The San Francisco 49ers hit the road for their Week 2 matchup against the 1-0 Minnesota Vikings. The 49ers haven't won in Minnesota since 1992. If they want to snap their losing streak, they must focus on the following keys to victory.
Pound The Rock
The Vikings' run defense is ranked sixth after Week 1, allowing the New York Giants to rush for only 74 yards. Expect the Vikings to run blitz and stack the box to neutralize the 49ers' rushing attack. The 49ers need to balance their rushing game with a mix of outside zone and power runs to wear down the Vikings' defensive front. Look for the 49ers to run the ball east and west to create big gains on the outside.
Screen Game
If the Vikings plan to stack the box, the 49ers must utilize their screen passes. Watch for Deebo Samuel on the jailbreak screens, George Kittle on the tight-end screens, and Jordan Mason on the halfback screens. The 49ers could feature Mason more in the passing game, so if the Vikings focus on stopping the run, the 49ers can use screen passes as an extension of their rushing attack.
Quick Throws
Brian Flores' defense loves to blitz. Last year against the 49ers, the Vikings employed the zero blitz numerous times to speed up Brock Purdy's process. Purdy must recognize the blitz and get the ball to his playmakers quickly. Quick throws could lead to significant gains in yards after the catch for players like Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle.
Limit Justin Jefferson
Justin Jefferson may be the best wide receiver in the NFL, but he has a new quarterback throwing him the ball. Although Jefferson didn't have a standout performance in Week 1 against the New York Giants, he did score a touchdown. The 49ers must contain Jefferson and force someone else to beat them. Charvarius Ward, who performed well against Jets star receiver Garrett Wilson in Week 1, faces a tough task against Jefferson. Still, in Ward, we trust.
Set the Edge
The Minnesota Vikings rushed for over 100 yards against the New York Giants in Week 1. Aaron Jones ran for 94 yards on 18 carries and is most dangerous when he gets to the outside. The 49ers' defensive ends must excel at setting the edge to prevent Jones from breaking explosive plays outside. The defense should aim to force Jones to cut back toward the middle, where players like Maliek Collins will be waiting. Run defense will be crucial in this matchup.
If the 49ers can set the edge, stop the run, limit Justin Jefferson, and move the ball efficiently on offense, they will snap their losing streak in Minnesota and improve to 2-0.