49ERS TODAY

<p><b>49ERS AT VIKINGS</p><p>WHERE:</b> Metrodome (Minneapolis)</p><p><b>WHEN:</b> 10 a.m.</p><p><b>TV: </b>Ch. 2</p><p><b>RADIO: </b>KNBR 1050-AM, KSAN 107.7-FM</p><p><b>THE LINE: </b>Vikings by 7 (40 total)</p><p><b>THE SERIES: </b>The 49ers lead the series 22-20-1, though the Vikings have won three of the past four meetings since 1999.</p><p><b>LAST MEETING: </b>In 2007, the 49ers fell behind on their first offensive play when DT Kevin Williams intercepted Trent Dilfer’s pass and returned it 18 yards for a touchdown. Chester Taylor had an 84-yard touchdown run in a game best-remembered for the job the 49ers’ defense did on Adrian Peterson. He gained a career-low 3 yards on 14 rushing attempts.</p><p><b>INJURY REPORT</p><p>49ers — </b>LB Marques Harris (toe) is questionable: RB Frank Gore (ankle), LB Ahmad Brooks (knee), G David Baas (ankle) and RB Glen Coffee (hip) are probable.</p><p><b>Vikings —</b> LB Erin Henderson (calf) is out; LB E.J. Henderson (shoulder) and WR Percy Harvin (illness) are questionable; RB Adrian Peterson (back), TE Jim Kleinsasser (hand) and S Madieu Williams (shoulder) are probable.</p><p><b>SPOTTING TRENDS</p><p>49ERS (2-0):</b> With victories in their first two games over NFC West opponents, the 49ers have established themselves as the early front-runners in the division. However, they can become recognized as one of the up-and-coming teams in the NFC with a victory today against the unbeaten Vikings. The 49ers’ formula consists of a strong defense and a powerful running attack. Gore is nursing an ankle sprain, but he should be close to full speed today. The 49ers need to get a little more production from QB Shaun Hill, who has been asked to be a game manager in the first two games. The 49ers might have to open up the offense a little more today in order to move the ball against the Vikings’ vaunted defensive front.</p><p><b>VIKINGS (2-0):</b> Peterson views this game as an opportunity for redemption against a 49ers defense that two years ago swarmed all over him. The Vikings and 49ers have similar approaches. Both want to run the football. Peterson, who led the NFL in rushing last season, is back atop the leaderboard with 272 yards rushing and four touchdowns. QB Brett Favre has been a lot more conservative, as he realizes he does not have to throw the ball around the field for the Vikings to be successful. In fact, Favre has attempted just 48 passes in two games, and has thrown for 265 yards with three TDs and no interceptions. His passer rating stands at an impressive 110.2.</p><p><b>QUOTE TO NOTE</b></p><p>“The most important thing for us is that we don’t make this game about Adrian Peterson and Brett Favre. This is the San Francisco 49ers against the Minnesota Vikings, and that’s the thing I want us to focus on.”</p><p>— 49ers coach Mike Singletary</p><p><b>49ERS WILL WIN IF . . . </b>Hill receives good protection and is able to make completions regularly on run downs.</p><p><b>VIKINGS WILL WIN IF . . . </b>Peterson has his typical game.</p><p><b>KEY MATCHUPS</p><p>LB Patrick Willis vs. RB Adrian Peterson</b></p><p>Willis is one of the few linebackers in the league who might be able to run with Peterson. It’s an intriguing matchup involving two of the best players in the league.</p><p><b>LT Joe Staley vs. DE Jared Allen</b></p><p>Staley has gotten off to a strong start, but this is his first true test. Allen’s 58.5 sacks is the most in the NFL since the beginning of the 2004 season.</p><p><b>S Dashon Goldson vs. QB Brett Favre</b></p><p>Goldson became the starter because of his ball-hawking skills. Favre has thrown more TDs — but also more interceptions — than anyone in league history.</p>