4 bold predictions for the Vikings’ Week 1 matchup vs. the 49ers
By Adam Patrick
Vikings offensive line won’t give up a sack
Despite the Vikings adding two top free-agents to their roster this year, the talk of the offseason has seemed to constantly revolve around the team’s offensive line.
Minnesota already knew it would be without starting left guard Nick Easton on Sunday thanks to his season coming to a close a few weeks ago due to surgery on his neck. Well on Friday, the Vikings officially announced that starting center Pat Elflein would also not be suiting up for the team’s game against the 49ers.
The only Minnesota offensive lineman that will be starting in the same position as last year’s season-opener is Riley Reiff. All of the other spots on the Vikings’ line are being filled by either new blockers or guys switching positions.
So how will this makeshift offensive line perform for Minnesota on Sunday? They actually should not have too much trouble putting forth a good performance against San Francisco.
The 49ers’ defense only finished with 30 sacks in 2017, which was the fifth-fewest in the NFL. Veteran defensive end Elvis Dumervil was San Francisco’s sack leader last season with 6.5, but he recently retired and won’t be on the field this Sunday.
Containing 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner will be key for the Vikings’ pass protection this week. Buckner had the fifth-most quarterback pressures of any defensive lineman in the league last season.
If Minnesota’s offensive line can find a way to stop him from making any noise, the Vikings should be able to leave U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday without giving up a sack.