The San Francisco 49ers delivered a statement win on Sunday, overpowering the Arizona Cardinals 41-22 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. With a balanced attack and a relentless defense, the 49ers tightened their grip on the NFC West, while the Cardinals, despite a record-setting passing day, couldn’t keep pace with their division rivals.
McCaffrey Shines as 49ers Offense Rolls
San Francisco’s offense was firing on all cylinders, led by star running back
Christian McCaffrey, who powered into the end zone on a crucial 4-yard touchdown run. The 49ers’ ground game set the tone early, allowing quarterback Brock Purdy to exploit Arizona’s secondary with layered passing concepts and quick strikes.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan praised his team’s “explosive performance,” highlighting the impact of three key turnovers that swung momentum firmly in San Francisco’s favor. The 49ers’ ability to control the pace and win situational downs proved decisive, as they consistently converted manageable third downs and kept Arizona’s defense on its heels.
Cardinals’ Passing Records Not Enough
Despite the lopsided score, the Cardinals’ passing game set two franchise records in the loss, showcasing flashes of offensive potential. However, Arizona’s inability to sustain drives and avoid costly turnovers ultimately doomed their upset bid.
The Cardinals’ best moments came from quick throws and designed quarterback movement, but San Francisco’s pass rush and disciplined linebackers limited big plays. Arizona’s defense struggled to contain the 49ers’ balanced attack, especially on early downs, leaving their secondary exposed to San Francisco’s creative play-calling.
Betting Markets and Fan Reactions
The 49ers entered the matchup as a 3-point favorite, with over
70% of public betting tickets backing San Francisco. The game’s total was set at 48.5, and the high-scoring affair easily cleared that mark, rewarding those who bet the over.
Fans and analysts alike were impressed by the 49ers’ ability to execute in all phases, while Cardinals supporters were left searching for answers after another tough divisional loss. The defeat drops Arizona further behind in the NFC West race, while San Francisco continues to look like a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
With this win, the 49ers solidify their position atop the division and send a clear message to the rest of the NFC. Their balanced offense, opportunistic defense, and strong coaching make them a team to watch as the playoff race heats up.
For the Cardinals, the focus shifts to regrouping and building on the positives from their passing attack. Limiting turnovers and finding more consistency on defense will be key if they hope to turn their season around.
Key Takeaways:- Christian McCaffrey’s touchdown and the 49ers’ ground game were pivotal.
- Arizona set two passing records but couldn’t overcome turnovers and defensive lapses.
- San Francisco’s win strengthens their NFC West lead and playoff outlook.
Stay tuned for more updates as the NFL season heads into its critical stretch.
Sources
1. 2 records set in Arizona Cardinals' loss to San Francisco 49ers
2. 49ers vs Cardinals Picks — Week 11 Preview & Odds
3. 49ers Top Plays vs. Cardinals | Week 11 - YouTube
4. ESPN blows final score alert for 49ers-Cardinals - SFGATE
5. CMC Punches His Way to Six! - San Francisco 49ers
6. 49ers Home | San Francisco 49ers – 49ers.com
7. Shanahan Reflects on 49ers Explosive Performance vs. Arizona
8. 49ers News | San Francisco 49ers - 49ers.com
9. San Francisco 49ers News - Sports Illustrated
10. Cardinals News I Arizona Cardinals – AZCardinals.com
11. Pro Football Talk - NBC Sports
