The previously unbeaten 49ers fell in Minnesota, losing 24-13 to the Vikings.
Kyle Rudolph, The Sure-Handed Viking
Christian Ponder Vs. 49ers Run Defense
Alex Smith Displays His Athleticism
Don’t you dare call Alex Smith a game manager. Sure, he’s thrown over 200 passes without an interception, but Smith doesn’t get too many chances for personal glory. Early in the offseason, Smith didn’t like being called a game manager and brought up Carolina’s Cam Newton, a QB he said put up the numbers, but not the wins. Flushed from the pocket and with plenty of daylight, it was finally Smith’s time to shine, and show that he can be Cam Newton too.
No word whether the replacement referees gave the 49ers QB an extra three yards on his roll as forward progress.
Read Article >49ers Vs. Vikings: Game Time, TV Schedule, Odds And More

Getty ImagesThe game will be televised on FOX at 1 p.m. EST. The 49ers are currently listed as 7- to 8-point favorites depending on the sportsbook you look at.
Niners Nation has you covered for all the latest on the 49ers while Daily Norseman has all the latest news and analysis on the Vikings.
Read Article >Week 3 NFL Picks And Predictions: 49ers Vs. Vikings

Getty ImagesCBS Sports’ Pete Prisco is predicting a 24-20 49ers victory this weekend. He feels the 49ers could have a letdown after two weeks of big time wins, though not enough to equal a loss.
Over at ESPN, they are heavily in favor of the 49ers, with every single NFL expert polled picking San Francisco over Minnesota this week.
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