Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers NFL Week 18: How to watch for free, online live stream & start time

In a clash of two NFC West teams left watching the playoffs from home, the San Francisco 49ers (6-10) take on the Arizona Cardinals (7-9) at State Farm Stadium.

This divisional matchup features a pair of underwhelming seasons. The 49ers, pegged as preseason Super Bowl contenders, limp into the final week with just six wins to their name, a shadow of their lofty expectations.

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Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch and listen to the Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers NFL Week 18 game, plus plenty more.

Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers: Date and kick-off time

The Cardinals will take on the 49ers in a highly anticipated NFL game on Sunday, January 5, at 4:25 pm ET/ 1:25 pm PT, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

How to watch Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers on TV & stream live online

TV channel: FOX

• Broadcasters: Chris Myers (play-by-play), Mark Schlereth (analyst) and Jen Hale (sideline) are on the game call.

Streaming service: Fubo TV

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Streaming the game with a VPN

Catching out-of-market NFL action can be tricky due to local broadcasting restrictions and state-specific blackouts. Whether you're a passionate fan living far from your team's home market or simply want to watch a broader variety of matchups, there are ways to overcome these barriers.

A highly effective approach is using a VPN, which enables you to alter your virtual location, letting you access games as though you're in a different state or even abroad.

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How to listen to live play-by-play commentary of Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers NFL Week 18 game

Audio stream: SiriusXM — Home: 225 (CAR), 800 (NE) | Away: 380 (CAR), 827 (NE)

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Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers team news & key players

Arizona Cardinals team news

The Cardinals started the season strong but have stumbled, losing five of their last six games. Their offense, however, has been a bright spot, ranking 11th in total yards per game (369.8) and excelling on the ground with a seventh-ranked rushing attack, averaging 143.8 yards per game.

Quarterback Kyler Murray has rebounded impressively, passing for 3,609 yards and adding 550 rushing yards over 16 games. James Conner has been the backbone of the ground game, rushing for 1,094 yards and providing consistency in the backfield.

Rookie tight end Trey McBride has emerged as a standout performer, leading the team with 1,081 receiving yards, while first-round pick Marvin Harrison Jr. has shown glimpses of his potential with 822 yards and seven touchdowns.

On defense, the Cardinals have been average, ranking 18th in total yards allowed per game (336.7). Budda Baker has been a standout, leading the team with 155 tackles, while the pass rush has been a weakness, with Dante Stills pacing the unit with just 4.5 sacks.

Cardinals injury list

San Francisco 49ers team news

The 49ers are reeling after a hard-fought Monday Night Football loss to the Detroit Lions, marking their sixth defeat in the last seven games. This season has been a letdown for San Francisco, whose 6-10 record falls far short of their preseason aspirations. Despite their struggles, the offense has shown flashes of potential, ranking seventh in total yards per game (382.7) and sixth in passing yards (256.1 PYPG).

Quarterback Brock Purdy has thrown for 3,864 yards and 20 touchdowns but has been hampered by inconsistency and 12 interceptions. The ground game, spearheaded by Jordan Mason with 789 rushing yards, sits 11th in the league, averaging 126.6 yards per game. On the receiving end, George Kittle has been a beacon of reliability with 1,079 receiving yards, while Jauan Jennings has emerged as a pleasant surprise, posting a career-best 923 yards.

Defensively, the 49ers have underachieved, though Nick Bosa has provided a silver lining with nine sacks in 13 appearances. Fred Warner has been a steady presence, leading the team with 123 tackles and two interceptions.

49ers injury list

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