be ready for that.” 
D.J. Wonnum has stepped in for Hunter, and Armon Watts for Pierce. Sheldon Richardson is expected to man one of the other two open spots. Regardless of who’s playing, the Vikings defense can expect a steady diet of the 49ers’ running game. In their last two games, a 34-10 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 15 and a 30-10 victory at Jacksonville on Nov. 21, San  Francisco averaged 163.5 yards rushing. 
Running back Elijah Mitchell had 91 yards against the Rams. Then, with Mitchell nursing a finger injury, the versatile Samuel carried eight times for 79 yards against the Jaguars. 
“They run the ball really, really well,” Zimmer said. 
When Garoppolo throws, Samuel is the primary target. Samuel, who sometimes lines up in the backfield, has 55 catches for 994 yards this season, second in the NFL. 
“For the most part, he’s a receiver,” Zimmer said. “He’s terrific with the ball in his hands, he’s a strong runner, really good on the wide receiver screens, plays in the slot some.” 
It will be Zimmer’s third road game against the 49ers since he came to Minnesota in 2014. The first one didn’t go well, either, with San Francisco rolling up 230 yards on the ground in a 20-3 win on Monday Night Football to open the 2015 season. 
In the playoff game, Minnesota’s run defense wasn’t much better, giving up 186 yards. And the Vikings couldn’t get their ground game going, being held to a meager 21 yards rushing, tied for the lowest playoff game output in team history. 
“It’s almost two full years removed, every team is going to be a little bit different,” O’Neill said. “What hasn’t changed is that they still have great talent across the board. They still have a great front seven.”
https://www.twincities.com/2021/11/27/vikings-still-have-bad-taste-in-our-mouth-from-playoff-loss-at-san-francisco/