SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The Vikings found out, once again, that Minnesota playoff magic is often followed by colossal disappointment.
A week after a dramatic overtime victory over the Saints, the Vikings were dominated by San Francisco's suffocating defense and had their season end with a lopsided 27-10 defeat in a second round NFL playoff game.
The result Saturday at Levi's Stadium mirrored their playoff appearances two years ago, when the "Minneapolis Miracle" triumph against New Orleans was followed by a waxing in the NFC title game by the Eagles.
The Vikings offense was shuttered Saturday by the top-seeded 49ers, who will play host to either Green Bay or Seattle next Sunday in the NFC Championship Game.