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

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

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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Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Kirk Cousins Playing Outdoors

Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins helped reverse the narrative about him not being able to win the “big game,” delivering more than enough during Minnesota’s Wild Card win over the Saints.

But that doesn’t quite erase the face he is still 7-15 in prime-time regular-season bouts, including two losses in the Vikings’ five final regular-season games, which doesn’t bode well for Saturday’s matchup.

There’s another factor at play here, too.

Cousins is noticeably worse outdoors than inside a dome stadium. His 2019 passer rating inside a dome was 120.3, while the number drops significantly outside to 92.5. Those numbers are fairly indicative of his entire career as well, as he owns a 93.1 passer rating in outdoor stadiums, compared to 107.4 inside a dome.

Whatever the case may be, Cousins isn’t anywhere near as potent outside as he is indoors, particularly within the domed confines of U.S. Bank Stadium.

This is something the 49ers should look to exploit.