The NFL has released its full 2026 schedule, highlighting the Arizona Cardinals' challenging season ahead. They will face the toughest schedule in the league, featuring three Super Bowl contenders and difficult opponents from the NFC East and AFC West.
Key points
NFL schedule for 2026 announced on May 14
Arizona Cardinals face the toughest schedule in the NFL
Schedule includes three Super Bowl contenders
Challenging opponents from NFC East and AFC West
Cardinals play a total of 17 games
Arizona CardinalsNFL
NFL schedule released. Cardinals game-by-game predictions, dates, times
The NFL schedule is here. On Thursday, May 14, the league announced its full 17-game slate for all 32 teams.
And for the Arizona Cardinals, it was a reminder of how difficult the 2026 season may prove to be. They face the hardest schedule in the NFL, as measured by both last yearâs records and this yearâs projected records. By some measures, itâs one of the hardest schedules the league has ever seen â a product of playing in a division with three Super Bowl contenders, while facing tricky opponents from the NFC East and AFC West outside the division.
When, where do the Cardinals play in 2026? NFL schedule is released
Here is the Cardinals' 2026 schedule and our early predictions for each Cardinals game, as they aim to outperform expectations in the first season under coach Mike LaFleur. All times MST.
Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (4) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (4) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Q&A
What is the Arizona Cardinals' schedule for the 2026 NFL season?
The Arizona Cardinals' 2026 schedule includes 17 games against various opponents, with specific dates and times yet to be detailed.
Why do the Cardinals have one of the hardest schedules in the NFL for 2026?
The Cardinals face one of the hardest schedules due to their division containing three Super Bowl contenders and challenging matchups from the NFC East and AFC West.
When was the NFL schedule for 2026 announced?
The NFL schedule for 2026 was announced on Thursday, May 14.
How many games will the Arizona Cardinals play in the 2026 season?
The Arizona Cardinals will play a total of 17 games in the 2026 NFL season.
Related Articles
NFL·Preview
2026 NFL 'Thursday Night Football' schedule: Full slate of games with Lions-Bills kicking things off
Check out the full schedule for 2026 NFL Thursday Night Football, starting with Lions vs. Bills!
CBS Sports Headlines··1 min read
Sports
NFL open to Vrabel-Russini jokes in team videos for 2026 schedule
NFL allows teams to joke about Vrabel and Russini in 2026 schedule videos
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Golf·Recap
PGA Championship 2026: The only man who hadn't played since the Masters is the only one to go bogey-free
Patrick Reed shines with a bogey-free round at the 2026 PGA Championship.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NBA
Lakers predicted to cut ties with LeBron James, acquire $91 million Cavaliers All-Star
Lakers predicted to cut ties with LeBron James and target Cavaliers All-Star
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL·Preview
NFL schedule 2026: 7 matchups to circle on the calendar
Circle these key matchups on the NFL 2026 schedule!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Mets' Jonah Tong continues rough start to Triple-A season with disastrous outing
Mets' Jonah Tong struggles in Triple-A with another bad outing.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck (19) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck (19) huddles with his teammates during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck (19) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (4) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck (19) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort and owner Michael J. Bidwill during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur talks to the media during rookie mini-camp on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur talks to the media during rookie mini-camp on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Reggie Virgi (82) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur talks to the media during rookie mini-camp on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur talks to the media during rookie mini-camp on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Jayden Williams speaks with the media during rookie mini-camp on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Reggie Virgi (82) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Kaleb Proctor (94) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Reggie Virgi (82) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Harrison Wallace III (30) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Tejhaun Palmer (83) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Jameson Geers (46) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Chase Bisontis (57) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (4) during rookie mini-camp on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
1 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (4) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
1 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (4) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
2 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (4) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
3 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck (19) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
4 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck (19) huddles with his teammates during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
5 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck (19) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
6 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (4) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
7 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck (19) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
8 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort and owner Michael J. Bidwill during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
9 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
10 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
11 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
12 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur talks to the media during rookie mini-camp on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
13 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur talks to the media during rookie mini-camp on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
14 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Reggie Virgi (82) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
15 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur talks to the media during rookie mini-camp on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
16 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur talks to the media during rookie mini-camp on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
17 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Jayden Williams speaks with the media during rookie mini-camp on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
18 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Reggie Virgi (82) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
19 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Kaleb Proctor (94) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
20 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Reggie Virgi (82) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
21 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Harrison Wallace III (30) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
22 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Tejhaun Palmer (83) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
23 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals tight end Jameson Geers (46) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
24 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Chase Bisontis (57) during rookie mini-camp practice on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
25 / 25
Scenes at Cardinals 2026 rookie mini-camp in Tempe
Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (4) during rookie mini-camp on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe.
