3 reasons the Minnesota Vikings will beat the 49ers in Week 12

3 reasons the Vikings will beat the 49ers in Week 12

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings catches a pass in front of Emmanuel Moseley #41 of the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter during the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game at Levi's Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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Eric Kendricks of Minnesota Vikings – (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) /

Minnesota will give up yards on the ground, but not big plays or touchdowns

The 49ers are a middle-of-the-road rushing team. They average 4.2 yards per carry, which is tied for sixteenth in the league. However, they are tied for the seventh-most rushing touchdowns this season with 12.

The good news for the Minnesota Vikings is that they have been good against the run near the goal line. They have only allowed eight rushing touchdowns this season, Plus, they have only allowed three rushes of 20+ yards and have yet to give up a run of 40 yards or more.

Much of this can be attributed to good tackling. Players like Eric Kendricks and Harrison Smith don’t make a lot of mistakes against the run that result in big gains for opponents. Mike Zimmer preaches the fundamentals and the importance of having his players in the correct position.

Minnesota’s effectiveness in containing the run will force the 49ers to attack through the air, where Jimmy Garoppolo has only thrown 12 total touchdowns on the season compared to five interceptions.

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