In a tightly contested battle, the Arizona Cardinals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 16-13, securing a crucial victory in Week 3 of the 2026 season. Both teams were looking to establish momentum early in the year, but it was the Cardinals who emerged victorious in a game that tested their resolve. Cardinals quarterback Taylen Green led the charge with a solid performance, throwing for 236 yards and a touchdown. His top target, Michael Wilson, showcased his skills with 90 receiving yards, making key plays to keep drives alive. Meanwhile, Christian McCaffrey was a standout for the 49ers, rushing for 68 yards, but it wasn't enough to tip the scales in their favor. Defensively, the Cardinals were relentless, led by Josh Sweat, who recorded nine total tackles, including an impressive 2.5 sacks. Sweat's pressure was instrumental in disrupting the 49ers' rhythm, helping to force critical mistakes. The turning point came late in the fourth quarter when Azareye'h Thomas intercepted a pass, sealing the win for Arizona and solidifying their defensive dominance in this hard-fought matchup.