Quick answer
- Winner
- Arizona Cardinals
- Final score
- Arizona Cardinals 26–20 San Francisco 49ers
- Halftime
- Arizona Cardinals 20–6 San Francisco 49ers at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- M. Leinart
- Top passer
- Arian Smith
- Biggest EPA play
- (14:45) 11-A.Smith pass short middle intended for 21-F.Gore INTERCEPTED by 21-A.Rolle at A…
- Game date
- 2006-12-24
Game summary
The Arizona Cardinals beat the San Francisco 49ers 26–20 on 2006-12-24. M. Leinart posted a game-high +13.35 total EPA in the passing.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 13 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Arizona Cardinals | 10 | 10 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 26 |
 San Francisco 49ers | 3 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 20 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
ARIArizona Cardinals(10:26) 6-J.Nedney 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.
(7:46) 1-N.Rackers 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
(1:03) 31-M.Shipp left guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
(8:13) 7-M.Leinart pass to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on SF-26-M.Roman, Illegal Contact, declined.
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
(2:00) 1-N.Rackers 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
(:27) 6-J.Nedney 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.
(6:30) 21-F.Gore right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
6-J.Nedney extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.
(15:00) 1-N.Rackers 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
(8:34) 1-N.Rackers 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
(5:11) 21-F.Gore left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
6-J.Nedney extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.
SFSan Francisco 49ersFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- SFSan Francisco 49ers
Q1 10:26FG JNJ. NedneyPoints+3
- Yard line
- ARI 31
- Score
- 0-3
(10:26) 6-J.Nedney 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q1 7:46FG NRN. RackersPoints+3
- Yard line
- SF 7
- Score
- 3-3
(7:46) 1-N.Rackers 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q1 1:03TD MSM. ShippPoints+6
- Yard line
- SF 5
- Score
- 9-3
(1:03) 31-M.Shipp left guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q1 0:59XP NRN. RackersPoints+1
- Yard line
- SF 2
- Score
- 10-3
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q2 8:13TD LFL. FitzgeraldPoints+6
- Yard line
- SF 6
- Score
- 16-3
(8:13) 7-M.Leinart pass to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on SF-26-M.Roman, Illegal Contact, declined.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q2 8:07XP NRN. RackersPoints+1
- Yard line
- SF 2
- Score
- 17-3
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q2 2:00FG NRN. RackersPoints+3
- Yard line
- SF 21
- Score
- 20-3
(2:00) 1-N.Rackers 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
- SFSan Francisco 49ers
Q2 0:27FG JNJ. NedneyPoints+3
- Yard line
- ARI 14
- Score
- 20-6
(:27) 6-J.Nedney 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.
- SFSan Francisco 49ers
Q3 6:30TD Frank Gore Jr.Points+6
- Yard line
- ARI 2
- Score
- 20-12
(6:30) 21-F.Gore right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- SFSan Francisco 49ers
Q3 6:25XP JNJ. NedneyPoints+1
- Yard line
- ARI 2
- Score
- 20-13
6-J.Nedney extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q4 15:00FG NRN. RackersPoints+3
- Yard line
- SF 19
- Score
- 23-13
(15:00) 1-N.Rackers 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
- ARIArizona Cardinals
Q4 8:34FG NRN. RackersPoints+3
- Yard line
- SF 14
- Score
- 26-13
(8:34) 1-N.Rackers 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
- SFSan Francisco 49ers
Q4 5:11TD Frank Gore Jr.Points+6
- Yard line
- ARI 1
- Score
- 26-19
(5:11) 21-F.Gore left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- SFSan Francisco 49ers
Q4 5:00XP JNJ. NedneyPoints+1
- Yard line
- ARI 2
- Score
- 26-20
6-J.Nedney extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1M. Leinart · Arizona Cardinals · Passing · +13.35 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.95 EPA/play
- 2L. Fitzgerald · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +10.86 total EPA · 4 snaps · +2.72 EPA/play
- 3V. Davis · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +7.92 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.98 EPA/play
- 4A. Boldin · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +6.20 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.55 EPA/play
- 5Bry. Johnson · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +2.40 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.60 EPA/play
- 6Kade Warner · Arizona Cardinals · Passing · +2.37 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.17 EPA/play
- 7J. Arrington · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +2.08 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.08 EPA/play
- 8O. Ayanbadejo · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +2.05 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.05 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
M. Leinart — ARI · Passing
M. Leinart posted the highest total EPA (+13.35) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Arizona Cardinals. Across 14 counted snaps, they averaged +0.95 EPA per play.
M. Leinart's top snap (+4.06 EPA): (10:13) 7-M.Leinart pass deep left to 11-L.Fitzgerald pushed ob at SF 15 for 57 yards (26-M.Roman). Caught at SF 29.
