Brock Purdy throws 3 TDs as 49ers beat Vikings 20-13

Santa Clara, CA - Brock Purdy completed 18 of 22 passes for 227 yards and three touchdowns, and Christian McCaffrey supplied a game-high 105 rushing yards as the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 20-13 in Week 11.

The victory ended a two-game losing streak for San Francisco, which entered the week at 4-5. Minnesota arrived on a three-game skid and left with its fourth consecutive defeat after the 49ers finished with advantages in offensive yards, rushing yards and passing efficiency.

Purdy posted a 130.3 passer rating despite throwing one interception. Minnesota quarterback Kyler Murray finished 13 of 26 for 199 yards with two interceptions and a 43.5 rating. Murray did contribute on the ground, rushing six times for 31 yards and Minnesota’s only touchdown.

"We were accurate, and we got the ball to different people who could finish," Purdy said. "The interception is something I have to clean up, but completing that many passes and getting three touchdowns out of the passing game gives us something solid to build on."

McCaffrey handled a game-high 20 rushing attempts and averaged more than five yards per carry, with a long run of 20 yards. His production accounted for most of San Francisco’s 128 rushing yards. Purdy added 23 yards on four carries as the 49ers outgained the Vikings 349-292 in offensive yards.

"When you get 20 carries, you want to make every one useful," McCaffrey said. "There were yards available, and I tried to stay consistent with each opportunity. Getting the win after the stretch we had is the part that matters."

San Francisco also converted six of 10 third downs, compared with Minnesota’s 5-for-10 showing. The 49ers made four trips into the red zone and scored touchdowns on two of them. Minnesota had two red-zone possessions, producing one touchdown and one field goal.

Purdy spread his three touchdown passes among three receivers. Kyle Juszczyk turned his only reception into a 44-yard touchdown, the 49ers’ longest completion of the game. Jake Tonges caught two passes for 27 yards and a score, while Mike Evans added two receptions for 26 yards and a touchdown. George Kittle led San Francisco with 59 receiving yards.

Minnesota produced its biggest gain through T.J. Hockenson, who finished with a game-high 63 receiving yards on three catches. His 52-yard reception was the longest catch and longest completion of the game. Jordan Mason led the Vikings’ rushing attack with 58 yards on 12 carries, helping Minnesota finish with 115 yards on the ground.

The Vikings still had difficulty getting sustained efficiency from the passing game. Murray completed exactly half of his attempts, and San Francisco recorded two interceptions while sacking him three times.

"The turnovers are frustrating because you can’t ignore what they do to your overall performance," Murray said. "I was able to make some things happen with my legs, but two interceptions and a loss are not the standard. We have to be more precise."

Minnesota’s defense supplied notable production of its own. The Vikings recorded three sacks and one interception, while Caleb Banks finished with two sacks and two forced fumbles. San Francisco nevertheless totaled 221 passing yards and 17 first downs, compared with Minnesota’s 177 passing yards and 15 first downs.

The result moved San Francisco to 5-5 and brought the 49ers back to .500. Minnesota dropped to 3-7, extending a losing streak that stood at three games when the Vikings entered Week 11.

Up Next

The 49ers will remain home in Week 12 to host the Seattle Seahawks and look to build on the victory. The Vikings return home seeking to end their four-game slide against the Atlanta Falcons.