The Arizona Cardinals have a ton of uncertainty going into the 2026 season. From their quarterback situation to their overall roster construction, Arizona could be in for a rough 2026.
Even after hiring new head coach Mike LaFleur, the Cardinals may not have as quick a turnaround.
Betting sites are not optimistic about a Cardinals turnaround in 2026, with Arizona’s early over/under win total set at 4.5, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
That win total is tied for the worst in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins.
While Arizona went 3-14 in 2025, sportbooks give no reason for optimism. The odds are the same for the Cardinals falling short of that 4.5 win total as for surpassing it at -110.
Why Are Sportsbooks Low on the Arizona Cardinals?
While we don’t know the exact timing of next season’s schedule, we do know the opponents.
Arizona hosts the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Detroit Lions and New York Jets.
The Cardinals play at the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers and New Orleans Saints.
So the Cardinals will play the NFC East and AFC West in 2026.
The Eagles made the playoffs last season and should still be a tough team to beat. The Commanders, with the return of quarterback Jayden Daniels, could very well be a tough opponent once again.
While the Cardinals bested the Cowboys at home last year, it’s a different atmosphere to play in Dallas. The Giants should be much improved with the ascension of quarterback Jaxson Dart and runningback Cam Skattebo, as well as the return of wide receiver Malik Nabers.
As for the AFC West, the Chiefs should bounce back with a healthy Patrick Mahomes, plus playing in Arrowhead is tough for any opponent. The Chargers and Broncos were playoff teams led by great young quarterbacks last year. The Raiders could make a leap in 2026 by selecting Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.
Playing the NFC East and AFC West should make for a difficult schedule for Arizona. Playing an above .500 team, but last-place, Detroit Lions, makes it even more difficult.
Looking at the schedule, without even the timing, this could be an incredibly rough season for Arizona.
So, Is There Hope for Arizona?
In order to beat this win total, a lot has to go right for Arizona. The quarterback situation must be figured out.
With Kyler Murray expected not to be on the team in 2026, this clouds things. Jacoby Brissett is not the answer at the position either. With this draft weak at the position outside of Mendoza, the Cardinals are hard-pressed to improve at the position.
With the defense and offensive line also an issue, the Cardinals can’t fix every roster hole in one fell swoop.
Therefore, this likely points to another disappointing season for the Cardinals to endure. The No. 3 overall pick could hold part of the future for Arizona on defense, but due to the lack of young talent available at quarterback, Arizona fans may have to wait until 2027 for real change to begin.
Cardinals’ 2026 Odds Display Dire State of Franchise