San Francisco 49ers vs. Minnesota Vikings: Five Niners To Watch Tonight

Tonight's matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Minnesota Vikings highlights the return of quarterback Brett Favre to the football field for his (supposedly) final season in the NFL.

Even though I am not a huge Niners fan as say my boss, but I still have always enjoyed watching the team since Jerry Rice was and is my favorite player of all time.

With the Niners looking to break into the playoffs this upcoming season for the first time since 2002, I am highly intrigued by the Niners and what Head Coach Mike Singletary has been able to do with this roster and team in just under two short years.

Here are the five players I, and perhaps you too, want to see the most in tonight's game.

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Brian Westbrook, RB

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PHILADELPHIA - DECEMBER 27: Brian Westbrook #36 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs the ball against the Denver Broncos on December 27, 2009 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Broncos 30-27. (Photo by Jim McIsa

In lieu of Glen Coffee's random and unusual retirement, the Niners picked up Westbrook to fill in the depth at running back behind starter Frank Gore.

He may be older, but Westbrook is still a very versatile running back and I always love to watch a player who is on a new teams' first game.

Michael Crabtree, WR

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

ST. LOUIS - JANUARY 3: Michael Crabtree #15 of the San Francisco 49ers walks on the field during the game against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on January 3, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The 49ers beat the Rams 28-6. (Photo by Dilip Vishwa

Even with his holdout last season, Crabtree was still able to jump into the offense and produce as a rookie.

Crabtree managed to rank fifth among all rookie receivers in 2009 and I cannot even imagine what kind of statistical season he would have had if he played all 16 games.

Ted Ginn Jr., WR

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 02: Ted Ginn #19 works out during the San Francisco 49ers training camp at their training complex on August 2, 2010 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

A part of me wants to see Ginn play and succeed as a Niner since he is a former Buckeye.

He may have gotten a raw deal in Miami, but he should have a good chance to make a name for himself in San Francisco not only as a returner that the Niners really needed, but as a receiver too.

Ginn did not have any catches in the Niners' first preseason game, but he did return one kick and punt and should have more opportunities tonight versus the Vikings.

Taylor Mays, S

Scott Boehm/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 15: Taylor Mays #23 of the San Francisco 49ers runs against the Indianapolis Colts during the preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 15, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

I was a big fan of former Niner safety and Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, and I am looking forward to seeing if Mays can be the next great Niner safety to wear the golden helmet.

Mays managed to have three solo tackles with one for a loss in his first preseason game as a processional football player.

Anthony Dixon, RB

Scott Boehm/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 15: Anthony Dixon #33 of the San Francisco 49ers runs against the Indianapolis Colts during the preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 15, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

The rookie running back broke out in his first pro game last week to the tune of rushing for 100 yards with a 4.8 yard average per carry and a touchdown.

Add three catches for 22 yards and Dixon makes Niner fans think, "Coffee who?" already.

Even though Westbrook is on board, Dixon has already begun to prove that he is a more than capable backup to Gore in order to keep the starter fresh and healthy in 2010.

Who Else Do Niners Fans Want To See?

Scott Boehm/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 15: David Carr #5 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass during the preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 15, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

Since I am by no means the absolute authority with the Niners, who do you the Niners fans want to see play tonight?

Please list who you think in the comments section below.

Perhaps it is quarterback David Carr after his surprising and solid performance in the first preseason game where he posted a remarkable quarterback rating of 134.1.

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