MNF: Captain Kirk Comes Alive

10/24/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

Vikings Stun 49ers in Minnesota (22-17) & Kirk Cousins Gets Rare Primetime Win

No Justin Jefferson? No problem for Cousins and crew. A weekend full of upsets dragged into Monday Night Football when Kirk Cousins and the short-handed Vikings stunned the 49ers (22-17). San Francisco was a perfect 5-0 to start the season, but they’ve now lost back-to-back games to Cleveland and Minnesota. Cousins was the catalyst to help the Vikes gain and hold the lead for the first three quarters. In the fourth, it was the Minnesota defense who slammed the door with two interceptions by Camryn Bynum on the 49ers’ final two drives.

Fun Fact: All seven of the Vikings’ games this season have been decided by one score (8 points or less). They’re now 3-4 and 2nd in the NFC North after an 0-3 start.

QB Comparison

K. Cousins (MIN): 35/45, 378 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT

B. Purdy (SF): 21/30, 272 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs

Other Top Performers

WR J. Addison (MIN): 7 receptions, 123 yards, 2 TDs

RB C. McCaffrey (SF): 18 touches, 96 yards, 2 TDs

TE T.J. Hockenson (MIN): 11 receptions, 86 yards

S C. Bynum (MIN): 9 tackles, 2 INTs, 2 PBUs

Watch: Cousins, Vikings Hold Off 49ers on MNF (22-17)

USA Today: Winners & Losers From Vikings Stunning MNF Upset of 49ers

Photo: Stephen Maturen / Getty Images