49ers defense hasn't been great lately

The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia makes his Divisional Round picks, including how the Vikings can upset the 49ers:

“What a Vikings win looks like: For the second straight week, Zimmer cooks up a special defensive game plan that keeps the 49ers’ outside zone run schemes in check. He doubles Kittle in key passing situations, and Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter spend the afternoon in Garoppolo’s face. The 49ers’ defense, which according to TruMedia ranked just 17th in Expected Points Added (EPA) per snap in the second half of the season, looks nothing like the unit that dominated in September and October. Kirk Cousins plays with newfound confidence after last week’s win over the Saints, and the Vikings find success targeting right cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon early and often. In the locker room after the game, Zimmer swaps out his regular hat for a Shanahan-like flat-brim and yells “You like that?!” as Vikings players mob him in celebration.”

Full article: The Athletic