3 Keys to the Vikings Upsetting the 49ers to Advance to the NFC Championship

Wild Card Weekend in the NFL Playoffs lived up to its name, with a number of big upsets in both conferences. Possibly the biggest, and more controversial, upset of all came from the Minnesota Vikings defeating the New Orleans Saints on a walk-off touchdown in overtime.

While this was a huge win for the Vikings and quarterback Kirk Cousins, the party did not last long, as they now prepare to hit the road yet again to face the top-seeded San Francisco 49ers. The Vikings are currently 6.5-point underdogs, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

It's very possible Minnesota could pull off yet another miracle, and these are their three keys to victory.

1. Win the Turnover Battle

Kirk Cousins never gave the ball away in the Wild Card win. / Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Typically, the team that wins the turnover battle wins the game. That was certainly the case in the Vikings' upset over the Saints, forcing two big turnovers while giving the ball away just once. The 49ers had an even six turnovers and six takeaways in their three losses this year, compared to 17 turnovers and 21 takeaways in their wins. As sizable underdogs, the Vikings can't afford give the Niners extra possessions, while a couple key takeaways could be just what they need to score another upset.

2. Slow Down the Running Backs

Raheem Mostert is averaging 5.6 yards per carry. / Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Again, this is an area where the Vikings thrived against the Saints. They held Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray to a combined 42 rushing yards on 12 carries (a 3.5-yard average). They also held the two to just 38 yards receiving. The Niners have a full committee that has been the focal point for this offense. They averaged 144.1 rushing yards this season (No. 2 in NFL), which has helped them control the clock, having the ball 52.4 percent of the time this season (No. 6 in NFL). The Vikings will need to shut down the 49ers' rushing attack to avoid allowing San Francisco to dominate the ball.

3. Get Pressure on the QB

Danielle Hunter caused the big forced fumble against the Saints. / Chris Graythen/Getty Images

If the Vikings are able to slow down the RBs on early downs, this will force the 49ers into obvious pass situations that Minnesota must take advantage of. Minnesota totaled four sacks against Drew Brees and the Saints, which was a key to that victory as well. The Niners' offensive front isn't as solid as the Saints' either, allowing a 7.0 percent sack rate (T-No. 18 in NFL). Getting to Jimmy Garoppolo often should lead to mistakes, tying everything together by helping the Vikings win the turnover battle.

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