49ers vs. Vikings: 5 players to watch for San Francisco in Week 1

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 23: The defense for the San Francisco 49ers lines up against the offense of the Minnesota Vikings during the third quarter on September 23, 2012 at Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 24-13. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

As the San Francisco 49ers get ready to play the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1, Niner Noise looks at five Niners players to watch this week.

It’s finally here. The time we’ve waited for. The start of the San Francisco 49ers regular season.

Unfortunately for the 49ers, they get to start off the year by facing what is arguably the best team in the NFL. The defense alone of the Minnesota Vikings would be enough to put this team in the playoffs. But with their offense, the Vikings are a force to watch.

Led by newly signed quarterback Kirk Cousins, and bringing back pieces such as Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, the Vikings are loaded on the offensive side of the ball.

Then you get to the defense. All-Pros on all three levels of defense. Pro Bowler next to Pro Bowler. This defense is Jacksonville-level intense. In fact, last year, they ranked over Jacksonville as the No. 1 defense in the NFL. With a deep pass rush and a lock-down secondary, the Vikings defense is going to be a tough nut to crack.

However, it’s not impossible for this motley crew of underdogs to rise up and defeat the menacing beast. A lot of players have to play well for that, and a lot of things have to go right.

Kind of like this.

Let’s just hope it’s the Niners who end up winning and not the Vikings.

But if the 49ers are going to win this game, they are going to need multiple contributors from their entire roster. So, I’ve chosen the five most important 49ers to watch this game.

If these five are playing well, chances are that the Niners will be right in the thick of things.