Cardinals vs. 49ers: Live San Francisco Score and Analysis

The San Francisco 49ers' 2014 season came to an end in Week 17 as they hosted the playoff-bound Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium at 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox.

But there were many other pending ends for San Francisco this season. Chief among these was the rumor that head coach Jim Harbaugh had already accepted the head coaching job at the University of Michigan—news of which was initially confirmed by Dave Feldman of CSN Bay Area.

Jay Glazer of Fox Sports offered a different insight on the news, but all signs still pointed to this contest being Harbaugh's last game with the 49ers.

It was also, possibly, the final contest for a number of key players on the roster. Running back Frank Gore, wide receiver Michael Crabtree and offensive guard Mike Iupati are all notable free agents after this season. Were fans witnessing the final appearances by each of these players in a 49ers uniform?

The business of football will pick up after this final game. Yet the 49ers still had to contend with a Cardinals team looking to improve its fortunes within the NFC playoff picture. A win over San Francisco, combined with a Seattle Seahawks loss to the St. Louis Rams, would have given Arizona the NFC West division crown.

But the 49ers could have spoiled the party. The only question is whether they would.

A loss would have improved San Francisco's draft position. It was also worth speculating that a large portion of the 49ers' first-team units would see little to no action during the game.

At any rate, San Francisco would look to put a positive spin on what has otherwise been a disappointing and tumultuous season.

It's a season that marks the end of an era.

Arizona got off to a hot start. An 80-yard opening drive culminated in a flea-flicker touchdown pass from quarterback Ryan Lindley to wide receiver Michael Floyd to give the Cardinals an early lead. But the 49ers answered right back on the subsequent drive. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick hooked up with wide receiver Anquan Boldin for a 76-yard touchdown pass to tie the game.

San Francisco backed up its first score with a 53-yard field goal by kicker Phil Dawson. He added a 37-yard try later in the quarter. The Cardinals added one of their own just inside the two-minute marker of the first half.

But Arizona wasn't finished scoring before halftime. Floyd hauled in his second touchdown of the game with just 36 seconds remaining.

The 49ers regained the lead shortly thereafter. A touchdown drive that was capped off by fullback Bruce Miller's three-yard reception was set up by a 20-yard run by Gore. This carry pushed Gore beyond 1,000 yards on the season—the eighth time in his career.

Arizona's attempt to stage a comeback was sealed with an interception by safety Craig Dahl, who subsequently gave the ball to his head coach. Harbaugh was then doused with Gatorade as the team celebrated what could be the final victory in his tenure with the team.

Now, the uncertainty and speculation begins regarding Harbaugh and plenty of long-term 49ers. But at least San Francisco ends 2014 on a positive note.

FINAL: Cardinals 17, 49ers 20

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and ESPN.com unless otherwise indicated.

Peter Panacy is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report, covering the San Francisco 49ers. Be sure to check out his entire archive on 49ers news, insight and analysis.

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