The Minnesota Vikings pulled off an upset victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, winning by a final score of 24-13.
The Vikings got off to a hot start, dominating the first half on both sides of the ball to take a 17-3 halftime lead. San Francisco responded in the third quarter, scoring 10 unanswered points to cut Minnesota's advantage to 17-13. But the Vikings quickly put up another touchdown just seconds into the fourth quarter, effectively putting the game out of reach for the 49ers.
49ers quarterback Alex Smith threw his first interception of the season and later fumbled in the closing minutes of the game, as San Francisco attempted to make a late comeback following multiple fumbles by running back Toby Gerhart.
Fantasy Studs and Duds
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder had an impressive statline, finishing with 198 passing yards and two touchdowns, along with 33 rushing yards and another score.
San Francisco tight end Vernon Davis also put up some solid numbers, finishing with 53 yards and a touchdown.
Neither team got monster performances from their star running backs. Frank Gore finished with 63 yards on just 12 carries, while Adrian Peterson accumulated a solid but unspectacular 107 total yards and no touchdowns.
Christian Ponder Can Scramble
San Francisco's run defense had been nearly impenetrable early this season, but Ponder was able to scramble his way into the endzone in the second quarter for a big touchdown.
What's Next?
Minnesota improves to 2-1 with the win, while the 49ers fall to 2-1. The Vikings will next take on the Detroit Lions and the 49ers will play the New York Jets.
This story originally appeared at SBNation.com.
For more on the 49ers, make sure to check out Niners Nation. For the Vikings side of things, head over to The Daily Norseman.