The 49ers open the 2015 regular season at home against the Vikings in the second of ESPN's two Monday Night Football games to finish the NFL's opening week. The 49ers are hosting the Vikings in the regular season for the first time since 2007, a game which Minnesota won 27-7. The 49ers have posted a 35-29-1 record on opening day in their 65-year history, including wins in four consecutive season openers and five of the past six.
The 49ers are coming off of an offseason that saw the exile of the team's head coach and much of the coaching staff, the loss of a number of free agents including the team's all-time rushing leader, Frank Gore, and the retirements of players like Patrick Willis and Justin Smith. Despite this, the players have remained confident and a lot of talent remains on the roster.
San Francisco enters the 2015 season under head coach Jim Tomsula, who was hired on January 14, 2015. Tomsula enters his ninth season with the 49ers after serving as the team's defensive line coach for the past eight seasons. In 2010, Tomsula served as the interim head coach for the final game of the regular season, earning a 38-7 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
#49ers Jarryd Hayne is ACTIVE for tonight's game.
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) September 15, 2015
On offense, the 49ers hope that the addition of WR Torrey Smith via free agency and QB Colin Kaepernick's offseason work will help give a boost to the team's passing game. RB Carlos Hyde takes over for Frank Gore who left for Indianapolis. The biggest question mark on offense has been the team's offensive line. Although, the same can be said for the Vikings.
On defense for the 49ers, the biggest story is LB NaVorro Bowman, who is returning from a torn ACL and MCL suffered in January of 2014. The biggest question mark on defense is the starting cornerback spot opposite of Tramaine Brock. Kenneth Acker and Keith Reaser have been competing for the job.
This game also marks the debut of the 49ers' new black alternate jerseys in a game.
Kickoff: Monday, September 14 at 7:20 PM PT
Television: The game will be televised on ESPN
Spanish Radio: KTRB 860
Last Meeting: 9/23/12, Vikings win 24-13, at Min.
All-Time Matchup: Series is tied 22-22-1
Current Streak: Lost 3
NFL Fan Picks: 54% pick the 49ers to win according to Yahoo! Sports
49ers Fan Picks: Within our Pick 'em Contest, 86% believe the 49ers will win
Follow Game Online: NFL.com's Game Center
Discuss: Niner Talk forum
49ers Schedule: View full schedule
Injury Report
| Team | Pos | Player | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | TE | Chase Ford | Shoulder | Probable |
| Vikings | RB | Zach Line | Knee | Probable |
| Vikings | TE | MyCole Pruitt | Ankle | Probable |
| Vikings | DT | Shamar Stephen | Knee | Probable |
| 49ers | CB | Tramaine Brock | Hamstring | Probable |
Game Averages (Rank)
No team rankings yet
Game Articles
Vikings lose starting center; Minnesota defense expecting read option
Sacramento Bee
Vikings expect 'up-tempo' 49ers offense on Monday night
CSN Bay Area
Niner Fans
49ers DC Mangini expects a lot from Brooks vs Vikings
CSN Bay Area
Vikings' and 49ers' coaches confident in iffy offensive lines
San Francisco Chronicle
49ers LB Ahmad Brooks ready for Vikings
San Francisco Chronicle
Vikings likely to test 49ers young CB Acker
CSN Bay Area
Press Democrat
Adrian Peterson will be barometer for NaVorro Bowman, 49ers' rebuilt defense
Sacramento Bee
NaVorro Bowman, Adrian Peterson feel each other's pain
ESPN
Week 1 Main Matchup: NaVorro Bowman vs. Adrian Peterson
The Mercury News
Preview: 49ers vs. Vikings
The Mercury News
Poll
- Who will have a better game on Monday night?
- Colin Kaepernick96%
- Teddy Bridgewater4%
- 102 votes
