Game story
In Week 3 of the 2012 NFL season on 2012-09-23, the Minnesota Vikings took care of business against the San Francisco 49ers, pulling away with a 24–13 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 13 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
A. Smith (San Francisco 49ers) paced the passing game, with +0.13 total EPA, and +1.9% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, C. Ponder (Minnesota Vikings) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +16.65 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-7.7% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when San Francisco 49ers changed the game: (14:10) 21-F.Gore right guard to 50 for 7 yards (33-J.Sanford). Minnesota challenged the runner was down by contact ruling, and the play was REVERSED. 21-F.Gore right guard to 50 for 7 yards (33-J.San
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco 49ers | 0 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 7 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 24 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 C. Ponder · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +16.65 total EPA · 41 snaps · +0.41 EPA/play
- 2 P. Harvin · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +7.99 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.73 EPA/play
- 3 K. Rudolph · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +7.07 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.01 EPA/play
- 4 V. Davis · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +3.99 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.50 EPA/play
- 5 M. Manningham · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +3.62 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.72 EPA/play
- 6 D. Aromashodu · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +2.89 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.44 EPA/play
- 7 P. Harvin · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +0.69 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.69 EPA/play
- 8 M. Crabtree · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +0.63 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.08 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
C. Ponder — MIN · Passing
C. Ponder posted the highest total EPA (+16.65) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Minnesota Vikings's efficiency. Across 41 counted snaps, they averaged +0.41 EPA per play.
The signature play (-4.57 EPA) came from San Francisco 49ers: (14:10) 21-F.Gore right guard to 50 for 7 yards (33-J.Sanford). Minnesota challenged the runner was down by contact ruling, and the play was REVERSED. 21-F.Gore right guard to 50 for 7 yards (33-J.Sanford). FUMBLES (33-J
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Minnesota Vikings — K. Rudolph (C. Ponder pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — C. Ponder
- San Francisco 49ers — V. Davis (A. Smith pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — K. Rudolph (C. Ponder pass)
Field goals
- San Francisco 49ers — D. Akers
- Minnesota Vikings — B. Walsh
- San Francisco 49ers — D. Akers
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 7–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the SF 1 (Q1 52:25) — (7:25) 7-C.Ponder pass short left to 82-K.Rudolph for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the SF 2 (Q1 52:20) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe..
The second quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 10–3. San Francisco 49ers connected on a field goal from the MIN 11 (Q2 42:17) — (12:17) 2-D.Akers 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the SF 23 (Q2 35:39) — (5:39) 7-C.Ponder scrambles up the middle for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the SF 2 (Q2 35:29) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the SF 34 (Q2 30:04) — (:04) 3-B.Walsh 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe..
The third quarter: San Francisco 49ers won the period 10–0. San Francisco 49ers connected on a field goal from the MIN 11 (Q3 27:50) — (12:50) 2-D.Akers 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.; San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the MIN 1 (Q3 21:21) — (6:21) 67-D.Kilgore, 68-L.Davis and 92-W.Tukuafu reported in as eligible. 11-A.Smith pass short right to 85-V.Davis for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; San Francisco 49ers added 1 points from the MIN 2 (Q3 21:17) — 2-D.Akers extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee..
The fourth quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 7–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the SF 2 (Q4 14:22) — (14:22) (Shotgun) 7-C.Ponder pass short middle to 82-K.Rudolph for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the SF 2 (Q4 14:17) — 3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- San Francisco 49ers (Q4 14:10) — (14:10) 21-F.Gore right guard to 50 for 7 yards (33-J.Sanford). Minnesota challenged the runner was down by contact ruling, and the play was REVERSED. 21-F.Gore right guard to 50 for 7 yards (33-J.San
- Minnesota Vikings (Q2 36:22) — (6:22) (Shotgun) 7-C.Ponder pass short left to 19-D.Aromashodu to SF 23 for 11 yards (25-T.Brown).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 52:25) — (7:25) 7-C.Ponder pass short left to 82-K.Rudolph for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 54:45) — (9:45) (Shotgun) 7-C.Ponder pass short middle to 82-K.Rudolph to SF 7 for 11 yards (31-D.Whitner).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 56:46) — (11:46) 7-C.Ponder pass short right to 12-P.Harvin to SF 45 for 2 yards (29-C.Culliver; 53-N.Bowman). PENALTY on SF-29-C.Culliver, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards, enforced at SF 45.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- San Francisco 49ers (Q4 14:10) — (14:10) 21-F.Gore right guard to 50 for 7 yards (33-J.Sanford). Minnesota challenged the runner was down by contact ruling, and the play was REVERSED. 21-F.Gore right guard to 50 for 7 yards (33-J.San
- San Francisco 49ers (Q3 30:00) — 3-B.Walsh kicks 73 yards from MIN 35 to SF -8. 10-K.Williams to MIN 14 for 94 yards (33-J.Sanford).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q4 3:33) — (3:33) 32-T.Gerhart up the middle to SF 35 for no gain (95-R.Jean Francois; 55-A.Brooks). San Francisco challenged the runner was down by contact ruling, and the play was REVERSED. 32-T.Gerhart up the
- San Francisco 49ers (Q4 2:30) — (2:30) (Shotgun) 11-A.Smith pass deep right intended for 15-M.Crabtree INTERCEPTED by 21-J.Robinson at MIN 32. 21-J.Robinson to SF 44 for 24 yards (76-A.Davis).
