placeholder image

Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports


5 Biggest Threats: 49ers at Vikings

Sep 14, 2024 at 3:10 PM

Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.

The San Francisco 49ers head to Minnesota for their Week 2 NFL matchup. The Vikings, led by former 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold, are packed with talent. Who will the 49ers need to focus on in this game? Who are the five biggest threats they will face?

WR Justin Jefferson

The 49ers will have their hands full with the NFL's top wide receiver. Whether the 49ers play man or zone coverage, Justin Jefferson will look to feast on their secondary. In Week 1 against the Giants, Jefferson was held to four catches for 47 yards and a touchdown. Expect him to bounce back with a stronger performance in Week 2.

RB Aaron Jones

The last time the 49ers faced Aaron Jones was in the 2023 playoffs, where he rushed for 108 yards on 18 carries in the Divisional Round. He averaged six yards per carry, with a long run of 53 yards. In Week 1 against the New York Giants, Jones rushed for 94 yards on 18 carries. A dual-threat running back, much like the 49ers' Christian McCaffrey, Jones is most dangerous on outside runs, where he can use his explosiveness.

S Harrison Smith

Harrison Smith, a 12-year veteran and six-time Pro Bowler, is known for his versatility, playing both in the box as a strong safety and in coverage as a free safety. In the Vikings' Week 1 matchup, Smith recorded an interception, a pass deflection, and seven total tackles. Despite his age, Smith remains a presence all over the field. Expect him to play a key role in trying to stifle the 49ers' run game.

CB Byron Murphy

Byron Murphy is among the players most familiar with the San Francisco 49ers. For his first four years in Arizona, Murphy saw the 49ers twice a season. Murphy is known for his pass-deflection skills and tackling ability. In Week 1 against the Giants, he registered nine tackles, eight of which were solo. The Vikings now allow Murphy to move around the field, matching up against different receivers. Expect him to play physical and be a key factor in the secondary.

OLB Dallas Turner

Dallas Turner, the Vikings' first-round pick, is known for his speed on the edge. In his NFL debut against the Giants, Turner recorded three tackles, a sack, and a tackle for loss in just 36 snaps. As a rotational player with speed, he poses a threat. Expect Turner to line up against 49ers tackle Colton McKivitz, who has improved but continues to struggle against fast edge rushers.


In conclusion, the 49ers must be prepared for whatever the Vikings throw at them. Expect the 49ers to take on whatever Minnesota sends their way.

  • Written by:
    Wayne Breezie is a 49ers content creator. He had his first guest appearance on Ronbosports in 2012. He began writing for a Facebook group called the League of the 49ers. Next, he began writing for Nothing But Niners in 2017. In 2018, Wayne Breezie made his debut on YouTube’s Nothing But Niners show. In 2019, he started his podcast called Nitty Gritty Niners. After putting the pen down for several years, Breezie saw an opportunity to write for 49erscap.com. His first published article was in January of 2022 with 49ersCap, and he currently writes and produces weekly podcasts.
The opinions within this article are those of the writer and, while just as important, are not necessarily those of the site as a whole.
Nobody's perfect. Did you find a mistake in this article?
Report it.
Enjoy this article? Follow us to never miss more!

Powered by Follow.it


0 Comments

  • No Comments

Comments

Do not use the comments to notify us of errors in the article. Editors may not see it. Instead, report errors here.

More San Francisco 49ers News

placeholder image

49ers vs. Cardinals: 5 Biggest Threats in the NFC West Showdown

By Wayne P. Brown
Oct 3

The 1-3 Arizona Cardinals are coming into town to take on the 2-2 San Francisco 49ers. Despite their record, the Cardinals have several key players who could pose a threat to the 49ers. Here are five of the biggest challenges San Francisco may face in Week 5. QB Kyler...


placeholder image

49ers vs. Patriots: 5 Biggest Threats in Week 4 Showdown

By Wayne P. Brown
Sep 27

The New England Patriots are heading to Levi's Stadium to face the 1-2 San Francisco 49ers. Which players pose the biggest threats to the 49ers in Week 4? RB Rhamondre Stevenson Stevenson is one of the NFL's most challenging young running backs. He has 52 rush attempts for...


placeholder image

Report: 49ers' Fred Warner and George Kittle expected to play vs. Cardinals

By David Bonilla
4 hrs

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, San Francisco 49ers star linebacker Fred Warner and tight end George Kittle, both listed as questionable for Sunday's Week 5 game against the Arizona Cardinals, are expected to suit up for the NFC West showdown. Warner sustained an ankle...


placeholder image

Kyle Shanahan reflects on 49ers' Week 4 win vs. Patriots

By Site Staff
Sep 30

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters during a conference call on Monday, the day after the team's 30-13 win over the New England Patriots. Here's everything he shared. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. Opening...


Latest

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone