10 quick thoughts on the Vikings loss to the 49ers in Week 12

Even more quick thoughts from Minnesota’s loss to San Francisco

Vikings get gashed on the ground: Most expected Minnesota to have trouble with a bunch of backup defensive linemen going up against a very talented 49ers rushing attack. And they were right.

San Francisco finished the game with over 200 rushing yards and the Vikings not having their top four defensive linemen certainly played a big factor in this taking place.

Jefferson held in check: After Justin Jefferson looked unstoppable last week against the Green Bay Packers, the 49ers were able to hold the Minnesota receiver to just four catches for 83 yards and no touchdowns. Jefferson was still targeted nine times on Sunday, however, so it’s not like the Vikings weren’t trying to get him the ball.

Golden opportunity slips away from Minnesota: The Vikings had a great chance on Sunday to improve their odds of making the playoffs this season by a large margin. However, Minnesota will now have to likely win four or five of the final six games left on their schedule to earn a spot in this year’s postseason?

Are the Vikings capable of this? Of course. Will it happen? That’s a whole different story.

Vikings need to make a statement next week: Next up for Minnesota is a road trip to take on the Detroit Lions. With an 0-10-1 record, the Lions are the worst team in the NFL this season.

The Vikings were only able to beat Detroit by two points back in Week 5, but next Sunday, Minnesota needs to do everything they can to blow the Lions out of the water. No more close games, the Vikings need to go on this road trip and just take care of business.