2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 12

Minnesota Vikings (5-5) at San Francisco 49ers (5-5)

Sunday, November 28, 4:25PM ET

Is it finally time for the Minnesota Vikings to be taken seriously? Then again, is it finally time for the San Francisco 49ers to be taken seriously? It’s as if both of these clubs decided it was getting late in the season so why not finally play up to their potential.

The Vikings have won two straight games and are squarely in the hunt for an NFC Wild Card slot. They just knocked off the NFC-leading Packers and are riding high, with Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson all playing integral roles in their recent success. If the Minnesota defense can continue to up its play as well, the Vikings could be dangerous.

The same can be said for the 49ers, who are finally starting to get healthy after an injury-riddled start to the season. San Francisco’s offense is firing on all cylinders, as the return of George Kittle seems to have spurred them to sudden success. As long as Jimmy Garoppolo can continue to rely on Kittle and Deebo Samuel, the going should be good for the 49ers.

This one will, as all Vikings games have this season, come down to the wire. My guess is Minnesota makes a clutch stop in the final seconds to keep San Francisco in check and tally their third win in as many weeks.

Prediction: Vikings win 28-26 | Spread: 49ers (-3)