49ers vs. Vikings: 4 bold predictions for Week 11 bout

Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /
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Nick Bosa, Kirk Cousins, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (97) applies pressure to Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Nick Bosa will have 3 sacks vs. Kirk Cousins

Let’s go back to that 2020 NFC divisional-round game between San Francisco and Minnesota, the one in which the 49ers used a stout rushing attack and swarming defense to make life hell for head coach Mike Zimmer and Co.

The Niners also made life hell for Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, too, sacking him six times in the game and ensuring it was San Francisco advancing to the NFC Championship game.

In that game, EDGE Nick Bosa picked up two sacks. And while the Vikings have done a much better job protecting Cousins this season, as he’s taken only 14 sacks this season, tied for third fewest among starters, look for Bosa to bring the pressure once more.

Read More: 49ers vs. Vikings: Week 12 betting odds, prediction

The 49ers may not be able to bring Cousins down a whopping six times again, as there hasn’t been much of a pass rush outside of Bosa this year.

Nevertheless, Bosa alone has been a pass-rushing force, already surpassing his rookie-year total of nine back in 2019 with 10 thus far in 2021 through 10 games played. Additionally, his 15 tackles for a loss lead the league in that category.

A modest prediction would suggest Bosa records a sack. A lofty one would be two sacks.

Going bold, let’s go ahead and predict Bosa ties a game-best mark with three sacks on Cousins.