The San Francisco 49ers host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, at 4:05 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on FOX but fans can still watch -- for free -- even if they don’t have cable.
The 49ers enter this matchup at 2-2, good for second place in the NFC West behind the 3-1 Seattle Seahawks. At 1-3, the Cardinals are tied with the Rams for last in the division, though Arizona holds the tiebreaker due to their 41-10 win against Los Angeles during Week 2.
These teams enter Week 5 with drastically different momentum.
49ers vs. Cardinals: What to Watch For
Both teams feature impressive quarterbacks and surrounding skill talent. The 49ers are led by Brock Purdy (1,130 passing yards, five touchdowns, two interceptions), tight end George Kittle (15 catches, 161 yards, two touchdowns), and running back Jordan Mason (91 carries, 447 rushing yards, four touchdowns). The Cardinals counter with Kyler Murray (777 passing yards, six touchdowns, one interception), wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (15 catches, 243 yards four touchdowns), and running back James Conner (64 carries, 293 yards, three touchdowns).
The Cardinals' defense ranks 28th in yards per play allowed (5.8) and 29th in points per game allowed (26.5), while the 49ers' defense ranks 19th in yards per play allowed (5.4) and tied for 10th in points per game allowed (20.5). With the Cardinals' struggling defense, the 49ers offense will be looking to capitalize, especially with Christian McCaffrey sidelined with an Achilles injury.
How to Watch the 49ers vs. Cardinals Game Live
The game will be broadcast on FOX at 4:05 p.m. ET. If you don’t have cable, there are a few ways to watch the game online.
Streaming Services
FuboTV
Fubo, which offers a free trial and $20 off your first month, has three main packages: Pro costs $79.99/month; Elite is $89.99; Premier is priced at $99.99. Cancel before the free trial ends to avoid being charged. Fubo includes access to more than 185 sports, entertainment, and news channels. You can record games, TV shows, movies, and more.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream, which also gives customers a free trial, offers four packages if you continue with the service after your trial ends: Entertainment for $69.99; Choice for $84.99; Ultimate for $109.99; and premier for $159.99. Choice offers the most channels for sports enthusiasts.
Sling TV
Sling, which features promotional offers for new customers, has a Blue package for $20 for your first month ($40 after that) and an Orange package for the same price and deal. Get both the Blue and Orange packages for $27.50 for your first month ($55 after that).
Over-the-Air Antenna
An over-the-air antenna connected to your TV provides another option for Fox. The best part about antennas is that there are no streaming or monthly fees required, although you will need to make sure you have good reception.
How to Watch the Cardinals vs. 49ers Game Online With a VPN
If you find yourself unable to view the game locally due to incorrectly applied blackout restrictions, you may need a different way to watch the game, and that's where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, plus it's a great idea for when you're traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network, and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.
With a VPN, you're able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet, or laptop to get access to the game. So if your internet provider or mobile carrier has stuck you with an IP address that incorrectly shows your location in a blackout zone, a VPN can correct that problem by giving you an IP address in your correct, nonblackout area. Most VPNs, like our Editors' Choice, ExpressVPN, make it really easy to do this.
Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US and Canada, as long as you've got a legitimate subscription to the service you're streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.
Don't Miss the 49ers vs. Cardinals Showdown
With the 49ers looking to bounce back after their Week 4 loss, and the Cardinals aiming to gain some momentum, this NFC West clash is sure to be a thrilling encounter. Be sure to tune in and catch all the action. You can watch the game live on Fox at 4:05 p.m. ET, or stream it online through one of the services mentioned above.
