When the San Francisco 49ers met the Arizona Cardinals in their 2025 NFL showdown, it was more than a divisional game — it was a collision of contrasting styles, breakthrough performances, and statistics that told the real story behind the final 41–22 scoreline. The box score only scratches the surface; the real insights lie in the individual contributions, strategic execution, and how each player moved the needle.
Let’s break down the key player stats, what they mean for each franchise, and the takeaways every fan, fantasy player, and analytical reader needs.
Final Score & Quick Snapshot
San Francisco 49ers 41, Arizona Cardinals 22
The 49ers dominated via balanced offense and opportunistic defense, while the Cardinals posted impressive passing numbers despite the loss.
Offensive Player Stats That Defined the Game
Image Source: X.com
San Francisco 49ers
Quarterback — Brock Purdy
- 19/26 passing
- 200 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT
- 73.4 QBR
Purdy’s return from injury was seamless. His efficient performance controlled the pace, minimized mistakes, and set up multiple scoring drives. His precision allowed the 49ers to capitalize early and stay ahead.
Running Back — Christian McCaffrey
- 13 carries, 81 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs
- 5 receptions, 40 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD
McCaffrey was the engine of San Francisco’s offense with 121 total scrimmage yards and three total touchdowns — a monstrous tally in any matchup. His versatility as a runner and receiver kept Arizona defensive fronts off balance.
Tight End — George Kittle
- 6 receptions, 67 yards, 2 TDs
Kittle’s red‑zone reliability translated to two big scores and critical first‑down conversions, especially in early frames that built the Niners’ lead.
Receiving Corps – Supporting Cast
- Jauan Jennings: 4 receptions, 54 yards
- Kyle Juszczyk: 2 receptions, 26 yards
San Francisco’s receivers complemented McCaffrey and Kittle by creating space and executing clutch grabs that sustained drives.
Arizona Cardinals
Quarterback — Jacoby Brissett
- 47 completions on 57 attempts — NFL record
- 452 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Despite the loss, Brissett etched his name into the NFL books with the most completions in a regular season game, a testament to resilience and volume passing in a catch‑up game script.
Receiving Leaders
- Michael Wilson: 15 catches, 185 yards
- Trey McBride: 10 catches, 115 yards, 1 TD
Wilson had a career night in volume and yardage, while McBride added dynamism in the intermediate game. Their production highlights Arizona’s strengths in spite of the scoreboard.
Rushing Attack — Cardinals
Arizona’s ground game was limited — 36 total rushing yards — explaining the sense of imbalance in their offensive approach.
Defensive & Special Teams Stats That Mattered
Image Source: ESPN
San Francisco 49ers Defense
- Allowed 452 passing yards, but the defense made critical stops and created turnovers that shifted momentum.
- Held Cardinals to just 36 rushing yards — a sign of dominance at the line and second level.
- Forced 3 takeaways (2 INTs, 1 fumble recovery).
San Francisco smothered Arizona’s running backs and pressured enough to produce game‑changing plays.
Cardinal Penalty Woes
Arizona was flagged 17 times for 130 yards, a franchise record, undoing explosive plays and tilting field position consistently. Penalties don’t show up in box scores as scores, but they often decide games.
What These Stats Reveal
Image source: ESPN
1. 49ers’ Balanced Attack Wins Out
San Francisco’s ability to run, pass, and attack multiple levels created stress on Arizona’s defense throughout. McCaffrey’s dual‑threat presence and Purdy’s efficient leadership underscore why the Niners’ offense thrives in head‑to‑head matchups.
2. Cardinals Show Fight but Lack Balance
Brissett’s record day was overshadowed by a lack of ground game support and multiple turnovers. The passing volume tells a story of necessity — Arizona was forced to sling the ball to stay in the game, which worked individually but not collectively.
3. Defensive Impact Can Be Subtle
While the 49ers gave up massive passing yardage, forcing three turnovers and stuffing the run kept the game within strategic bounds. This kind of defensive impact often correlates with wins even if yardage numbers don’t look dominant.
Player Comparisons: Side‑by‑Side
| Category | 49ers Leader | Cardinals Leader |
| Passing Yards | Brock Purdy – 200 | Jacoby Brissett – 452 |
| Rushing Yards | Christian McCaffrey – 81 | Team – 36 |
| Receiving Yards | Michael Wilson (ARI) – 185 | George Kittle (SF) – 67 |
| Touchdowns | McCaffrey – 3 total | McBride – 1 |
| Turnovers Forced | 3 | 1 |
| Penalties | SF minimized | ARI – 17 costly flags |
This comparison highlights how the Niners spread productivity across multiple playmakers, while the Cardinals depended on volume from a few stars. Balanced production wins over concentrated but pressured performance.
What This Means for the NFC West
San Francisco’s victory reinforced its divisional dominance and highlighted reliability on both sides of the ball. The Cardinals, despite flashes of brilliance, must address inconsistency — especially in run game and discipline — to compete at the top of the NFC West (historically back‑and‑forth rivalry with the 49ers).
Fantasy Football & Betting Takeaways
- 49ers RB & TE Value Skyrocket: McCaffrey and Kittle outperform in high‑leverage games, making them bonafide starters in most fantasy formats.
- Avoid Cardinals QB in Tight Matchups: Brissett’s stat line is eye‑popping but context matters — 2 interceptions and game script bias lowered efficiency.
- In‑Game Momentum Stats Matter: Forced turnovers and penalty yardage are unsung betting factors that swing live moneylines and over/unders.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was the MVP of this game?
Christian McCaffrey — his multi‑touchdown game and all‑purpose yardage powered the Niners’ offense and directly contributed to scoring outcomes.
2. Does Brissett’s record mean Cardinals are better than their record?
Brissett’s performance was historic, but football is a team sport — without a balanced offense and cleaner execution, record stats alone don’t win games.
3. What’s next for both teams?
The 49ers continue their push for NFC playoff positioning, while the Cardinals need to shore up discipline, run game, and defensive consistency.
Key Takeaways from the 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals Game
The 49ers’ 41-22 victory over the Arizona Cardinals was a statement win, built on a balanced offensive attack, timely defensive plays, and standout individual performances. Brock Purdy’s efficient play and Christian McCaffrey’s all-around dominance led the charge, while Jacoby Brissett’s record-setting passing yardage for the Cardinals highlighted the team’s resilience despite the loss.
From a fantasy football perspective, McCaffrey and Kittle should be automatic starters, while Brissett’s high passing volume makes him a valuable consideration, but the turnovers keep his value in check. For both 49ers fans and Cardinals supporters, this game provided plenty of action to discuss and analyze in the coming weeks.
Looking forward, the 49ers are clearly set to be a playoff contender, but the Cardinals will need to find more balance in their offense to remain competitive in the NFC West.
