San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffery celebrates a rushing touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on Sunday DEC 17, 2023. (Terrell Lloyd-San Francisco 49ers)

by Marko Ukalovic

No trap game to speak of down in the desert.

The San Francisco 49ers dominated the Arizona Cardinals in a 45-29 convincing victory on Sunday afternoon State Farm Stadium.

San Francisco clinched the NFC West Division for the second consecutive season with its sixth win in a row as they currently sit atop of the conference as the number one seed with three games left in the regular season. Arizona has lost three out of its last four games as they anchor the division.

49ers running back Christian McCaffery showcased his latest argument to be the league’s MVP as he was the focal point of San Francisco’s offense throughout the game. He led all rushers with 115 yards on 18 carries. He also led the 49ers receivers with five receptions on 72 yards and two receiving touchdowns.

McCaffery has 20 total touchdowns, 13 on the ground and seven through the air, through 14 games and is only four touchdowns away from breaking Jerry Rice’s 49er franchise record of 23 he set in 1987.

Arizona (3-11) drew first blood on its seven play 75-yard opening drive led by quarterback Kyler Murray. Running back James Connor finished off the drive with a two-yard rushing touchdown.

San Francisco (11-3) answered back on its opening drive led by quarterback Brock Purdy. The second year QB found a wide open Deebo Samuel along the sidelines for a 12-yard touchdown reception that was just the start of a big day for Purdy.

Chavarius Ward intercepted Murray on the Cardinals next drive and returned it to the house for a 66-yard return for a touchdown as the 49ers defense set the tone for the rest of the day.

Arizona received two field goals from Matt Prater a 58-yarder and a 43-yarder in the second quarter to make it a one point deficit with 6:14 remaining in the second quarter.

It was a nice homecoming for Purdy, who is from an hour outside of Phoenix, as he connected with McCaffery on a five-yard touchdown just before halftime to give the 49ers a 21-13 lead.

San Francisco came out with a quick strike to start the second half. Purdy rolled out to left before finding McCaffery down the field all alone. The All-Pro running back backpedaled as he caught the ball and fell down. He was able to get up and run into the endzone for his seventh receiving touchdown on the season.

McCaffery powered his way in for his 13th rushing touchdown on the season, a one-yarder off tackle with 1:08 remaining in the third quarter that gave the 40ers a commanding 35-16 lead.

Emari Demercado rushed for a 49-yard touchdown on Arizona’s next drive, but the two-point conversion attempt failed.

Samuel scored his second receiving touchdown when Purdy found him with a back shoulder throw along the left sidelines for a 19-yard reception to complete the scoring for San Francisco with 7:09 left in the fourth quarter.

Murray connected with Elijah Higgins for a eight-yard touchdown reception with 47 seconds remaining in the game in a garbage time touchdown.

Purdy finished the game going 16 of 25 for 242 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. Samuel had four receptions for 48 yards to go along with his two touchdowns. Tight end George Kittle chipped in with two catches for 54 yards.

Murray went 26 of 39 for 211 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, both by Ward. Connor led Arizona in rushing with 86 yards on 14 carries. Tight end Trey McBride led the Cardinals in receiving with 10 catches for 102 yards.

GAME NOTES: San Francisco finished 4-for-7 on third down conversions. Arizona was 7-for-16.

UP NEXT: San Francisco hosts the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football on Christmas Day 12/25 at 5:20pm at Levi’s Stadium.