There isn't much optimism for the Arizona Cardinals in 2026, especially from a national perspective. While they have a new head coach, people see a team that lost 14 games last season and 11 of their final 12 games, including nine straight to end the season. They have the same skill players and defense, mostly.
As such,in ESPN's Football Power Index, they are expected to struggle again.
They are projected to win 4.9 games, with a best-case scenario of 7-10. They are given a 1.4% chance of making the playoffs and 0.1% chance of winning the NFC West. They have the hardest strength of schedule.
Looking at their schedule, it is tough to find wins. They are underdogs in every game, and they are underdogs by at least a touchdown in their first 11. They play
in arguably the league's best division, with the other three teams all legitimate title contenders.
They have good skill players and the promise of an improved offense, but the defense is largely the same with the same defensive coordinator. That defense allowed 37 or more points six times over their final nine games.
They have a lot ot prove in 2026, although there isn't much belief.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals projected to struggle in 2026
