1987 NFC Championship vs San Francisco 49ers
The Vikings stunned the top-seeded 49ers in the divisional round.
The 1987 NFC Divisional Playoff game between the Minnesota Vikings and the San Francisco 49ers was played at Candlestick Park. The Vikings, who won the NFC Central division with an 8-7 record, defeated the heavily favored 49ers 36–24.
- Date
- January 17, 1988
- Vikings Quarterback
- Wade Wilson
- Final Score
- San Francisco 49ers 38, Minnesota Vikings 24
- Key Player (MIN)
- Wade Wilson
Lore & Background
The 13–2 49ers suffered one of the biggest upsets in playoff history as the 8–7 Vikings came into Candlestick and beat the 49ers 36–24. Vikings QB Wade Wilson threw for 298 yards, and Anthony Carter caught 10 passes for 227 yards. Joe Montana struggled so much that Steve Young came in to relieve him. Though he played better, it was not enough. The Vikings took a 20–3 halftime lead, and held on for the major upset.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Metrodome was thick with anticipation, the hum of thousands of fans fading into a nervous whisper as the clock ticked down on the first quarter. The Vikings' offense, usually a whirlwind of creativity, found themselves suffocated by the 49ers' defensive pressure, unable to gain even a yard against the relentless rush.
Reader's Guide
The Vikings advanced to the NFC Championship but were defeated by the Washington Redskins 17-10.
Did You Know?
- The 49ers had the best record in the NFL in 1987 at 13–2.
- Jerry Rice caught 22 touchdown passes in a strike-shortened 12-game season.
- The 49ers scored 459 points, the most in the NFL in 1987.
- The Vikings won the NFC Central division with an 8-7 record.
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