4 bold predictions for the Vikings’ Week 1 matchup vs. the 49ers

Kirk Cousins will throw for at least two touchdowns

This offseason, the 49ers went out and signed Richard Sherman in an attempt to improve their lackluster pass defense. However, Sherman’s presence on the field likely won’t make that much of a difference against a Vikings’ offense that is now led by quarterback Kirk Cousins.

In a matchup with San Francisco last season, Cousins threw for 330 yards and two touchdowns. He should be able to have similar numbers on Sunday, especially since he gets to throw to guys like Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs, Kyle Rudolph, and Dalvin Cook.

In 11 of their 16 games last year, the 49ers’ defense allowed the opposing quarterback to throw for at least two touchdowns against them. Backup signal callers like Drew Stanton and T.J. Yates were among the group that tossed at least two scores against San Francisco last season.

With their lack of a pass rush that was mentioned earlier, Cousins should have a bunch of time to find Minnesota receivers in the end zone on Sunday. And if he is able to do that, the quarterback should end up leaving his first regular season game inside U.S. Bank Stadium with a win.

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