Everything You Need to Know About This Week’s Vikings Game: Week 7 vs. the San Francisco 49ers
Josh Frey
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The Minnesota Vikings got back in the win column this past weekend with a Week 6 victory over the Chicago Bears. The Vikings won the game by a score of 19-13, and they now are 1-0 in NFC North play this season.
Now, the team heads back home and awaits a Monday Night Football matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, who lost their first game in Week 6, falling to the Cleveland Browns.
Heading into that matchup, here is everything you need to know about this week’s Vikings game as Minnesota attempts pull off a big upset at home.
Where to Watch This Week’s Vikings Game
The Vikings’ Week 7 matchup against the Chiefs will take place on Monday, October 23rd with kickoff scheduled for 7:15 PM Central. The game will be broadcast on ESPN and ABC, and it can be streamed via NFL+.
49ers/Vikings History
Over the course of the two franchises’ histories, the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers have met a grand total of 49 times, including six playoff matchups. The 49ers have a slight lead in the all-time series, with a 25-23-1 record against the Vikings.
The most recent matchup between the two teams took place during the 2020 season when the 49ers defeated the Vikings in San Francisco by a score of 34-26. However, the Vikings are on a six-game winning streak against the Niners in home games. They haven’t lost at home to San Francisco since 1992.
Vikings Spotlight Player: WR K.J. Osborn
Throughout the past couple seasons, K.J. Osborn has gotten the reputation of being a spark plug in the Vikings offense. If Minnesota has needed a big play, he is the guy to come through. Last year’s historic comeback victory over the Indianapolis Colts comes to mind.
However, 2023 has not been a great season for the fourth-year wide receiver. He has caught just 17 of his 31 targets this year for 214 yards and a pair of touchdowns. We have gone long stretches without seeing him make the explosive plays that have become normal for him.
This weekend, the Vikings have arguably their biggest test of the season against the San Francisco 49ers. That defense is going to come into Monday night angry following their loss to the Browns. Minnesota will need Osborn to step up in a big way, especially with Justin Jefferson on IR.
49ers Spotlight Player: CB Charvarius Ward
The San Francisco 49ers have a number of studs on their defense this year, and a lot of the focus goes towards their defensive front which includes both Javon Hargrave and Nick Bosa.
However, their secondary is also loaded with playmakers, including CB Charvarius Ward. The cornerback has been one of the best defenders in the league this year with 26 tackles, a forced fumble, 5 passes defended, and an interception to his name this year.
In order for the Vikings to upset the 49ers, they will need to find a way to beat Ward and the other ballhawks in San Francisco’s secondary. The Niners lead the league with 10 interceptions this year, and their elite pass coverage grade of 90.1 is first among all teams by PFF’s grading system.
Week 7 NFL Schedule
Vikings fans will be free to watch all the Sunday action this weekend, since Minnesota won’t play until Sunday night. Here’s a look at the full Week 7 schedule. All game times are listed in Central time.
Thursday, October 19th
- Jacksonville Jaguars at New Orleans Saints, 7:15 PM
Sunday, October 22nd
- Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 12 PM
- Las Vegas Raiders at Chicago Bears, 12 PM
- Cleveland Browns at Indianapolis Colts, 12 PM
- Washington Commanders at New York Giants, 12 PM
- Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens, 12 PM
- Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots, 12 PM
- Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks, 3:05 PM
- Pittsburgh Steelers at Los Angeles Rams, 3:05 PM
- Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs, 3:25 PM
- Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos, 3:25 PM
- Miami Dolphins at Philadelphia Eagles, 7:20 PM
Monday, October 23rd
- San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings, 7:15 PM
Additional Links
- Vikings Snap Counts in Week 6
- Vikings Podcast: Not a Bears Bungle, but not a Bears Beatdown
- The Vikings Are Keeping an Eye on QB Prospects
- The 2023 NFL Standings Heading into Week 7
- Week 7 NFL Power Rankings
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.