The Minnesota Vikings (2-4) host the San Francisco 49ers (5-1) to close Week 7 action in the NFL.
An otherwise star-studded matchup has been affected by injuries to key players on both sides — and for Minnesota, a win is essential to keep its playoff hopes alive in the NFC. Meanwhile, San Francisco is hoping to put a surprise loss last week firmly in the rearview — but the task won’t be easy, as the 49ers haven’t won in Minnesota in three decades.
Kickoff from U.S. Bank Stadium is slated for 8:15 p.m. ET.
San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings – NFL Week 7 Monday Night Football, live updates and play-by-play from U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN:
The 49ers have lost each of their past six visits to Minnesota dating back to 1994. Including postseason matchups, San Francisco has the slight edge in the all-time series, with 25 wins and one tie to the Vikings‘ 23 victories.
49ers hope to bounce back from Browns loss
The 49ers saw their perfect record disappear in Week 6 after a 19-17 loss to the Browns in Cleveland. That defeat saw three key players depart with injuries — running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and left tackle Trent Williams.
Samuel has been ruled out with a shoulder injury, while Williams remains doubtful due to an ankle injury. McCaffrey, as dynamic an offensive weapon as you can find in the NFL, may try to play through an oblique tear sustained during the Cleveland game.
Cousins seeking to improve on awful “Monday Night” record
Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has a career record of 2-10 in Monday Night Football matchups — a mark that will need to improve as Minnesota seeks to put an awful start to the season behind them.
That won’t be easy, as star receiver Justin Jefferson remains on injured reserve, but Minnesota is coming off a win over Chicago in Week 6 and, with another victory here, could claw back to within two games of the Detroit Lions in the NFC North with plenty of football still to be played.
However, a loss could see the organization pivot to “selling” mode, with the NFL trade deadline a week from Tuesday. Cousins himself figures to receive trade interest prior to hitting free agency next spring, while star pass rusher Danielle Hunter (a league-high eight sacks already) could be moved. Safety Harrison Smith is another player who is expected to draw interest as Minnesota faces a critical point in the campaign.
