MINNEAPOLIS —
You like that? Well, you'll definitely like this.
No. 6 Minnesota will face No. 1 San Francisco in the Division Round of the NFC Playoffs on Saturday. You can watch the game on KARE 11 at 3:35 p.m., followed by a special post-game edition of the Vikings Extra.
Here are 11 things you should know about the matchup between the Vikings and 49ers:
1. Underdog losing streak
No. 6 seeds have lost EIGHT straight games to No. 1 seeds in the NFL Playoffs. The last time the six-seed won was in 2010-11, when both Green Bay (Atlanta) and the New York Jets (New England) pulled off the upsets. Of course, the Packers would go on to win the Super Bowl that year.
2. May the odds be ever in your favor
Coming into this season, the Vikings actually had better odds to go to the Super Bowl than San Francisco. According to FanDuel, Minnesota was 30-to-1 and San Francisco was 36-to-1.
3. A hot start in the Bay Area
San Francisco was the last team to lose a game this season as they started the year 8-0. The 49ers finished 13-3, with those three defeats happening by only a combined 13 points.
4. Cousins' debut success
Kirk Cousins first game as a member of the Vikings came against San Francisco (it was also the last time these two teams have met on the field). Minnesota won that contest 24-16, and the new Minnesota QB finished 20-of-36 for 244 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions.
FROM SEPT. 2018: Cousins, Vikings hold on for 24-16 victory vs. 49ers
5. San Fran's title drought
The 49ers earned the NFC West title for the first time since 2012. They also went on to play in the Super Bowl that year, but lost to the Ravens.
6. A historic game at Levi's Stadium
Levi’s Stadium has hosted a Super Bowl, College Football Playoff Championship, soccer match and even a hockey game, but this is the FIRST time San Francisco will be the home team in a playoff game in this venue.
7. The Shanahan-Cousins connection
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was Kirk Cousins’ offensive coordinator for the first two years of his NFL career while in Washington.
8. Give the ball to Cook
Running back Dalvin Cook carried the ball 28 times in the Vikings' win over New Orleans in the Wild Card Round. That’s the most carries he’s had all year in a single game (Minnesota is 6-2 when Cook gets over 20 carries in a game).
9. Thielen's comeback?
Adam Thielen returned to form in a big way against New Orleans. When the wide receiver goes over 100 yards receiving, the Vikings are 12-5-1 in those games. However, he was limited in Wednesday's practice with an ankle injury.
10. Sacks stack up
Minnesota and San Francisco both recorded 48 sacks this season, tied for 5th in the NFL.
11. Where the winner plays next
With a 49ers win, they’ll host either the Packers or the Seahawks in the NFC Championship game. With a Vikings win, Minnesota will travel to Green Bay or Seattle for a chance to go to the Super Bowl.
Follow the KARE 11 sports team on Twitter: Eric Perkins, Dave Schwartz and Andy McDonnell
