'MNF' preview: 49ers aiming for first win in Minnesota since 1992

The San Francisco 49ers (5-1) hope to bounce back from their first loss of the season against a Minnesota Vikings team (2-4) aiming to start their first win streak of the year on "Monday Night Football." Here's what to watch for each team.

When the 49ers are on offense

Will QB Brock Purdy rebound from a career-worst game?: Purdy suffered his first regular season loss since becoming San Francisco's starter last week, producing the worst statistical outing of his young career. 

The 23-year-old completed 12 of 27 passes for 125 yards, one touchdown and one interception against a Browns defense on a historic pace through their first five games. 

The Vikings present a far more advantageous matchup for Purdy, and the weather won't be a factor, unlike in his last game. San Francisco will still be undermanned heading into Minnesota, but Purdy should look more like the quarterback who has thrown at least two touchdown passes in nine of his 11 career starts. 

RB Christian McCaffrey’s availability: The two-time Pro Bowler, who ranks third in all-purpose yards (730) and second in total touchdowns (nine) this season, exited twice against Cleveland with oblique and rib injuries, which kept him out of practice until Saturday. 

Fortunately for San Francisco, its MVP candidate is expected to play Monday and have a "somewhat" similar role to what he has had to start the year, according to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer. 

Expect Purdy to lean on WR Brandon Aiyuk: Aiyuk, the team leader in receiving yards (454) and one of the more underrated receivers in the NFL, is well-positioned to have a massive outing against the Vikings. 

Aside from the fact that fellow wideout Deebo Samuel will miss this game with a hairline fracture in his shoulder, Minnesota has allowed 293.3 passing yards per game at home this season, the fifth-most entering Week 7. 

DE Danielle Hunter's potential audition: The impending free agent is tied for the league lead in sacks this season (eight), and Monday's game could be an audition for other teams. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Vikings are "receiving calls" on Hunter and reports that the three-time Pro Bowler is viewed as "one of the top players who could be moved at the deadline." 

With 49ers left tackle Trent Williams listed as "doubtful," Hunter could be poised to add to his already impressive sack total.

When the Vikings are on offense

A unit searching for answers: Minnesota managed to escape Chicago with a win last week, but the absence of star wide receiver Justin Jefferson was evident, as the offense amassed its fewest yards in a single game this season (220). 

Considering the Bears defense allows the third-most yards per game, the Vikings should be concerned about their matchup against a 49ers unit that allows the third-fewest yards per game. One of Minnesota's playmakers must step up to compensate for Jefferson being out, the question is which one will do so. 

Can WR Jordan Addison help solve the problem?: Perhaps Minnesota's first-round rookie could be part of the solution to filling the void Jefferson has left behind. Addison, the 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner, has caught 22 passes for 277 yards and four touchdowns this season. 

Despite being the fifth-most targeted weapon in Minnesota's passing attack last week (five), Addison hauled in QB Kirk Cousins' lone touchdown pass. 

LG Dalton Risner's first start: Minnesota signed the former Bronco in September to bolster its offensive line depth. The signing proved to be well-timed since left guard Ezra Cleveland will be out with a foot injury, putting Risner in line for his first start as a Viking.

Risner has started in 62 of 66 career games, and if he performs well, he could play his way into becoming a long-term starter for Minnesota if it moves on from Cleveland at the trade deadline. 

Darren Wolfson of SKOR North recently reported that there's "no traction" regarding an extension between Cleveland and the Vikings, and the team made the offensive lineman available in offseason trade talks.

Does the running game finally take off?: Although the Vikings wisely cut ties with RB Dalvin Cook this offseason, starter Alexander Mattison has struggled, and as a result, they've been disappointing running the ball. Minnesota's 75 rushing yards per game are the third-fewest in the NFL, and it'll be challenging to improve on that mark against the league's fourth-best run defense. 

However, backup Cam Akers should assume a greater role in the offense, and if he performs how he did with the Rams late last season, Minnesota could get the running game rolling again.

"I think each game's a little bit different as to how it plays out … how many different situations you're gonna be in, how much tempo you're using, what those plays are, all those types of things," OC Wes Phillips said earlier this week via the team's website. "But I do see Cam continuing to get carries and get touches and get more involved."