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5 49ers players to watch in NFC divisional round vs. Vikings

By Peter Panacy

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 09: Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings catches the ball in the end zone for a touchdown over defender Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 09: Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings catches the ball in the end zone for a touchdown over defender Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Kyle Juszczyk, 49ers
Fullback Kyle Juszczyk #44 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Fullback Kyle Juszczyk

The Vikings have a well-balanced defense, which will pose problems for both the rushing and passing attacks.

And in the NFL playoffs, it’s the perfect time for Kyle Shanahan to start pulling out some of those obscure plays teams don’t exactly have a lot of film on, which could mean some increased action for fullback Kyle Juszczyk.

Case in point, in the 49ers’ thrilling Week 17 win over the Seattle Seahawks, Juszczyk hauled in a crucial 49-yard third-quarter reception, which eventually led to a Niners touchdown. He worked his way out of the slot, got wide open in coverage and made his huge gain.

Juszczyk can outrun most linebackers, can overpower many a defensive back and is frequently unaccounted for in coverage.

Look for Juszczyk to receive a couple of targets, throwing Minnesota’s defense off balance.