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

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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 07: Dee Ford #55 and Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a sack of the quarterback against the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on October 07, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Reason No. 3: The 49ers’ healthy defense

If Kirk Cousins struggles with playing in big situations, he is certainly going to struggle against this San Francisco 49ers defense. And that brings us to our final reason the Niners will win: After struggling with injuries down the stretch, the 49ers’ defense is healthy again.

Does everyone remember the beginning of the season, when the 49ers defense was crushing everyone in its path? I do. And it was amazing.

As the defense struggled with injuries over the course of the season, the dominance declined. Although the 49ers still played phenomenally, there is no denying that the defense did not play as well down the stretch as it struggled with injuries.

But that is over now.

After the first round bye, the 49ers are the healthiest they have been in weeks, and many defensive starters are returning. Star defensive end Dee Ford is expected to be back.

Ford will help return the Niners pass rush to what it was at the beginning of the season. You may have guessed after reading the last page that I don’t expect Kirk Cousins to be able to handle that pass rush very well.

Safety Jaquiski Tartt is expected to return, as well. Tartt has been out since the beginning of December, and will be a huge boost to the Niners secondary.

And here’s the cherry on top.

Linebacker Kwon Alexander is expected to return from injured reserve and play after tearing his pectoral muscle earlier this season. Alexander is a phenomenal player and will be a huge boost to the Niners defense.

Even though it is unknown how much he will play, it is impossible to overstate the effect he will have on this team.

Alexander is a leader on the Niners defense, and even if he plays limited snaps, his presence on the field should have a huge positive boost for the defense.

The 49ers defense is getting healthy at just the right time, and that is the biggest reason the 49ers will beat the Vikings.

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The San Francisco 49ers have a huge playoff matchup against the Vikings. They will walk away from their first playoff game in years with a win for three reasons.

Their offensive versatility, opposing quarterback Kirk Cousins not being able to play up to the competition, and their dominant, healthy defense.