Game story
In Week 4 of the 2003 NFL season on 2003-09-28, the Minnesota Vikings took care of business against the San Francisco 49ers, pulling away with a 35–7 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
G. Frerotte (Minnesota Vikings) paced the passing game, with +16.36 total EPA.
On the individual side, G. Frerotte (Minnesota Vikings) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +16.36 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-14.2% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when San Francisco 49ers changed the game: (6:53) 5-J.Garcia pass intended for 84-C.Wilson INTERCEPTED by 21-C.Chavous at MIN 23. 21-C.Chavous to SF 38 for 39 yards (88-J.Weaver).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q4 | — | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco 49ers | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 14 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 35 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 G. Frerotte · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +16.36 total EPA · 26 snaps · +0.63 EPA/play
- 2 R. Moss · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +15.86 total EPA · 8 snaps · +1.98 EPA/play
- 3 T. Streets · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +9.84 total EPA · 4 snaps · +2.46 EPA/play
- 4 T. Owens · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +8.30 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.66 EPA/play
- 5 T. Rattay · San Francisco 49ers · Passing · +5.95 total EPA · 20 snaps · +0.30 EPA/play
- 6 N. Burleson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +5.49 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.83 EPA/play
- 7 J. Kleinsasser · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +2.31 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.31 EPA/play
- 8 J. Weaver · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +2.04 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.04 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
G. Frerotte — MIN · Passing
G. Frerotte posted the highest total EPA (+16.36) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Minnesota Vikings's efficiency. Across 26 counted snaps, they averaged +0.63 EPA per play.
The signature play (+6.48 EPA) came from Minnesota Vikings: (15:00) (Shotgun) 12-G.Frerotte pass to 84-R.Moss for 59 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Minnesota Vikings — R. Moss (G. Frerotte pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — O. Smith
- Minnesota Vikings — R. Moss (G. Frerotte pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — N. Burleson (G. Frerotte pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — R. Moss (G. Frerotte pass)
- San Francisco 49ers — T. Streets (T. Rattay pass)
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 14–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the SF 15 (Q1 54:58) — (9:58) 12-G.Frerotte pass to 84-R.Moss for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the SF 2 (Q1 54:53) — 8-A.Elling extra point is GOOD, Center-43-B.Liddiard, Holder-12-G.Frerotte.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the SF 5 (Q1 47:51) — (2:51) 32-O.Smith up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the SF 2 (Q1 47:46) — 8-A.Elling extra point is GOOD, Center-43-B.Liddiard, Holder-12-G.Frerotte..
The second quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 14–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the SF 35 (Q2 34:47) — (4:47) 12-G.Frerotte pass to 84-R.Moss for 35 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the SF 2 (Q2 34:39) — 8-A.Elling extra point is GOOD, Center-43-B.Liddiard, Holder-12-G.Frerotte.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the SF 22 (Q2 31:03) — (1:03) (Shotgun) 12-G.Frerotte pass to 81-N.Burleson for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the SF 2 (Q2 30:56) — 8-A.Elling extra point is GOOD, Center-43-B.Liddiard, Holder-12-G.Frerotte..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the SF 59 (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 12-G.Frerotte pass to 84-R.Moss for 59 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the SF 2 (Q4 14:52) — 8-A.Elling extra point is GOOD, Center-43-B.Liddiard, Holder-12-G.Frerotte.; San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the MIN 37 (Q4 7:44) — (7:44) (Shotgun) 13-T.Rattay pass to 89-T.Streets for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; San Francisco 49ers added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q4 7:37) — 11-O.Pochman extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-B.LaFleur..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- San Francisco 49ers (Q1 51:53) — (6:53) 5-J.Garcia pass intended for 84-C.Wilson INTERCEPTED by 21-C.Chavous at MIN 23. 21-C.Chavous to SF 38 for 39 yards (88-J.Weaver).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 56:24) — (11:24) 12-G.Frerotte pass to 40-J.Kleinsasser to SF 18 for 17 yards (55-J.Winborn).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 58:05) — (13:05) 12-G.Frerotte pass to 84-R.Moss pushed ob at SF 37 for 22 yards (31-Z.Bronson).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 54:58) — (9:58) 12-G.Frerotte pass to 84-R.Moss for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- San Francisco 49ers (Q2 32:00) — (2:00) (Shotgun) 5-J.Garcia pass intended for 89-T.Streets INTERCEPTED by 29-B.Williams (79-K.Mixon) at MIN 37. 29-B.Williams to MIN 44 for 7 yards (89-T.Streets). Play Challenged by Review Assistant
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 12-G.Frerotte pass to 84-R.Moss for 59 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- San Francisco 49ers (Q1 51:53) — (6:53) 5-J.Garcia pass intended for 84-C.Wilson INTERCEPTED by 21-C.Chavous at MIN 23. 21-C.Chavous to SF 38 for 39 yards (88-J.Weaver).
