Cousins’ Streak, Challenges On Tap for Vikings D

There are numerous stats in which San Francisco is in the top tier of teams on offense or defense, but turnover margin is not one of them.

The 49ers have nine takeaways against 14 giveaways this season for a differential of minus-5 that is tied for 27th in the NFL.

The Vikings have fared much better in terms of taking the football away from opponents (12 times) and protecting it (6 giveaways — tied for fewest in the NFL). The plus-six differential is tied with New England for fifth.

Minnesota nearly lost the football a couple of times but continued to stay aggressive throughout the game against Green Bay. The Vikings are back outdoors this week, but the weather is expected to be pleasant.

Losses of some players on defense might make it tougher for Minnesota to force turnovers, so protecting the football will continue to be important.

Consider the final turnover differential for Vikings teams since Zimmer’s hire in 2014:

2014: minus-1 (7-9 team record, missed playoffs)

2015: plus-5 (11-5, made playoffs)

2016: plus-11 (8-8, missed playoffs)

2017: plus-5 (13-3, made playoffs)

2018: net-0 (8-7-1, missed playoffs)

2019: plus-11 (10-6, made playoffs)

2020: minus-1 (7-9, missed playoffs)

There’s a strong correlation for the Vikings with having a positive turnover differential and a winning season that is followed by a trip to the postseason.

5. Can Vikings maintain control of destiny?

After absorbing gut punches, the Vikings have claimed a pair of emotional victories that have put the Vikings back in control of their playoff destiny.

Despite having matching 5-5 records as Week 12 approaches, the Vikings are in sixth place in the NFC (and would make the cut for the postseason). The 49ers are in eighth place in the NFC because of current tiebreakers. San Francisco would miss the playoffs by a spot.

Head-to-head is the best tiebreaker of all, so the team that wins this one will do itself a big favor.