Minnesota Vikings vs 49ers in Week 1: The San Francisco perspective

5) What should be the most intriguing matchup (players or units) during Week 1?

I’m a big trench guy, myself, so I tend to start with the offensive and defensive lines first before moving my way out. The 49ers spent considerable effort upgrading their offensive line this offseason, namely grabbing tackle Mike McGlinchey in the NFL Draft and signing free-agent center Weston Richburg. Their first task against that elite-level Vikings D-line won’t be easy at all. And in both run support and pass blocking.

While I’m excited to watch the 49ers linebacker corps, sans Reuben Foster (suspension), I’m sure curious to see how the Vikings wideouts match up against the Niners secondary, namely cornerbacks Richard Sherman and Ahkello Witherspoon. Sherman might be older and coming off an Achilles tear, but he wins off his instincts and football smarts. Witherspoon isn’t quite yet refined but showed plenty of poise a year ago. So that particular contest is one of interest.

And, of course, there’s going to be the Garoppolo-Cousins duel. Both have ties to Shanahan, of course, and both signed pretty lucrative contracts during the offseason.

Never a dull narrative there.

BONUS: What is your prediction for an outcome and final score?

Going with the heart tells me the 49ers pull off the upset, especially because Week 1 games can be so weird and never truly indicative of what a team’s prospects for the rest of the season turn out to be.

But the brain tells me what it should. The Vikings defense frustrates San Francisco’s offense. And while Cousins might have some early struggles, the 49ers don’t quite have the depth and talent off the edge to constantly maintain defensive stands.

Look for a relatively low-scoring affair early but with Minnesota pulling away in the second half.

Vikings 27, 49ers 17

Huge thanks go out to Peter Panacy at Niner Noise for taking the time to answer these questions about the Minnesota Vikings Week 1 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Enjoy the game, everyone!