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WR Justin Jefferson
The 49ers will have their hands full with the NFL's top wide receiver. Whether the 49ers play man or zone coverage, Justin Jefferson will look to feast on their secondary. In Week 1 against the Giants, Jefferson was held to four catches for 47 yards and a touchdown. Expect him to bounce back with a stronger performance in Week 2.
RB Aaron Jones
The last time the 49ers faced Aaron Jones was in the 2023 playoffs, where he rushed for 108 yards on 18 carries in the Divisional Round. He averaged six yards per carry, with a long run of 53 yards. In Week 1 against the New York Giants, Jones rushed for 94 yards on 18 carries. A dual-threat running back, much like the 49ers' Christian McCaffrey, Jones is most dangerous on outside runs, where he can use his explosiveness.
S Harrison Smith
Harrison Smith, a 12-year veteran and six-time Pro Bowler, is known for his versatility, playing both in the box as a strong safety and in coverage as a free safety. In the Vikings' Week 1 matchup, Smith recorded an interception, a pass deflection, and seven total tackles. Despite his age, Smith remains a presence all over the field. Expect him to play a key role in trying to stifle the 49ers' run game.
CB Byron Murphy
Byron Murphy is among the players most familiar with the San Francisco 49ers. For his first four years in Arizona, Murphy saw the 49ers twice a season. Murphy is known for his pass-deflection skills and tackling ability. In Week 1 against the Giants, he registered nine tackles, eight of which were solo. The Vikings now allow Murphy to move around the field, matching up against different receivers. Expect him to play physical and be a key factor in the secondary.
OLB Dallas Turner
Dallas Turner, the Vikings' first-round pick, is known for his speed on the edge. In his NFL debut against the Giants, Turner recorded three tackles, a sack, and a tackle for loss in just 36 snaps. As a rotational player with speed, he poses a threat. Expect Turner to line up against 49ers tackle Colton McKivitz, who has improved but continues to struggle against fast edge rushers.
In conclusion, the 49ers must be prepared for whatever the Vikings throw at them. Expect the 49ers to take on whatever Minnesota sends their way.
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Written by:Wayne Breezie is a 49ers content creator. He had his first guest appearance on Ronbosports in 2012. He began writing for a Facebook group called the League of the 49ers. Next, he began writing for Nothing But Niners in 2017. In 2018, Wayne Breezie made his debut on YouTube’s Nothing But Niners show. In 2019, he started his podcast called Nitty Gritty Niners. After putting the pen down for several years, Breezie saw an opportunity to write for 49erscap.com. His first published article was in January of 2022 with 49ersCap, and he currently writes and produces weekly podcasts.
