GLENDALE, AZ — The San Francisco 49ers decisively clinched the NFC West title, extending their winning streak to six games with a 45-29 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The 49ers’ offense was in full swing, with Christian McCaffrey scoring three touchdowns and Deebo Samuel adding two scores.
Brock Purdy, playing near his hometown, made his first NFL start at State Farm Stadium and impressed by completing 16 of 25 passes for 242 yards and four touchdowns. Purdy’s performance was highlighted by a 62-yard touchdown pass to Samuel and a 41-yard score to McCaffrey.
The 49ers (11-3) have not only secured their division but also maintained a strong position in the NFC playoff race. They have won all their games during their current streak by at least 12 points and extended their winning streak against NFC West opponents to 12 games, a first since the 2011-12 seasons.
McCaffrey’s standout performance included a remarkable 41-yard touchdown where he caught the ball, fell, got up, and sprinted to the end zone. He ended the game with five catches for 72 yards and two touchdowns, alongside 115 rushing yards and another score.
The Cardinals (3-11) struggled to contain the 49ers’ dynamic offense. Quarterback Kyler Murray completed 26 of 39 passes for 211 yards but threw two interceptions. Arizona’s Matt Prater managed to cut the deficit to 14-13 with two field goals in the second quarter, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.
San Francisco’s defense played a crucial role, with Charvarius Ward intercepting Murray and returning it for a touchdown. The Cardinals briefly took the lead with a touchdown from James Conner but couldn’t maintain the momentum.
Arizona, which has struggled since Murray’s return from an ACL tear, showed some promise in the running game, totaling 234 rushing yards against the NFL’s top rush defense.
Injuries were a concern for both teams, with the 49ers losing cornerback Deommodore Lenoir and the Cardinals seeing tight end Geoff Swain and wide receiver Marquise Brown leave the game.
Looking ahead, the 49ers will host the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day, while the Cardinals travel to Chicago for a Saturday game. For San Francisco, this emphatic victory solidifies their status as one of the top contenders in the NFC, while Arizona continues to navigate a challenging season.
