What channel is 49ers vs. Cardinals on today? Time, TV schedule, live stream to watch NFC West rematch

SANTA CLARA, California -- The San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals are set for a high-stakes NFC West showdown, with both teams vying for early control of the division. This matchup evokes memories of last season’s thrilling NFC playoff clash, where the Cardinals pulled off an upset behind James Conner’s 205 rushing yards and Budda Baker’s game-sealing interception.

Both teams enter Week 3 undefeated at 2-0, with the 49ers aiming to maintain their home dominance at Levi’s Stadium and the Cardinals looking to prove they’re true NFC West contenders. This could preview another intense playoff battle, as San Francisco boasts an 18-1 record in their last 19 games, while Arizona is 8-2 in their past 10 starts with Kyler Murray at quarterback -- though both losses came against top-tier opponents.

Here’s everything you need to know about watching the 49ers vs. Cardinals, including TV and streaming options for Week 3’s marquee matchup.

49ers vs. Cardinals: How to watch

Date: Sunday, Sept. 21
Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
Location: Levi’s Stadium -- Santa Clara, California
TV channel: FOX (Adam Amin and Mark Sanchez on the call)
Local channels: FOX 2 in San Francisco; FOX 10 in Phoenix
Stream: FOXSports.com or the FOX Sports app (with cable login); Fubo (free trial available); NFL+ (local and primetime games on mobile)
Radio: 49ers: KNBR 680 (Greg Papa and Tim Ryan); Cardinals: Arizona Sports 98.7 FM (Dave Pasch and Ron Wolfley)
Follow live: CBS Sports App for real-time updates, scores, and highlights

Out-of-market fans can catch the game via NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV (with a subscription). Note: Streaming services like YouTube TV may have a slight delay compared to live TV.

49ers vs. Cardinals betting odds

The 49ers opened as 1.5-point favorites but have settled at -3 against the spread. Here’s the latest from FanDuel Sportsbook (new users: Bet $5, get $300 in bonus bets if your wager wins -- click here to sign up):

• Spread: 49ers -3 (-110) | Cardinals +3 (-110)
• Moneyline: 49ers -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Cardinals +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
• Over/Under: 43.5 points (Over -110 | Under -110)

The total has dipped from 44 due to both teams’ stout defenses, with the 49ers ranking seventh in points allowed (17.0 per game) and the Cardinals 10th (17.5 per game). Public money leans toward the 49ers, but sharp bettors favor the Cardinals covering as road underdogs -- Arizona is 1-1 ATS in their first two games.

When the 49ers have the ball

San Francisco’s ground game has been the focal point through two weeks, with Christian McCaffrey exploding for 148 yards and two touchdowns on 40 carries (3.7 yards per attempt). The 49ers ranked 12th in rushing last season (127.2 YPG) and haven’t relied heavily on the pass -- Mac Jones (filling in for the injured Brock Purdy) completed 70% of his passes for 279 yards last week. Jauan Jennings (seven TDs last season) is due for a breakout.

The Cardinals’ front seven, led by Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols, ranks 10th in points allowed. They’ll test Jones’ mobility, but San Francisco’s offensive line (top-5 in pass block win rate last season) should create lanes for McCaffrey. Expect a run-heavy script unless Arizona stacks the box.

Key stat: The 49ers are +2 in turnover margin (10th in NFL), forcing 17 turnovers last season while committing 27.

When the Cardinals have the ball

Kyler Murray is passing efficiently (70.4% completion, three TDs, one INT), spreading the ball to Marvin Harrison Jr. (seven catches, 99 yards, one TD last week) and Trey McBride. James Conner adds balance with 4.2 yards per carry, and the Cardinals’ offense ranks 11th in points scored (23.5 per game) thanks to explosive plays.

San Francisco’s secondary, anchored by Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir, allowed just 192.8 passing yards per game last season (top-5 in NFL). Nick Bosa (two sacks) and Bryce Huff could disrupt Murray, who’s been pressured on 35% of dropbacks. If the Cardinals win the trenches, Harrison Jr. could shine -- he’s hit 100+ yards in four of five games when Murray tops 250.

Key matchup: Murray vs. Bosa -- Bosa’s strip-sack in last season’s playoff flipped the game; expect the 49ers to scheme outside pressures.

49ers vs. Cardinals head-to-head

• San Francisco leads the all-time series 36-31, outscoring Arizona 1,568-1,401.
• Last meeting: Cardinals 28-24 in NFC playoff (Jan. 2025), Conner’s 205 yards the difference.
• 2024 matchup: Cardinals 20-17 in Arizona, a defensive classic.
• The 49ers are 3-2 in their last five vs. NFC West opponents.

49ers 2025 schedule so far

(Full schedule available on FOX Sports)

Cardinals 2025 schedule so far

49ers key players to watch

• Christian McCaffrey (RB): 148 rush yards, two TDs -- A matchup nightmare and San Francisco’s versatile weapon.
• Mac Jones (QB): 279 yards last week, 70% completion; a reliable fill-in for Purdy.
• Jauan Jennings (WR): Seven TDs last season; deep threat awaiting targets.
• Nick Bosa (DE): Two sacks; defensive anchor with elite blitz speed.

Cardinals key players to watch

• Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR): 99 yards, one TD last week; Murray’s top target and explosive rookie.
• Kyler Murray (QB): 70.4% completion, three TDs; veteran poise and mobility.
• James Conner (RB): Over 1,000 rush yards last season; 4.2 YPC efficiency.
• Budda Baker (S): Defensive anchor; top-10 in tackles.

49ers vs. Cardinals prediction, pick

The 49ers’ home dominance (10-1 SU in their last 11 at Levi’s) and ground game edge make them tough to fade, but the Cardinals’ opportunistic defense and Murray’s arm could keep it close. San Francisco hasn’t had a big passing TD yet -- if Jones unlocks the air game, it’s over. Still, Arizona covers in a gritty upset bid.

Pick: 49ers -3
Score prediction: 49ers 20, Cardinals 16

Check out the full NFL Week 3 schedule on FOX Sports! Or visit FOX Sports’ NFL hub for everything you need to make the most of this season’s action.