Christian Ponder and the Minnesota Vikings Upset San Francisco 49ers 24-13

The Minnesota Vikings recorded one of the most surprising results in a wild 2012 NFL season, as they defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-13.

The game started off with a surprising development as Christian Ponder and the Vikings offense moved the ball 82 yards down the field with shocking ease against a San Francisco defense that is regarded as the best in the league. Ponder capped off the drive with a one-yard pass to tight end Kyle Rudolph.

Minnesota’s second-year quarterback continued to play extremely well and ran 23 yards for his team’s second touchdown with 5:39 remaining in the second quarter. The offense was able to get the ball back before the half ended, and rookie Blair Walsh nailed a 52-yard field goal to give the underdogs a 17-3 lead at the break.

The Niners responded with 10 points in the third quarter, including an 86-yard drive that ended with a Vernon Davis touchdown reception.

But Ponder refused to let San Francisco keep momentum and gave his team another double-digit lead as he led another long drive that once again ended with a short touchdown pass to Rudolph.

Up 24-13, the Minnesota defense clamped down and refused to let the Niners move the ball.

San Francisco did receive the ball on a Toby Gerhart fumble that was reviewed under controversial circumstances. Jim Harbaugh challenged the play even though he didn't have any timeouts, which is against NFL rules, as noted by Fox Sports' Mike Pereira. 

There was a flurry of turnovers in the final minutes of the game, including another lost fumble by Gerhart and an interception and a fumble by Alex Smith. But neither team capitalized on any of the mishaps. 

Ponder finished the day 21-of-35 for 198 yards and two touchdown passes. He also ran the ball four times for 38 yards and another score.

Adrian Peterson was able to achieve some success on the ground against a fantastic 49ers run defense, gaining 86 yards on 25 carries. 

The San Francisco offense—which appeared to be improved after new additions in the offseason—looked unimpressive. Smith went 24-of-35 for 204 yards and one touchdown, while Frank Gore racked up 63 yards on 12 carries.

In each one of the first three weeks, the team that topped the ESPN NFL power rankings has now lost. The Green Bay Packers started the season in the No. 1 spot before losing to the 49ers.

The New England Patriots took over and lost to the Arizona Cardinals. That made way for the Niners to lead the rankings, and now they will fall due to this incredible upset.