The 49ers couldn't rebound from early mistakes and fell to the better team Sunday at Levi's Stadium.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - A fumble, shanked punt and late interception helped the Bengals get out to a commanding lead in the first half against the struggling 49ers, who could never recover before losing, 24-14, and falling to 4-10.
The Bengals (11-3), who are vying for a bye in the first round of the playoffs, didn't give San Francisco an inch. The defense prevented the 49ers from converting their first 12 third downs, while back up quarterback A.J. McCarron allowed his rushing attack to dictate the game's tempo.