3 sneaky problems that could hit 49ers in Week 2 game vs. Vikings

The 49ers look to make it 2-0 on the young season when they visit the Vikings, but these challenges need to be figured out first.

The San Francisco 49ers couldn't feel much better than they are after shellacking the New York Jets on Monday Night Football to kick off the 2024 regular season.

But the celebration has to be short-lived, as head coach Kyle Shanahan's squad now takes to the road to face a 1-0 Minnesota Vikings team on a short week, squaring off against an old friend, quarterback Sam Darnold, who's now the Norsemen's de facto starter after rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy underwent season-ending knee surgery over the summer.

Darnold, who backed up the Niners' own starter, Brock Purdy last year, is familiar with San Francisco's defense. And while that might not be a massive problem in its own right, it is a challenge Shanahan and Co. have to face.

There are other looming concerns, though, that could sneak up on the 49ers heading into Week 2.

Problem No. 1: Christian McCaffrey's health, availability

All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey was a late scratch in Week 1, thanks to lingering calf and Achilles injuries. That led to backup rusher Jordan Mason turning into an unforeseen star during that game, and it appears as if the latter will wind up getting the call again at Minnesota.

At least according to the latest from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport:

The Niners face a bit of a conundrum. While Mason's impressive efforts last Monday shed hope on San Francisco being able to overcome McCaffrey's likely absence, it's unreasonable to expect the former to duplicate those kinds of numbers again against a Vikings defense that allowed just 3.5 yards per carry during their win over the New York Giants last week.

On the flip side, rushing McCaffrey back and risking a larger-scale injury while playing on artificial turf doesn't sound like the smartest of moves either.

Problem No. 2: Pressure from 49ers edge rushers

For what seems like the first time in the Shanahan era, the 49ers boast a lethal one-two outside edge-rushing tandem in Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd, the latter picking up the first and only sack the Niners have on the young season.

San Francisco knows Darnold struggles against pressure, meaning the outside pass rush has to be more impactful than it was against Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers last Monday.

The problem? Minnesota's offensive line, namely tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O'Neill, did an excellent job keeping Darnold upright last Sunday against the G-Men's pass rush, headlined by edges Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns.

Darnold took just one sack in the game, which aided in him throwing for 208 yards, two touchdowns against one interception and a passer rating of 113.2.

The 49ers need to figure out a way to be more effective than the Giants were.

Problem No. 3: Brandon Aiyuk needs to deliver

All offseason, fans were treated to seemingly unending rumors about wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's future. Would the Niners trade him? Would he be extended? Would he play out the final year of his current contract?

Aiyuk didn't play in the preseason, not did he practice with Purdy and the offense until finally inking his extension just before the regular season.

And the apparent rust showed a bit in Week 1's win over Gang Green.

Pro Football Focus credited Aiyuk with a crucial drop during the primetime contest, one in the end zone the receiver probably would claim he should have had.

Aiyuk probably isn't "in his own head" right now, but despite having 28 yards on two catches, it might be safe to assume he's not quite at the pinnacle level he'll need to be to justify all the offseason's drama.

A commanding type of performance against the Vikings would go a long way when the two teams kick off on Sunday, Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. ET from US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

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