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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Dee Ford #55 and Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 3: A Reinforced 49ers Pass Rush

One of the ways to negate what Adam Thielen can do is to get to Kirk Cousins early and often.

The 49ers pass rush has fallen off somewhat in recent weeks, posing just four combined sacks over their last five regular-season games. Not surprisingly, that was the big chunk of time when the defense was missing EDGE Dee Ford, who was limited to just 11 games during the regular season with both quad and hamstring injuries.

Ford looks to return, however, meaning opposing offensive lines won’t be able to merely double team one of San Francisco’s best pass-rushers, Nick Bosa, who consistently saw two blockers down the stretch with Ford out.

Getting some other key defensive contributors back, such as linebacker Kwon Alexander (pectoral) and safety Jaquiski Tartt (ribs), should be beneficial, too.

Minnesota’s offensive line ranked 14th in Football Outsiders‘ pass-protection metric, and the Saints were able to sack Cousins three times, which ultimately helped keep the game close.

The 49ers will want to up the performance New Orleans had a week ago.