In a tightly contested matchup, the San Francisco 49ers held off the Arizona Cardinals with a final score of 20-14 in Week 3 of the 2026 season. The victory was crucial for the 49ers as they looked to establish their dominance early in the season, while the Cardinals aimed to bounce back from earlier setbacks. Arizona's Michael Penix Jr. showcased his skills, throwing for 174 yards and a touchdown, but it was San Francisco's Christian McCaffrey who stole the show on the ground, racking up 110 rushing yards. Marvin Harrison Jr. emerged as a primary target for the Cardinals, gathering 93 receiving yards, but the offensive efforts fell just short against a resilient 49ers defense. Defensively, the 49ers made their presence felt, with Romello Height leading the charge with two sacks, while Nick Bosa added an interception that proved pivotal in the game's final moments. The turning point came late in the fourth quarter when Bosa's pick halted a promising Arizona drive, allowing San Francisco to maintain their lead and secure the win.