MINNEAPOLIS (AP) ? The San Francisco 49ers have become one of the NFL's most feared and revered teams under coach Jim Harbaugh, using a punishing, disciplined defense and a mistake-free, balanced offense to brand themselves as arguably this season's Super Bowl favorite. Christian Ponder threw two touchdown passes to tight end Kyle Rudolph and ran for another score to help the Vikings beat the 49ers 24-13 on Sunday. After a dominant start to their NFC North tour by decisively beating playoff teams Green Bay and Detroit, the 49ers (2-1) were beaten in every way by the team least likely to do so. The Vikings (2-1) began the game boldly with a fourth-and-goal touchdown pass by Ponder to his favorite target Rudolph. Frank Gore managed only 63 yards on 12 carries and lost a fourth-quarter fumble at midfield. Donte Whitner dropped a sure interception and a potential touchdown a few minutes later after Vikings wide receiver Michael Jenkins slipped on third down. The Vikings went 82 yards in 16 plays to start the game, but Peterson was stonewalled for 1 yard on second-and-goal at the 2 and no gain on third down. With inches to go, Ponder rolled left under pressure by Goldson and threw a floater off his back foot that Rudolph ran down in the corner of the end zone for a 7-0 lead. LB Patrick Willis walked gingerly off the field with an injury to his lower right leg and DT Isaac Sopoaga hurt his lower left leg in the fourth quarter.
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