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

By Akshaj Dwivedula

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 27: Pierre Garcon #15 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball against Trae Waynes #26 and Harrison Smith #22 the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 27: Pierre Garcon #15 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball against Trae Waynes #26 and Harrison Smith #22 the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 25: Alfred Morris #36 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 25: Alfred Morris #36 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Running Back Alfred Morris

Although Matt Breida is technically the “starter” for the 49ers, running back Alfred Morris‘s production will be a huge indication of how the game is going.

Related Story. 49ers vs. Vikings: Matt Breida, not Alfred Morris, should get the start in Week 1. light

The 2017 Vikings ranked first in run defense, according to Pro Football Outsiders. During the offseason, their addition of defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson only made that part of the team a larger strength.

Which makes Morris such an important player to watch.

If Morris is playing out of his mind, that means that the 49ers offensive line is creating large holes that the running backs can gash through. Keep in mind that Morris will also be the primary goal-line back, given his running style compared to Breida. If Morris is getting more touches, it means that the Niners are reaching the red zone more and are controlling the ball more, since Morris can’t really be used for passing situations.

Finally, Morris will have to show that he can help replace Jerick McKinnon (ACL) and stabilize the run game. Previous articles of mine have thoroughly explained the uselessness of preseason stats, but in the 49ers’ Week 3 preseason game versus the Indianapolis Colts, Morris showed how explosive and electric he could be, prompting many, including me, to advocate for him to stay on the roster at the expense of younger players such as Jeremy McNichols or Joe Williams.

Now that Morris made the roster, this’ll be his chance to show why the 49ers found a hidden gem.

Plus, Morris is on my fantasy team, and I really need him to rack up the points. If he does well, I do well.