Niner Noise
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Vikings vs. 49ers: 5 X-factors for NFC divisional round of playoffs

By Peter Panacy

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 10: Brandon Jacobs #45 of the San Francisco 49ers gets pushed out of bounds after a twenty two yard gain by Jamarca Sanford #33 of the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter during an NFL pre-season football game at Candlestick Park on August 10, 2012 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won the game 17-6. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 10: Brandon Jacobs #45 of the San Francisco 49ers gets pushed out of bounds after a twenty two yard gain by Jamarca Sanford #33 of the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter during an NFL pre-season football game at Candlestick Park on August 10, 2012 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won the game 17-6. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Kyle Rudolph, Jaquiski Tartt, Vikings, 49ers
Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings over defender Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

With the San Francisco 49ers hosting the Minnesota Vikings for the divisional round of the NFL playoffs, Niner Noise explores five key X-factors crucial to a Niners victory.

The San Francisco 49ers are about to host their first NFL playoffs game in the short history of Levi’s Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 11 against the NFC’s No. 6 seed, the Minnesota Vikings, which just pulled off a thrilling overtime upset over the New Orleans Saints in the Wild Card round.

The Niners, meanwhile, benefit from having the first-round playoff bye, giving head coach Kyle Shanahan’s squad a chance to rest up, get healthy and adequately prepare for what looks like a well-balanced Vikings squad.

Despite the Vikings finishing the regular season 10-6, head coach Mike Zimmer’s group presents a balanced challenge for Shanahan and Co. Minnesota boasted the fifth best scoring defense in 2019, and the offense wasn’t far behind, finishing the year at No. 8. Like San Francisco, the Vikings also have a potent defensive line, namely with pass-rushers Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter, who combined for a whopping 22.5 sacks during the regular season.

Interestingly enough, both the Vikings and Niners finished with 48 sacks on the year.

The 49ers might be favored, yes. But in order to prevent another upset, like the one Minnesota enjoyed in New Orleans, San Francisco will have to rely on some excellent game planning, game play and a good amount of X-factors working in its favor over the course of the contest.

Should this be the case, the Niners stand an excellent chance to advance in the NFL playoffs, hosting either the Green Bay Packers or Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game.

Here are five of those X-factors along the way first.