On offense, the 49ers hope that the addition of WR Torrey Smith via free agency and QB Colin Kaepernick's offseason work will help give a boost to the team's passing game. RB Carlos Hyde takes over for Frank Gore who left for Indianapolis. The biggest question mark on offense has been the team's offensive line. Although, the same can be said for the Vikings.
In four career starts on Monday Night Football, QB Colin Kaepernick is 4-0 with 1,018 passing yards and 9 touchdowns. He has registered three of his top five highest passer ratings on Monday Night Football.
On defense for the 49ers, the biggest story is LB NaVorro Bowman, who is returning from a torn ACL and MCL suffered in January of 2014. The biggest question mark on defense is the starting cornerback spot opposite of Tramaine Brock. Kenneth Acker and Keith Reaser have been competing for the job.
This game also marks the debut of the 49ers' new black alternate jerseys in a game.
Kickoff: Monday, September 14 at 7:20 PM PT
Television: The game will be televised on ESPN
Bay Area Radio: KGO 810 & The Bone 107.7 (Other radio affiliates)
Spanish Radio: KTRB 860
Last Meeting: 9/23/12, Vikings win 24-13, at Min.
All-Time Matchup: Series is tied 22-22-1
Current Streak: Lost 3
Betting: The Vikings are 2 point favorites.
NFL Fan Picks: 54% pick the 49ers to win according to Yahoo! Sports
49ers Fan Picks: Within our Pick 'em Contest, 86% believe the 49ers will win
Follow Game Online: NFL.com's Game Center
Discuss: Niner Talk forum
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49ers Schedule: View full schedule
Injury Report
| Team | Pos | Player | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vikings | TE | Chase Ford | Shoulder | Probable |
| Vikings | RB | Zach Line | Knee | Probable |
| Vikings | TE | MyCole Pruitt | Ankle | Probable |
| Vikings | DT | Shamar Stephen | Knee | Probable |
| 49ers | CB | Tramaine Brock | Hamstring | Probable |
Game Averages (Rank)
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Game Articles
Vikings lose starting center; Minnesota defense expecting read option
Sacramento Bee
Vikings expect 'up-tempo' 49ers offense on Monday night
CSN Bay Area
Week 1 Preview: San Francisco 49ers vs. Minnesota Vikings
Niner Fans
49ers DC Mangini expects a lot from Brooks vs Vikings
CSN Bay Area
Vikings' and 49ers' coaches confident in iffy offensive lines
San Francisco Chronicle
49ers LB Ahmad Brooks ready for Vikings
San Francisco Chronicle
Vikings likely to test 49ers young CB Acker
CSN Bay Area
The winner of Monday's 49ers-Vikings game will be…
Press Democrat
Adrian Peterson will be barometer for NaVorro Bowman, 49ers' rebuilt defense
Sacramento Bee
NaVorro Bowman, Adrian Peterson feel each other's pain
ESPN
Week 1 Main Matchup: NaVorro Bowman vs. Adrian Peterson
The Mercury News
Preview: 49ers vs. Vikings
The Mercury News
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