The 49ers will host the Vikings on Saturday afternoon in their first ever playoff game at Levi’s Stadium.
Typically the No. 6 seed upsetting the No. 3 seed is a huge plus for the top-seeded team, but the Vikings offer a unique challenge in that they’re built very similar to the 49ers. Minnesota is susceptible to stumbling, but they’re far from a bad team.
If San Francisco doesn’t play its best game, they’ll find themselves in a lot of trouble in their first playoff game since 2013. Here are the six (technically seven) players who need to be at their best to secure a 49ers victory Saturday:
QB Jimmy Garoppolo
All eyes will be on Garoppolo in his postseason debut. The Vikings are an exceptionally well-coached defense that forced Garoppolo into three interceptions during their Week 1 meeting last season. Another three-turnover game from the 49ers’ signal caller likely results in another loss.
Minnesota is going to try hard to slow down the rushing attack that makes San Francisco so versatile and dominant, so opening up that run game will come down to Garoppolo’s right arm. If he gets in a rhythm early, the 49ers could roll. If he struggles out of the gate – it may be a long day for their offense.