Quarterback report card
A.Smith led all passers in efficiency for San Francisco 49ers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- A.Smith (San Francisco 49ers) · 42 dropbacks · 57.1% completion · +1.9% CPOE · +0.00 EPA/play · +0.13 total EPA
- C.Ponder (Minnesota Vikings) · 41 dropbacks · 51.2% completion · -8.3% CPOE · +0.41 EPA/play · +16.65 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | San Francisco 49ers | Minnesota Vikings |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.015 | +0.077 |
| Offensive success rate | 52.1% | 44.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.003 | +0.406 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.333 | -0.269 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.077 | +0.015 |
| Defensive success rate | 55.4% | 47.9% |
By the numbers
Minnesota Vikings held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.08 vs -0.01), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Minnesota Vikings: 11 drives, +7.08 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- San Francisco 49ers: 10 drives, -1.07 total EPA, 3 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.
- C. Ponder (Minnesota Vikings) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- C. Ponder (MIN) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 52:25 · SF 1 · Score 0-6
(7:25) 7-C.Ponder pass short left to 82-K.Rudolph for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 52:20 · SF 2 · Score 0-7
3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe. - San Francisco 49ers FG (+3) — Q2 42:17 · MIN 11 · Score 3-7
(12:17) 2-D.Akers 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 35:39 · SF 23 · Score 3-13
(5:39) 7-C.Ponder scrambles up the middle for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 35:29 · SF 2 · Score 3-14
3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 30:04 · SF 34 · Score 3-17
(:04) 3-B.Walsh 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe. - San Francisco 49ers FG (+3) — Q3 27:50 · MIN 11 · Score 6-17
(12:50) 2-D.Akers 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee. - San Francisco 49ers TD (+6) — Q3 21:21 · MIN 1 · Score 12-17
(6:21) 67-D.Kilgore, 68-L.Davis and 92-W.Tukuafu reported in as eligible. 11-A.Smith pass short right to 85-V.Davis for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - San Francisco 49ers XP (+1) — Q3 21:17 · MIN 2 · Score 13-17
2-D.Akers extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 14:22 · SF 2 · Score 13-23
(14:22) (Shotgun) 7-C.Ponder pass short middle to 82-K.Rudolph for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 14:17 · SF 2 · Score 13-24
3-B.Walsh extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Loeffler, Holder-5-C.Kluwe.
Frequently asked questions
Who won San Francisco 49ers vs Minnesota Vikings?
The Minnesota Vikings beat the San Francisco 49ers 24-13 in Week 3, 2012 on 2012-09-23.
What was the final score of San Francisco 49ers vs Minnesota Vikings?
The final score was San Francisco 49ers 13, Minnesota Vikings 24 (SF 13-24 MIN) in Week 3, 2012 on 2012-09-23.
What was the score by quarter in San Francisco 49ers vs Minnesota Vikings?
Q1: San Francisco 49ers 0, Minnesota Vikings 7; Q2: San Francisco 49ers 3, Minnesota Vikings 10; Q3: San Francisco 49ers 10, Minnesota Vikings 0; Q4: San Francisco 49ers 0, Minnesota Vikings 7; Final: San Francisco 49ers 13, Minnesota Vikings 24.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in San Francisco 49ers vs Minnesota Vikings?
Minnesota Vikings touchdown — K. Rudolph (C. Ponder pass) (Q1 52:25) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — C. Ponder (Q2 35:39) San Francisco 49ers touchdown — V. Davis (A. Smith pass) (Q3 21:21) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — K. Rudolph (C. Ponder pass) (Q4 14:22) San Francisco 49ers field goal — D. Akers (Q2 42:17, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — B. Walsh (Q2 30:04, 3 pts) San Francisco 49ers field goal — D. Akers (Q3 27:50, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in San Francisco 49ers vs Minnesota Vikings?
A. Smith (San Francisco 49ers), 57.1% completion, +1.9% CPOE, +0.00 EPA per dropback, +0.13 total passing EPA. C. Ponder (Minnesota Vikings), 51.2% completion, -8.3% CPOE, +0.41 EPA per dropback, +16.65 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in San Francisco 49ers vs Minnesota Vikings?
C. Ponder (Minnesota Vikings) led the game in total EPA with +16.65 on passing plays. across 41 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-4.57 EPA): (14:10) 21-F.Gore right guard to 50 for 7 yards (33-J.Sanford). Minnesota challenged the runner was down by contact ruling, and the play was REVERSED. 21-F.Gore right guard to 50 f. The biggest win-probability swing was -7.7%.
Season records after this game
San Francisco 49ers
Entered 2-0 Now 2-1 L
Minnesota Vikings
Entered 1-1 Now 2-1 W
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