- San Francisco 49ers (Q4 7:44) — (7:44) (Shotgun) 13-T.Rattay pass to 89-T.Streets for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 34:47) — (4:47) 12-G.Frerotte pass to 84-R.Moss for 35 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
G.Frerotte led all passers in efficiency for Minnesota Vikings, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- G.Frerotte (Minnesota Vikings) · 26 dropbacks · 61.5% completion · +0.63 EPA/play · +16.36 total EPA
- J.Garcia (San Francisco 49ers) · 25 dropbacks · 44.0% completion · -0.51 EPA/play · -12.86 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | San Francisco 49ers | Minnesota Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.119 | +0.243 |
| Offensive success rate | 43.2% | 52.9% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.131 | +0.629 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.058 | +0.030 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.243 | +0.119 |
| Defensive success rate | 47.1% | 56.8% |
By the numbers
Minnesota Vikings held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.24 vs -0.12), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Minnesota Vikings: 10 drives, +17.04 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- San Francisco 49ers: 10 drives, -10.49 total EPA, 1 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Minnesota Vikings leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- G. Frerotte (Minnesota Vikings) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 54:58 · SF 15 · Score 0-6
(9:58) 12-G.Frerotte pass to 84-R.Moss for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 54:53 · SF 2 · Score 0-7
8-A.Elling extra point is GOOD, Center-43-B.Liddiard, Holder-12-G.Frerotte. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 47:51 · SF 5 · Score 0-13
(2:51) 32-O.Smith up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 47:46 · SF 2 · Score 0-14
8-A.Elling extra point is GOOD, Center-43-B.Liddiard, Holder-12-G.Frerotte. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 34:47 · SF 35 · Score 0-20
(4:47) 12-G.Frerotte pass to 84-R.Moss for 35 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 34:39 · SF 2 · Score 0-21
8-A.Elling extra point is GOOD, Center-43-B.Liddiard, Holder-12-G.Frerotte. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 31:03 · SF 22 · Score 0-27
(1:03) (Shotgun) 12-G.Frerotte pass to 81-N.Burleson for 22 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 30:56 · SF 2 · Score 0-28
8-A.Elling extra point is GOOD, Center-43-B.Liddiard, Holder-12-G.Frerotte. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 15:00 · SF 59 · Score 0-34
(15:00) (Shotgun) 12-G.Frerotte pass to 84-R.Moss for 59 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 14:52 · SF 2 · Score 0-35
8-A.Elling extra point is GOOD, Center-43-B.Liddiard, Holder-12-G.Frerotte. - San Francisco 49ers TD (+6) — Q4 7:44 · MIN 37 · Score 6-35
(7:44) (Shotgun) 13-T.Rattay pass to 89-T.Streets for 37 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - San Francisco 49ers XP (+1) — Q4 7:37 · MIN 2 · Score 7-35
11-O.Pochman extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-B.LaFleur.
Frequently asked questions
Who won San Francisco 49ers vs Minnesota Vikings?
The Minnesota Vikings beat the San Francisco 49ers 35-7 in Week 4, 2003 on 2003-09-28.
What was the final score of San Francisco 49ers vs Minnesota Vikings?
The final score was San Francisco 49ers 7, Minnesota Vikings 35 (SF 7-35 MIN) in Week 4, 2003 on 2003-09-28.
What was the score by quarter in San Francisco 49ers vs Minnesota Vikings?
Q1: San Francisco 49ers 0, Minnesota Vikings 14; Q2: San Francisco 49ers 0, Minnesota Vikings 14; Q4: San Francisco 49ers 7, Minnesota Vikings 7; Final: San Francisco 49ers 7, Minnesota Vikings 35.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in San Francisco 49ers vs Minnesota Vikings?
Minnesota Vikings touchdown — R. Moss (G. Frerotte pass) (Q1 54:58) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — O. Smith (Q1 47:51) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — R. Moss (G. Frerotte pass) (Q2 34:47) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — N. Burleson (G. Frerotte pass) (Q2 31:03) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — R. Moss (G. Frerotte pass) (Q4 15:00) San Francisco 49ers touchdown — T. Streets (T. Rattay pass) (Q4 7:44) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in San Francisco 49ers vs Minnesota Vikings?
G. Frerotte (Minnesota Vikings), 61.5% completion, +0.63 EPA per dropback, +16.36 total passing EPA. J. Garcia (San Francisco 49ers), 44.0% completion, -0.51 EPA per dropback, -12.86 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in San Francisco 49ers vs Minnesota Vikings?
G. Frerotte (Minnesota Vikings) led the game in total EPA with +16.36 on passing plays. across 26 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+6.48 EPA): (15:00) (Shotgun) 12-G.Frerotte pass to 84-R.Moss for 59 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -14.2%.
Season records after this game
San Francisco 49ers
Entered 1-2 Now 1-3 L
Minnesota Vikings
Entered 3-0 Now 4-0 W
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