A way too early look at the 2018 opponents for the Minnesota Vikings

Home against San Francisco 49ers

Before acquiring QB Jimmy Garoppolo from the New England Patriots, the imminent future looked bleak for the 49ers. Sporting a 1-10 record, a sputtering offense, and a defense playing below its talent level, many San Fran fans had their sights on a top pick and a project QB from the draft.

Since the trade, however, San Francisco has been clicking on all cylinders. They rolled off five straight wins to finish the season with Garoppolo at the helm.

The former Patriot flashed veteran-like pocket presence and exceptional leadership and provided the offense with much-needed consistency and a touch of firepower. Even the defense seemed to up their game after the change at QB, and the Niners head into the offseason with a new sense of optimism.

They need to add a playmaker or two on the outside to give Garoppolo more weapons to work with, and there is still room for improvement on the defensive side of the ball.

But the 49ers have a chance to make a jump up the standings next year, not unlike the LA Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars did this season. Don’t look now, but the NFC West is shaping up to retain its position as one of the top divisions in football.