The San Francisco 49ers are poised to welcome back their starting quarterback Brock Purdy as they head to Arizona to take on the Cardinals. The game is scheduled for Sunday at 4:05 PM EDT. Currently, the 49ers hold a record of 6-4, while the Cardinals sit at 3-6.
According to BetMGM, San Francisco is favored by 2.5 points in this matchup. Historically, the 49ers lead the series against the Cardinals with a 37-31 record. In terms of performance against the spread, both teams have shown similar results, with the 49ers at 5-5 and the Cardinals at 5-4.
Last week, the 49ers suffered a defeat against the Rams, losing 42-26, while the Cardinals were overpowered by the Seahawks, who won 44-22. In their previous encounter on September 21, 2025, the 49ers narrowly defeated the Cardinals 16-15 in Santa Clara, California.
This season, the 49ers” offense ranks 11th overall, with a notable 1st place in passing but only 27th in rushing and 23rd in scoring. On the defensive side, they rank 21st overall, struggling particularly against the pass, where they stand at 22nd.
In contrast, the Cardinals” offense is ranked 21st overall, with a balanced approach that sees them 21st in passing and 18th in rushing. They score an average of 20 points per game, placing them 20th in the league. On defense, they have a slightly better ranking, sitting at 22nd overall.
The 49ers are optimistic about Purdy”s return after he missed six games due to a toe injury. Initially hurt in the season opener, he briefly returned in Week 4 but faced complications that sidelined him again. Purdy has a remarkable passer rating of 120.4 against the Cardinals, the highest among quarterbacks with at least three starts against them.
Arizona, on the other hand, will be without their top receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who recently underwent surgery for appendicitis. This places added pressure on Michael Wilson, a third-year receiver who has shown promise with over 500 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons and currently has 231 yards and a touchdown this year.
The Cardinals” veteran defensive line, featuring players like Josh Sweat and Calais Campbell, has been effective in pressuring quarterbacks. Sweat has recorded eight sacks, while Campbell has added five to his tally. They will aim to test Purdy”s ability to move quickly on his injured toe.
The 49ers anticipate not only Purdy”s return but also that of Ricky Pearsall, who has been sidelined for six games due to a knee injury. Additionally, defensive tackle Alfred Collins may also make his return after missing last week”s matchup.
For the Cardinals, Kyler Murray will miss his fifth consecutive game due to a foot injury and will remain on injured reserve for at least two more games. Other key players such as Zay Jones and linebacker Mack Wilson are also out due to injuries.
The 49ers have managed to win five of their last seven matchups against the Cardinals. However, the Cardinals have historically performed well at State Farm Stadium, holding a 7-4 record against the 49ers in their last 11 home games. San Francisco has not lost back-to-back games this season and has managed to bounce back after each of their losses thus far.
Notably, running back Christian McCaffrey has achieved a rare feat, becoming the fourth player in NFL history with at least 600 rushing yards and 600 receiving yards within the first ten games of a season. However, the 49ers are struggling with their ground game, averaging just 94.8 rushing yards per game, their lowest since 2007.
As the game approaches, the 49ers will look to improve their turnover margin, which currently stands at minus-8, the second worst in the league. Furthermore, their pass rush has been ineffective, averaging only 1.2 sacks per game, ranking last in the NFL. They will need to tighten up their play, especially on defense, having allowed opening drive touchdowns in consecutive games.
On the Cardinals” side, quarterback Jacoby Brissett has maintained an impressive streak, throwing 144 consecutive passes without an interception, the fourth longest streak in the franchise”s history. Trey McBride, the team”s tight end, has emerged as a key player, leading the team with 61 receptions, 602 yards, and six touchdowns.
As the 49ers prepare to face the Cardinals, the stakes are high for both teams as they look to improve their standings in a competitive NFC West division.