Biggest single play (-5.78 EPA): Arian Smith — (14:45) 11-A.Smith pass short middle intended for 21-F.Gore INTERCEPTED by 21-A.Rolle at ARI 28. 21-A.Rolle pushed ob at SF 49 for 23 yards (65-J.Smiley).
Quarterback report card
Arian Smith led all passers in efficiency for San Francisco 49ers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
Arian Smith (San Francisco 49ers) · 33 dropbacks · 54.5% completion · +1.9% CPOE · -0.26 EPA/play · -8.55 total EPA- M. Leinart (Arizona Cardinals) · 14 dropbacks · 64.3% completion · +4.8% CPOE · +0.95 EPA/play · +13.35 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Arizona Cardinals | San Francisco 49ers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.158 | +0.041 |
| Offensive success rate | 48.8% | 44.4% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.562 | -0.259 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.065 | +0.047 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.041 | -0.158 |
| Defensive success rate | 55.6% | 51.2% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, Arizona Cardinals generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.16 vs +0.04), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Arizona Cardinals: +0.16 EPA/play (90th percentile vs. 2006 team-game averages)
- San Francisco 49ers: +0.04 EPA/play (67th percentile vs. 2006 team-game averages)
- Arizona Cardinals: 10 drives, +13.31 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
- San Francisco 49ers: 10 drives, +2.58 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Arizona Cardinals — M. Shipp
- Arizona Cardinals — L. Fitzgerald (M. Leinart pass)
- San Francisco 49ers — Frank Gore Jr.
- San Francisco 49ers — Frank Gore Jr.
Field goals
- San Francisco 49ers — J. Nedney
- Arizona Cardinals — N. Rackers
- Arizona Cardinals — N. Rackers
- San Francisco 49ers — J. Nedney
- Arizona Cardinals — N. Rackers
- Arizona Cardinals — N. Rackers
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 10–3. San Francisco 49ers connected on a field goal from the ARI 31 (Q1 10:26) — (10:26) 6-J.Nedney 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the SF 7 (Q1 7:46) — (7:46) 1-N.Rackers 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the SF 5 (Q1 1:03) — (1:03) 31-M.Shipp left guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the SF 2 (Q1 0:59) — 1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player..
The second quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 10–3. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the SF 6 (Q2 8:13) — (8:13) 7-M.Leinart pass to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on SF-26-M.Roman, Illegal Contact, declined.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the SF 2 (Q2 8:07) — 1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the SF 21 (Q2 2:00) — (2:00) 1-N.Rackers 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.; San Francisco 49ers connected on a field goal from the ARI 14 (Q2 0:27) — (:27) 6-J.Nedney 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee..
The third quarter: San Francisco 49ers won the period 7–0. San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the ARI 2 (Q3 6:30) — (6:30) 21-F.Gore right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; San Francisco 49ers added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q3 6:25) — 6-J.Nedney extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee..
The fourth quarter: San Francisco 49ers won the period 7–6. Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the SF 19 (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) 1-N.Rackers 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the SF 14 (Q4 8:34) — (8:34) 1-N.Rackers 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.; San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the ARI 1 (Q4 5:11) — (5:11) 21-F.Gore left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; San Francisco 49ers added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q4 5:00) — 6-J.Nedney extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- San Francisco 49ers (Q4 14:45) — (14:45) 11-A.Smith pass short middle intended for 21-F.Gore INTERCEPTED by 21-A.Rolle at ARI 28. 21-A.Rolle pushed ob at SF 49 for 23 yards (65-J.Smiley).
- Arizona Cardinals (Q1 10:13) — (10:13) 7-M.Leinart pass deep left to 11-L.Fitzgerald pushed ob at SF 15 for 57 yards (26-M.Roman). Caught at SF 29.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q1 3:19) — (3:19) 7-M.Leinart pass short right to 30-O.Ayanbadejo pushed ob at SF 48 for 7 yards (99-M.Lawson). PENALTY on SF-99-M.Lawson, Personal Foul, 15 yards, enforced at SF 48. Caught at ARI 45
- San Francisco 49ers (Q3 10:01) — (10:01) 4-A.Lee punts 55 yards to ARI 26, Center-86-B.Jennings. 86-T.Walters to ARI 42 for 16 yards (56-B.Moore). FUMBLES (56-B.Moore), RECOVERED by SF-43-M.Hicks at ARI 46. 43-M.Hicks to ARI 46 for n
- Arizona Cardinals (Q2 13:15) — (13:15) (Shotgun) 7-M.Leinart pass deep left to 80-Bry.Johnson to SF 35 for 39 yards (28-K.Lewis; 55-H.Navies). Caught at SF 47.
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- San Francisco 49ers (Q4 14:45) — (14:45) 11-A.Smith pass short middle intended for 21-F.Gore INTERCEPTED by 21-A.Rolle at ARI 28. 21-A.Rolle pushed ob at SF 49 for 23 yards (65-J.Smiley).
