By Alex Valle — Content Editor
The San Francisco 49ers (13-3) will take on the Minnesota Vikings (10-6) in the NFC Divisional Round of the playoffs. The 49ers are coming off of a first-round bye as they sit atop the NFC, while the Vikings are riding their wave, off of a huge upset win against the New Orleans Saints.
Kickoff is set for 1:35 p.m. at Levi’s Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 11.
Here is what to look out for in Saturday’s first playoff game of the season:
Hot Boyzz are back in business
In contrast to the Vikings, the 49ers are optimistic about having a completely healthy team. This includes 49ers’ linebackers Dee Ford and Kwon Alexander.
Both linemen suffered injuries in the beginning of the season and it seemed as if both players were going to be shut down. However, as both players are now full participants at practice, the 49ers can rejoice that the Hot Boyzz are back!
This will be the healthiest the 49ers have been since week 4, which is surprising to see for any playoff team getting ready for a Super Bowl run. Cornerback Jaquiski Tartt will also be returning to the team after suffering a rib injury that kept him sidelined in week 17.
This will be the biggest advantage for the 49ers in the NFC Divisional Round matchup. The Vikings most recent injury report includes 12 players, but it’s not as bad as it seems.
Wide receiver Adam Thielen is the only offensive player that is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game.
On the defensive end, safety Jayron Kearse and cornerback Mackensie Alexander are both listed as out. This will allow the 49ers to air it out to tight end George Kittle and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders.
Garoppolo vs. Cousins
After coming off of his first playoff win, Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins will face-off against Jimmy Garoppolo in his first postseason start.
Cousins had a fantastic performance in the first round of playoffs as he orchestrated the game-winning drive against the Saints in overtime.
Although this will be Garoppolo’s first attempt at a playoff victory, he does have a lot of offensive playmakers to give the ball to.
Garoppolo was far from putting up MVP numbers during the regular season, but has proven to all of the NFL that he is a winner.
He led the Niners to the No. 1 seed in the NFC, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished by the 49ers since 1997. It should come as no surprise to see Garoppolo and the 49ers coming out of the divisional round on top.
Shanahan’s play-calling
From the jet sweep, to the wildcat that resulted in Sanders throwing a dime in the end zone to running back Raheem Mostert, the 49ers’ offense has been hard to contain.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan is the mastermind behind one of the best offenses in the NFL.
Defenses still cannot seem to discern what Shanahan’s offense has up their sleeve considering all of the offensive weapons he has at his disposal.
All-Pro George Kittle, rookie standout receiver Deebo Samuel and undrafted Raheem Mostert, who has locked down the starting spot, have all contributed greatly to this team’s success.
Shanahan should continue the diverse play-calling, challenging Vikings defensive coordinator George Edwards to stop his high-powered offense.
Now that the Niners are the healthiest they have been all season, they should be able to comfortably handle the Minnesota Vikings.
It will be difficult for the Vikings to get running back Dalvin Cook going, considering the 49ers’ defensive line is one of the best in the NFL. Passing the ball will not be any easier. With wide receivers Thielen and Stefon Diggs both banged up, the 49ers’ secondary can create a lot of problems for the Vikings.
I predict the 49ers will defeat the Vikings by a score of 24-10. Check back with The Spear for a recap of this Divisional Round playoff game.
Follow Alex on Twitter @AlexValleSpear