2020 NFL Playoff picks, score predictions for Divisional Round
Minnesota Vikings (6) at San Francisco 49ers (1)
Saturday, January 11, 4:35PM ET
As a Vikings fan, I am elated to know that they’ve pulled off the major upset and moved on to the Divisional Round. I didn’t think they stood a chance against the New Orleans Saints, and was happy to be proven wrong. Unfortunately, I find myself in a similar situation this week.
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I don’t see a way for the Vikings to realistically unseat the San Francisco 49ers from atop the NFC. They’ve been downright dominant for most of the year, with both their offense and defense landing among the best in the league by season’s end. Even with the Vikings riding a Wild Card high and their defense coming off a sensational performance, the odds are not in their favor.
The 49ers will have had two weeks of rest. They’re finally healthy, and both sides of the ball are firing on all cylinders. They’ll likely even have Kwon Alexander back in the mix, which makes their defense all the more formidable. The 49ers boast the best pass defense in the NFL, meaning the Vikings’ hopes will fall on Dalvin Cook‘s shoulders.
Even if Cook delivers, can the Minnesota defense step up again and slow the 49ers’ explosive offense? It seems unlikely, especially as injuries continue to mount. As much as I’d love for the Vikings to pull off the upset, I can’t in good conscience make that pick.
Prediction: 49ers win 27-23