In a thrilling Week 3 matchup, the San Francisco 49ers topped the Arizona Cardinals with a final score of 36-26, keeping their playoff hopes alive early in the 2026 season. The victory not only boosts San Francisco’s confidence but also highlights their strong offensive capabilities against a division rival. Brock Purdy was sensational under center for the 49ers, throwing for 308 yards and three touchdowns, leading a potent aerial attack. Ricky Pearsall was his favorite target, racking up 134 receiving yards, while Christian McCaffrey contributed with a solid 89 rushing yards, balancing the offensive effort effectively. Their performance kept the Cardinals' defense on its heels throughout the game. Defensively, the 49ers made key plays that shifted momentum, most notably Fred Warner's interception, which halted a potential scoring drive for Arizona. Romello Height also made his presence felt with 1.5 sacks, putting pressure on the Cardinals' quarterback. Ultimately, San Francisco's ability to disrupt the opposing offense and capitalize on turnovers proved to be the game’s turning point, sealing their victory.