Jimmy Garoppolo and the San Francisco 49ers have a tough test ahead of them as they're set to face off against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday. The Niners are currently 6.5 point favorites at home in the game but the Vikings are coming off a big upset victory over the favored New Orleans Saints.
San Fransisco is 13-3 on the season but is 3-2 in their last five games. All five of those games have been decided by seven points or less so it's not like the 49ers are blowing out opponents.
Regardless, here are some predictions for Jimmy Garoppolo for the divisional round.
3. He completes three or fewer passes to George Kittle
George Kittle is the best tight end in football, and there's not a ton of debate on that. On the other hand, Minnesota features the best tight end defense in the league this year. The Vikings have bottled up opposing tight ends all year and have only allowed one touchdown to a tight end all season.
Kittle has only been held to three or fewer catches in three games this season. However, this will be both Garoppolo and Kittle's first playoff appearances (as starters) whereas the Vikings have much more playoff experience.
It's a bit of a battle between an unstoppable force and an immovable object, but I think the Vikings defense gets the edge in this regard.
2. He eclipses 300 yards and gets at least two touchdowns
This is one isn't crazy bold. However, with the 49ers doing most of their damage on the ground this season, Jimmy Garoppolo hasn't had to throw for hundreds of yards very often. The 28-year-old signal-caller has thrown for over 300 yards just three times this season but I think he does it again.
With how well the Vikings defense bottled up Alvin Kamara in the Wild Card round, I'd expect San Francisco to throw a bit more than usual. Rookie Deebo Samuel has emerged as a valuable weapon for Garoppolo and the 49ers.
I'm predicting Samuel grabs at least one touchdown from Garoppolo and that the sixth-year pro gets at least two.
1. Jimmy Garoppolo orchestrates a game-winning drive
In his time with both the New England Patriots and the 49ers, the former Eastern Illinois star has accrued an impressive 20-3 record as a starting quarterback in the NFL. The man just knows how to win.
I'm expecting a fairly low scoring game with both defenses doing well at bottling up opposing weapons. Despite playing less than two full seasons as a starter, ‘Jimmy G' has seven game-winning drives to his name.
Expect him to add to number eight on Sunday and lead the Niners to the NFC Championship.
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