- San Francisco 49ers (Q4 10:19) — (10:19) 11-A.Smith pass short right to 83-A.Battle to SF 27 for 10 yards (21-A.Rolle). FUMBLES (21-A.Rolle), RECOVERED by ARI-34-R.Griffith at SF 18. 34-R.Griffith to SF 18 for no gain (69-T.Wragge).
- San Francisco 49ers (Q3 10:01) — (10:01) 4-A.Lee punts 55 yards to ARI 26, Center-86-B.Jennings. 86-T.Walters to ARI 42 for 16 yards (56-B.Moore). FUMBLES (56-B.Moore), RECOVERED by SF-43-M.Hicks at ARI 46. 43-M.Hicks to ARI 46 for n
- Arizona Cardinals (Q1 10:13) — (10:13) 7-M.Leinart pass deep left to 11-L.Fitzgerald pushed ob at SF 15 for 57 yards (26-M.Roman). Caught at SF 29.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- San Francisco 49ers FG (+3) — Q1 10:26 · ARI 31 · Score 0-3
(10:26) 6-J.Nedney 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee. - Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q1 7:46 · SF 7 · Score 3-3
(7:46) 1-N.Rackers 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q1 1:03 · SF 5 · Score 9-3
(1:03) 31-M.Shipp left guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q1 0:59 · SF 2 · Score 10-3
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q2 8:13 · SF 6 · Score 16-3
(8:13) 7-M.Leinart pass to 11-L.Fitzgerald for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on SF-26-M.Roman, Illegal Contact, declined. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q2 8:07 · SF 2 · Score 17-3
1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player. - Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q2 2:00 · SF 21 · Score 20-3
(2:00) 1-N.Rackers 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player. - San Francisco 49ers FG (+3) — Q2 0:27 · ARI 14 · Score 20-6
(:27) 6-J.Nedney 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee. - San Francisco 49ers TD (+6) — Q3 6:30 · ARI 2 · Score 20-12
(6:30) 21-F.Gore right guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - San Francisco 49ers XP (+1) — Q3 6:25 · ARI 2 · Score 20-13
6-J.Nedney extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee. - Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q4 15:00 · SF 19 · Score 23-13
(15:00) 1-N.Rackers 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player. - Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q4 8:34 · SF 14 · Score 26-13
(8:34) 1-N.Rackers 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player. - San Francisco 49ers TD (+6) — Q4 5:11 · ARI 1 · Score 26-19
(5:11) 21-F.Gore left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - San Francisco 49ers XP (+1) — Q4 5:00 · ARI 2 · Score 26-20
6-J.Nedney extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Arizona Cardinals earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- M. Leinart (Arizona Cardinals) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- M. Leinart (ARI) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers on 2006-12-24?
The Arizona Cardinals beat the San Francisco 49ers 26-20 in Week 16, 2006.
What was the score by quarter in Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers?
Q1: Arizona Cardinals 10, San Francisco 49ers 3; Q2: Arizona Cardinals 10, San Francisco 49ers 3; Q3: Arizona Cardinals 0, San Francisco 49ers 7; Q4: Arizona Cardinals 6, San Francisco 49ers 7; Final: Arizona Cardinals 26, San Francisco 49ers 20.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers?
Arizona Cardinals touchdown — M. Shipp (Q1 1:03) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — L. Fitzgerald (M. Leinart pass) (Q2 8:13) San Francisco 49ers touchdown — F. Gore (Q3 6:30) San Francisco 49ers touchdown — F. Gore (Q4 5:11) San Francisco 49ers field goal — J. Nedney (Q1 10:26, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — N. Rackers (Q1 7:46, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — N. Rackers (Q2 2:00, 3 pts) San Francisco 49ers field goal — J. Nedney (Q2 0:27, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — N. Rackers (Q4 15:00, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — N. Rackers (Q4 8:34, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers?
Arian Smith (San Francisco 49ers), 54.5% completion, +1.9% CPOE, -0.26 EPA per dropback, -8.55 total passing EPA. M. Leinart (Arizona Cardinals), 64.3% completion, +4.8% CPOE, +0.95 EPA per dropback, +13.35 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers?
M. Leinart (Arizona Cardinals) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +13.35 total EPA on Passing plays. across 14 snaps. Their top snap (+4.06 EPA): (10:13) 7-M.Leinart pass deep left to 11-L.Fitzgerald pushed ob at SF 15 for 57 yards (26-M.Roman). Caught at SF 29..
Was Arizona Cardinals vs San Francisco 49ers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 6 points. Arizona Cardinals won 26-20 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.
Season records after this game
Arizona Cardinals
Entered 4-10 Now 5-10 W
San Francisco 49ers
Entered 6-8 Now 6-9 L
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