Vikings Flashback: Minnesota beats San Francisco in 2018 season opener

The Minnesota Vikings last got a win over the San Francisco 49ers when the two teams faced off inside U.S. Bank Stadium back in 2018.

On Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers are set to meet at Levi’s Stadium. Both teams are currently 5-5 and each of them have won their past two games. The 49ers lead the all-time series 24-23-1. Minnesota has not won in San Francisco since 2007.

The Vikings are coming off a big win last week against their biggest rival, the Green Bay Packers. This has been a disappointing season for Minnesota, but they have won their past two games, and they could go on a nice run. The next four matchups on the Vikings’ schedule are very winnable. There are certainly no guarantees, but Minnesota has a good shot at winning at least three of their next four games.

All five of the Vikings‘ losses this season have come by seven points or less. Minnesota’s past two wins were also by seven points or less. The Vikings’ offensive play-calling has been more aggressive during the last two weeks, which has played a major role in the two wins.

Minnesota Vikings defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the 2018 season opener

The last time Minnesota got a win over San Francisco happened in Week 1 of the 2018 season. The Vikings won the game by a final score of 24-16.

For Minnesota, Kirk Cousins made his debut as the team’s starting quarterback as he completed 20-of-36 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns. Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen caught six passes for 102 yards while Minnesota running back Dalvin Cook added six receptions for 55 yards.

On the defensive side of the ball, Vikings safety Harrison Smith recorded a team-high seven tackles along with a sack and an interception. In his first game with Minnesota, rookie cornerback Mike Hughes returned an interception 28 yards for a touchdown.

For San Francisco, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo completed 15-of-33 passes for 261 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. 49ers tight end George Kittle had five receptions for 90 yards and wide receiver Dante Pettis had two receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown. On defense, San Francisco linebacker Fred Warner had a game-high 12 tackles and defensive lineman DeForest Buckner recorded 2.5 sacks.

Minnesota finished the 2018 season with an 8-7-1 record and they did not make the playoffs, which was a massive disappointment considering they went 13-3 in 2017 and made it all the way to the NFC Championship. San Francisco finished their 2018 campaign with a 4-12 record.