49ers vs. Vikings: 3 reasons the Niners win the NFC divisional round

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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 13: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sideline against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 13, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. San Francisco won 20-7. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

Reason No. 1: The 49ers offensive versatility

The San Francisco 49ers are one of, if not the, most creative and versatile offensive teams in the NFL. A major reason for that is the man pictured above: Head coach Kyle Shanahan. Shanahan is considered one of the NFL’s offensive geniuses, and he has certainly proven that this season.

This year, the 49ers have run wild over opposing defenses, in every way possible. Whether they’re running the ball with their incredibly talented group of running backs, consisting of Raheem Mostert, Tevin Coleman, Matt Breida, and fullback Kyle Juszczyk; or throwing the ball with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, the Niners have shown they can move the ball.

They have been able to do this incredibly creatively too.

Shanahan’s offense is all about deception. This season, he has used the Niners’ players to trick opposing defenses and leave them reeling.

Versatile players like star tight end George Kittle and rookie wide receiver Deebo Samuel have shown they can do it all, from running the ball to catching downfield bombs.

Heck, wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders has thrown a touchdown pass this season.

This Niners’ offense has been characterized by players that can do it all, and Shanahan using them in unexpected ways to beat defenses. There is no reason to expect that to change this week.

This is the biggest stage the Niners have played on all season, so they will be bringing out all the stops. And while this Vikings defense is good, they won’t be able to keep up with the Niners’ versatility.