The Cardinals' 2026 season is shaping up to be a challenging one, with a schedule that could lead to a long and difficult year. With a tough NFC West division and a mix of NFC and AFC opponents, the team faces a daunting task from the get-go.
One of the most striking aspects of the schedule is the number of games against top-tier teams. The Cardinals will play three of the league's best teams, the 49ers, Rams, and Chiefs, twice each, which is a significant challenge. The team also faces strong opponents like the Seahawks, Giants, and Cowboys, making it a tough road to victory.
The spreads in these games are telling. In eight of the 16 games, the Cardinals are the underdogs, with double-digit spreads. This suggests that the team is expected to struggle against many of these opponents, and the odds are stacked against them.
The only silver lining is a cluster of winnable games after a late Week 14 bye. However, by that point, the Cardinals may have already entered 'tank mode', a term used to describe a team intentionally losing games to improve their draft position. This could be a strategic move, but it also means the team might be in a difficult position for the rest of the season.
The schedule highlights the challenges the Cardinals face in 2026. With a tough division and a mix of strong opponents, the team will need to perform at a high level to avoid a long and losing season. It will be interesting to see how the team adapts and performs against these formidable opponents.
In my opinion, the Cardinals' schedule is a recipe for a challenging season. The team will need to make significant improvements to compete against these top-tier opponents. The question remains: can they rise to the occasion and surprise everyone?
