The NFL is gearing up for its schedule release, but Arizona Cardinals fans already know all the opponents they’re set to play. It’s just a matter of what order those teams are going to play, as well as the times of the games.
That’s also how the Cardinals got some ominous news ahead of the NFL schedule release. They’re going to be playing one of the most difficult schedules in the entirety of the league.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter shared a graphic, breaking down the strength of schedule for every team. That was based on last year’s winning percentage. In it, he had the Cardinals playing the third-toughest schedule of any team in the NFL. Only the Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears had it worse.
That assessment might go down as generous to the Cardinals. In a recent article, The Athletic ranked Arizona as having the hardest 2026 schedule in the NFL. That was based on opponents’ projected win totals. So, instead of looking backward, it is attempting to project forward.
Generally, teams coming off bad seasons, as was the case with the Cardinals in 2025, get an easier strength of schedule the next season. The problem is that there are only so many games that can actually change, and Arizona still has to face its division opponents for six of its games. So, the strength of schedule was never going to be among the easiest in the sport.
Regardless of the schedule, this is the NFL, and professionals are expected to compete. First-year head coach Mike LaFleur knows that perfectly well as he begins his rebuild.
The Arizona Cardinals Slipped in Recent Power Rankings
GettyArizona Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort.
Following the NFL Draft, ESPN updated its Power Rankings from around the NFL. There, the Arizona Cardinals saw themselves slip to No. 29 overall in the rankings, though the running back position was noted for its improvement.
“The Cardinals signed Tyler Allgeier early in free agency with an eye toward giving him an expanded role beyond backing up Bijan Robinson in Atlanta. But as the NFL draft process played out, Arizona viewed running back Jeremiyah Love as the best player available at No. 3 and made him the highest running back selection since Saquon Barkley went No. 2 to the Giants in 2018,” Nick Wagoner wrote.
“Arizona also re-signed Bam Knight and restructured James Conner‘s deal. Love should be the centerpiece, while Allgeier could be a strong backup and excel in short-yardage situations. Conner, Trey Benson and Knight round out what is one of the deepest running backs rooms in the league.”
That low Power Ranking for the Cardinals, when combined with a very difficult strength of schedule, doesn’t inspire confidence for the upcoming season. Instead, the rebuild and improvement over the course of the year may end up being the team’s focus.
Cardinals Thought to be Tanking in 2026
GettyArizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur
While the difficult schedule is a concern for fans, there’s a chance that it’s exactly what the Cardinals themselves want. After all, there have been multiple anonymous sources this offseason who think the Cardinals are tanking.
“They’re tanking, bro,” a general manager told Jason La Canfora. “They aren’t even hiding it.”
The focus then would be on the 2027 NFL Draft. It’s projected to be a loaded class, particularly at the quarterback position.
“It’s all about 2027 for Arizona,” an agent told La Canfora. “It’s between them and the Jets (for the top pick). They want LaFleur to have his pick of anyone he wants.”
Cardinals Get Ominous News Ahead of NFL Schedule Release