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.
DE Arik Armstead
While defensive end Nick Bosa spearheads the 49ers’ pass rush, Armstead needs to be their best player up front Saturday. He’s a very good defender against the run, and he led the team in sacks this season. If he is disrupting quarterback Kirk Cousins, it likely means the rest of the defensive front is getting home. The run game is where Armstead will be especially valuable on the edge though. If he can set that edge and stop the Vikings from getting big runs outside, the rest of the 49ers defense will have a much easier time.
WR Deebo Samuel
Typically this top pass catcher role is filled by George Kittle. However, the Vikings are extremely stingy with opposing tight ends, and their secondary is banged up. There’s a prime opportunity for Samuel to have a big playoff debut against the shaky Minnesota defensive backs. He’s become something of a Swiss Army knife for the 49ers, and his versatility to line up in different spots, run the ball, and affect the passing game at all three levels makes him a chess piece that head coach Kyle Shanahan can use to keep the Vikings off balance. A big game for Samuel means a big game for the 49ers offense.
SS Jaquiski Tartt
Tartt hasn’t played since injuring his ribs in Week 13. The team slow played his return, and now he’s fully healthy as he re-enters the starting lineup. San Francisco’s defense faltered a bit without their strong safety, allowing 274 passing yards and 31.8 points per game over the final four contests. Tartt’s ability to play multiple coverages and be effective in the box make him a key focal point of the 49ers defense against a run-heavy, play-action dominant team. Tartt stepping back in and playing at a Pro Bowl level could help elevate the 49ers’ pass defense to the championship caliber it reached through the first 12 weeks.
LT Joe Staley and RT Mike McGlinchey
Opponents generally have one dominant edge rusher to keep an eye on, but Minnesota’s pair of defensive ends, Everson Griffin and Danielle Hunter, are two of the league’s best when they pin their ears back. Staley and McGlinchey will both get help at times, but they have to win some one-on-one matchups. If they can stymie Hunter and Griffin and allow the rest of the line to pave the way inside, it’ll open the entire playbook for Shanahan.
LB Kwon Alexander
Alexander was activated off Injured Reserve the Friday before the game. He’s unlikely to play a full slate of snaps, but his presence is essential for a couple reasons. There’s an intangible reason that’ll give the 49ers’ defense the little extra edge it carried early in the year when they had their emotional leader on the field.
There are football reasons Alexander’s return is important as well. Even if he plays Sam linebacker and is only on the field with the base defense, he gives the 49ers a third quality linebacker alongside Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw. Azeez Al-Shaair was filling that Sam role, but the undrafted rookie just isn’t the same quality of player as the veteran Alexander yet. Al-Shaair did a fine job, but having Alexander in that spot is a huge boost for the 49ers’ defense, especially against a Vikings offense that may require plenty of base personnel.
