By Avnish Singh 
Minneapolis – September 14, 2024
After a gritty Week 1 win over the Giants, the Minnesota Vikings are prepping for an even tougher test in Week 2 — the San Francisco 49ers. Thanks to the 49ers playing Monday night, the Vikings got an extra day of rest and a bit more time to get ready for the reigning NFC champs. Every edge counts when you’re going up against a team that still has over 67% of last year’s roster.
Flores on Facing Shanahan’s Offense: “It Doesn’t Get More Challenging”
The 49ers’ ground game is no joke. Christian McCaffrey’s status may still be up in the air, but if there’s one thing Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores knows, it’s this: Kyle Shanahan doesn’t care who’s running the ball. They’re coming for you regardless.
Undrafted back Jordan Mason went off in Week 1, racking up 147 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries while breaking 13 tackles. That stat — courtesy of Next Gen Stats — shows how much of a bruiser Mason is, and the 49ers’ rushing attack isn’t slowing down any time soon. Oh, and then there’s Deebo Samuel, who added 23 rushing yards, a touchdown, and 54 receiving yards, proving once again he’s the ultimate Swiss Army knife.
Flores knows his squad’s got a tough job ahead. “Shanahan’s system is designed to wear you down, and we’re prepping for that physical, violent style of play,” Flores said. Second-year linebacker Ivan Pace, Jr. — whom teammates are now calling a “jacked-up pitbull” — is front and center in the Vikings’ game plan.
Familiar Face in 49ers Backup QB Room
A familiar face in San Francisco’s quarterback room? Former Vikings QB Josh Dobbs. While he’s behind Sam Darnold on the depth chart, Dobbs earned his spot with a solid preseason. Vikings fans remember Dobbs for his roller-coaster stint last year, but the 49ers believe in his upside as a backup.
Vikings’ Offense Without Addison: Stepping Up Is the Name of the Game
Bad news hit the Vikings Friday when WR Jordan Addison was ruled out for Week 2. Last season’s breakout star won’t be building on his impressive opener, but the Vikings are counting on their depth at receiver to make up for it. Justin Jefferson, of course, leads the charge, just four catches away from becoming the ninth Viking in history to reach 400 career receptions. Jefferson also needs just 42 receiving yards to hit 6,000 for his career and tie a record set by Hall of Famer Lance Alworth for the fastest to reach that milestone.
“We’re confident in our game plan,” Jefferson said about facing the 49ers’ defense. “We’ve seen how they play against top receivers, but it’s a whole different ball game when I’m on the field.”
Stepping up alongside Jefferson will be Jalen Nailor, who caught a touchdown last week, along with Brandon Powell, Trent Sherfield, and Trishton Jackson, who’s set to make his 2024 debut after a strong preseason. Coach O’Connell spoke highly of his depth guys, noting, “We’re going to lean on Speedy (Nailor), B.P., Trent, and Trishton to step up in Jordan’s absence. They’re ready for this.”
Key Matchup: Vikings’ Run D vs. 49ers’ Ground Game
If the Vikings want to walk away with a win, it’s going to come down to one thing: stopping the 49ers’ rushing attack. The good news? Minnesota’s run defense showed up last week, holding the Giants to just 3.5 yards per carry. The 49ers, however, are riding a wave of momentum behind Mason, Samuel, and Shanahan’s ground-heavy scheme.
“Deebo is special, but it’s the system that really makes them dangerous,” Flores said. “It’s a perfect fusion of talent and schematics.” Minnesota’s defense, led by Pace, is ready for the challenge. As Flores put it, “We’re talking about Pace a lot this week, and we’ve got plans to deploy him against that violent rushing attack.”
How to Watch
- Date: Sunday, September 15, 2024
- Time: 4:25 PM ET
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Available on Paramount+, NFL Game Pass, and other streaming services that carry CBS broadcasts.
Stadium Details
- Location: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
- Address: 401 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415
- Capacity: 66,860 seats
- Parking: Available in multiple lots surrounding the stadium. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for parking and to ensure they have time for security screening.
What’s Next?
With both teams coming off strong Week 1 performances, this matchup is shaping up to be a battle of wills. The 49ers’ rushing offense and stout defense will test Minnesota in every phase, but the Vikings’ strong run defense and explosive passing attack, even without Addison, give them a shot. Both sides know this game is going to be a slugfest — and it’s only Week 2.
