NFL Week 18 Showdown: Cardinals vs. Rams – Don't Miss a Snap!

Well, here we are, folks! Week 18 of the NFL season is upon us, and you know what that means: every single snap feels like it’s magnified a hundred times over. It’s the last chance for teams to make their case, whether that’s for a playoff spot, better seeding, or simply to end the season on a high note and give the fans something to cheer about going into the long offseason. This Sunday, January 4th, 2026, we’ve got a fantastic NFC West matchup on deck, as the Arizona Cardinals head to SoFi Stadium to take on the Los Angeles Rams.

Now, I don't know about you, but these divisional battles always have an extra spark. The Cardinals and Rams know each other intimately – their strengths, their weaknesses, the quirks of their star players. This isn’t just another game; it’s a rivalry clash with bragging rights on the line, and potentially, a lot more. Both teams will be absolutely desperate to secure a win here, whether they’re playing spoiler or fighting tooth and nail for their own postseason dreams. It’s going to be a physical, emotional, and undoubtedly captivating contest. You absolutely do not want to miss this one.

So, how exactly can you catch all this gridiron drama unfold live? Let’s dive into the specifics, because we all want to be glued to our screens when that kickoff happens at 4:25 PM ET (that’s 1:25 PM PT for our West Coast friends) from Inglewood, California. The game will be broadcast nationally on FOX, so if you’ve got a traditional cable package, you’re likely all set. Just flip over to your local FOX affiliate, grab your snacks, and settle in!

But what if you’ve cut the cord, or maybe you’re just looking for a way to watch the Cardinals vs. Rams game without emptying your wallet? Well, good news! There are several fantastic streaming options out there that offer free trials, giving you a golden opportunity to catch this pivotal Week 18 showdown without spending a dime. Think of it as a trial run for your potential new streaming service, with the added bonus of live NFL action. It’s a win-win, really!

One of the most popular choices, and for good reason, is fuboTV. They’re known for their sports-centric channel lineup, and yes, that absolutely includes FOX. New subscribers can typically snag a generous free trial, which means you could sign up, watch the game, and then decide if it’s the right fit for you afterward. Easy peasy. Another solid contender is Sling TV. While their channel packages can vary, their "Blue" plan usually includes FOX in select markets. They also often offer a free trial period, making them another excellent candidate for a complimentary game day experience.

Of course, we can’t forget the big players in the live TV streaming game. Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and DirecTV Stream all carry FOX as part of their robust channel offerings. Each of these services typically provides a free trial for new customers, which is fantastic news if you're looking to sample multiple platforms or just need that temporary access for this specific game. It’s worth checking their current promotions to see which one best suits your needs for the moment.

And hey, for those of you who are always on the go, or just prefer watching on your smaller screens, NFL+ is definitely an option to consider. While live regular season games are generally restricted to mobile phones and tablets, it’s a great way to stay connected if you’re away from a bigger screen. Plus, it’s fantastic for replays and other exclusive content throughout the week. For folks living within range of the broadcast, a good old-fashioned over-the-air antenna remains a totally legitimate and truly free way to watch the game in crystal-clear high definition. No subscriptions, no trials, just pure broadcast TV.

So, there you have it. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Cardinals, rooting for the Rams, or just a general football enthusiast who appreciates a good late-season battle, you’ve got plenty of ways to tune in. Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 4th, 2026, 4:25 PM ET. Get ready for some thrilling NFL action, because Week 18 promises to deliver!