Story by Sam Tolosa

SANTA CLARA — Despite numerous chances to rally, the Vikings wound up falling to the Niners, 34-26 in week 12 at Levi’s Stadium.

After the Vikings’ offense went three-and-out on the opening drive of the game, the Minnesota defense generated a turn-over as Harrison Smith intercepted a pass from Jimmy Garoppolo to stop the Niners’ offensive possession.

Minnesota cashed in on the interception, as Kirk Cousins found Adam Thielen for TD on the fourth-and-goal from the Niners’ 2-yard line in the ensuing drive. Then the Vikings found themselves on top, 7-0 after the extra point.

The Niners responded in rapid fashion, as they got a 20-yard touchdown run from Deebo Samuel to even things up at 7-7. 

Minnesota scored again early in the second quarter. It was Cousins finding Thielen this time on a 20-yard strike to make the score 14-7.

At the second quarter the Vikings allowed yet another turn-over. Then Jennings went up for a 3-yard score with just 18 seconds remaining in the half to even things up at 14-14.

Deebo Samuel took the ball to the end zone, going in from three yards out to make the score 21-14 early in the third quarter.

Cousins’ awful pass was intercepted by Niners linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, who took the ball to the Minnesota 3-yard line. Eli Mitchell scored for the home team on the next play to make the score 28-14.

The Niners extended their lead following a Dalvin Cook fumble on a 22-yard field goal from Robbie Gould. The Vikings limited the damage to keep the 49ers lead at 34-26 as the third quarter came to an end. The score was unchanged well into the fourth quarter.

NEXT: The Niners now 6-5, travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks on Sunday night football.