Here are five key matchups to watch when the 49ers face the Vikings in Minnesota on Monday night:
1. Colton McKivitz vs. Danielle Hunter
Trent Williams is listed as doubtful with an ankle injury, which means Jaylon Moore most likely will start at left tackle. So it's possible he'll have to face Hunter, who has 8 sacks through 6 games. But Hunter usually lines up on the left side of the Vikings defense, where he'll face Colton McKivitz, who isn't much better than Moore. The 49ers can't leave Hunter one on one against either player. Both guys need help blocking him.
2. Nick Bosa vs. Christian Darrisaw
Darrisaw is one of the best left tackles in the NFL -- he has not allowed a sack yet this season. This is a big test for Bosa, who has just 2.5 sacks through 6 games. If Darrisaw can neutralize him, the Vikings have a chance. If Bosa dominates their best offensive lineman, the Vikings have no chance.
3. Brandon Aiyuk vs. Akayleb Evans
Deebo Samuel is out with a hairline fracture in his shoulder, so Brandon Aiyuk will have to step up. He most likely will face Evans, who is giving up a passer rating of 116.4 this season. Advantage: Aiyuk. The Vikings list Evans as questionable with an oblique injury. If he can't play, Aiyuk will face Mekhi Blackmon or Andrew Booth Jr. Advantage: Aiyuk.
4. Jauan Jennings vs. Josh Metellus
Without Samuel on the field, Jennings will have to step up, too. And he'll get to face Metellus, who's allowing a passer rating of 129.4 this season. Jennings should catch lots of passes in this game.
5. Charvarius Ward vs. Jordan Addison
Vikings No. 1 wide receiver Justin Jefferson is out. And without him, their passing game goes through tight end T.J. Hockenson. But their secret weapon is rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison. Kirk Cousins has a passer rating of 116.9 when targeting Addison. That's big time. He will face 49ers' No. 1 cornerback Charvarius Ward, who is allowing a passer rating of just 64.3. This will be a great battle.
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