Vikings vs. 49ers: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Time and Predictions
By Chris Roling
Aug 16, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) runs after a catch against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers are both looking to get back to playoffs and made plenty of moves in the offseason to further that effort.
The two teams will meet in Week 3 of the preseason in a game that usually features starters fro most of the contest. Here’s what to watch for when the two do battle.
Where: Candlestick Park
When: August 25, 2013, 8:00 PM ET
Watch: Local
Live Stream: NFL Preseason Live
Vikings Player to Watch: Greg Jennings
Aug 16, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Greg Jennings (15) and Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) during the game at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Vikings 20-16. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Week 3 will mark the first time we see the most out of former Green Bay Packers receiver Greg Jennings with the Vikings. Christian Ponder needed a threat like Jennings to take a step up from his performance in 2012, so now would be a good time to prove himself.
Fans know what Jennings can do, but not with a quarterback like Ponder.
49ers Player to Watch: LaMichael James
Aug 8, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) speaks with running back LaMichael James (23) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Frank Gore is going to need some help in the backfield next season, especially after carrying the load for eight years. At some point the tires will begin to falter.
LaMichael James is an intriguing name to watch as he figures to be the main spell behind Gore. James is electric in open space, but the coaching staff has let to give him his shot.
Matchup to Watch: 49ers Run Defense vs. Adrian Peterson
Aug 16, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Vikings 20-16. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Any time Adrian Peterson is on the field the opposing defense is going to have some issues. Of course, the 49ers had one of the best overall defense in the NFL last season, so this is a fun matchup to watch.
Either way both units will be fine going into the regular season, so just kick back and enjoy the show.
Prediction
Aug 16, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback B.J. Daniels (5) escapes the grasp of Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Anthony Torbio (98) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. San Francisco won the game 15-13. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
The 49ers are almost unfairly deep at most positions. That matters less in Week 3 when teams play their starters, but the 49ers also happen to be the better team across the board. San Francisco should not have any issues.
Vikings 10, 49ers 27