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The San Francisco 49ers have started off their 2025 season with wins over the Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints, setting themselves up for a pivotal, early-season matchup with the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium in Week 3.
Kyle Shanahan's team has played well despite dealing with several injuries to key players that have forced backups and younger players to take on bigger roles through the first two weeks of the season. This division matchup will be a huge test, as the Cardinals enter this game 2-0 themselves after beating the Saints and the Carolina Panthers. The winner could be in sole possession of first place in the NFC West if the Los Angeles Rams lose to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
Before these two teams meet in Week 3, let's take a look at a few things that fans should know heading into this one.
The 49ers and Cardinals have met 67 times in their history, with San Francisco winning 36 and Arizona winning 31. The 49ers have won four of their last six meetings, but the Cardinals won both matchups in 2024. In San Francisco, the 49ers are 20-15 all-time against Arizona.
The 49ers have a few key players who will miss this game due to injury, including wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (PUP), tight end George Kittle (IR), wide receiver Jacob Cowing (IR), starting left guard Ben Bartch (IR), defensive lineman Kevin Givens (IR) and Spencer Burford (out with a knee injury).
They've also listed quarterback Brock Purdy (toe/left shoulder), wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle/shoulder) and backup guard Connor Colby (groin) as questionable.
The Cardinals will be without cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (NFI), defensive lineman L.J. Collier (IR), defensive lineman Justin Jones (IR), cornerback Starling Thomas V (IR), cornerback Garret Williams (IR), defensive lineman Bilal Nichols (PUP), defensive lineman Walter Nolen III (PUP) and linebacker BJ Ojulari (PUP).
They've also listed cornerback Will Johnson (groin) as doubtful and cornerback Max Metlon (knee), guard Will Hernandez (knee), offensive tackle Paris Johnson (knee) and tight end Tip Reiman as questionable.
More 49ers: Unpacking the 49ers' bizarre QB situation heading into Week 3
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 4 things to know about 49ers-Cardinals heading into Week 3
Continue reading...
Kyle Shanahan's team has played well despite dealing with several injuries to key players that have forced backups and younger players to take on bigger roles through the first two weeks of the season. This division matchup will be a huge test, as the Cardinals enter this game 2-0 themselves after beating the Saints and the Carolina Panthers. The winner could be in sole possession of first place in the NFC West if the Los Angeles Rams lose to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
Before these two teams meet in Week 3, let's take a look at a few things that fans should know heading into this one.
Rankings
Points scored per game
- San Francisco: 21.5 (t-18th)
- Arizona: 23.5 (t-11th)
Points allowed per game
- San Francisco: 17.0 (t-7th)
- Arizona: 17.5 (10th)
Yards gained per game
- San Francisco: 364.0 (8th)
- Arizona: 284.5 (24th)
Yards allowed per game
- San Francisco: 268.5 (6th)
- Arizona: 333.5 (21st)
History
The 49ers and Cardinals have met 67 times in their history, with San Francisco winning 36 and Arizona winning 31. The 49ers have won four of their last six meetings, but the Cardinals won both matchups in 2024. In San Francisco, the 49ers are 20-15 all-time against Arizona.
Injury concerns
The 49ers have a few key players who will miss this game due to injury, including wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (PUP), tight end George Kittle (IR), wide receiver Jacob Cowing (IR), starting left guard Ben Bartch (IR), defensive lineman Kevin Givens (IR) and Spencer Burford (out with a knee injury).
They've also listed quarterback Brock Purdy (toe/left shoulder), wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle/shoulder) and backup guard Connor Colby (groin) as questionable.
The Cardinals will be without cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (NFI), defensive lineman L.J. Collier (IR), defensive lineman Justin Jones (IR), cornerback Starling Thomas V (IR), cornerback Garret Williams (IR), defensive lineman Bilal Nichols (PUP), defensive lineman Walter Nolen III (PUP) and linebacker BJ Ojulari (PUP).
They've also listed cornerback Will Johnson (groin) as doubtful and cornerback Max Metlon (knee), guard Will Hernandez (knee), offensive tackle Paris Johnson (knee) and tight end Tip Reiman as questionable.
Connections
- 49ers offensive tackle Austen Pleasants was with the Cardinals from 2023-24.
- Cardinals special teams coordinator/assistant head coach Jeff Rodgers served as the 49ers special team quality control coach from 2003-04 and assistant special teams coach from 2005-07.
- Cardinals tight ends coach Ben Steele was a tight end for the 49ers from 2001-02.
More 49ers: Unpacking the 49ers' bizarre QB situation heading into Week 3
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 4 things to know about 49ers-Cardinals heading into Week 3
Continue reading...