Arizonaâs schedule is filled with opponents who have a clear upper hand â whether that be in coaching, roster talent or home-field advantage. In Week 1, the difference is clear: The Chargers have one of the leagueâs better quarterbacks, Justin Herbert, while the Cardinals are still searching for their solution at the position. They are the biggest Week 1 underdogs, based on early betting lines.
The reigning Super Bowl champions will likely regress slightly in 2026. After all, thereâs nowhere to go but down. But will a few peripheral departures â Kenneth Walker, Boye Mafe, Coby Bryant â be enough to tip the scales in one of the sportâs most unbalanced matchups? Unlikely.
The 49ers might be the most vulnerable division opponent, but this is still a roster with significantly more certainty than the Cardinals have on offense and defense. LaFleur coaching in San Francisco will be a fun subplot, though, given that he spent seven years working under Kyle Shanahan, from 2014-20.
Itâs hard to find many wins on the Cardinalsâ brutally difficult road schedule, but this game is an exception. The Cardinalsâ trademark strength this season could be their running game, with two new interior offensive linemen and the addition of Jeremiyah Love. The Giants, meanwhile, had the leagueâs worst run defense last season. Itâs a good mix for Arizona.
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 11, vs. Detroit Lions, 1:25 p.m. MST
Few games exemplify the brutality of the Cardinalsâ schedule quite like this one. As the last-place team in the NFC West, they were ârewardedâ with a matchup against the last-place team in the NFC North. Unfortunately for Arizona, the Lions are a veritable Super Bowl contender, with a traveling fan base that regularly packs State Farm Stadium.
Stunning Sean McVay and the Rams would be a dream return to SoFi Stadium for LaFleur. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, they are projected as the worst team in the NFL by oddsmakers while the Rams are projected as the best.
Prediction: Rams over Cardinals
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Damonic Williams (52) rushes the quarterback during a college football game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma, Oct. 25, 2025.
Mississippi Rebels safety Wydett Williams Jr. (16) against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Jan. 8, 2026.
SMU Mustangs defensive end Cameron Robertson (9) sacks TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Josh Hoover during the first half at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth on Sept. 20, 2025.
Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Harrison Wallace III (2) against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Jan. 8, 2026.
Jameson Geers #86 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers catches a touchdown pass against Matt Jung of the Wisconsin Badgers in the third quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium on Nov. 29, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Golden Gophers defeated the Badgers 17-7.
Offensive lineman Ka'ena Decambra #52 of the Arizona Wildcats warms up before the game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on Sept. 12, 2025, in Tucson.
James Madison Dukes cornerback Elijah Culp (2) defends in the first half during a college football game on Sept. 5, 2025, at L&N Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky.
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Damonic Williams (52) rushes the quarterback during a college football game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma, Oct. 25, 2025.
Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman Damonic Williams (52) rushes the quarterback during a college football game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma, Oct. 25, 2025.
Mississippi Rebels safety Wydett Williams Jr. (16) against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Jan. 8, 2026.
SMU Mustangs defensive end Cameron Robertson (9) sacks TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Josh Hoover during the first half at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth on Sept. 20, 2025.
Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Harrison Wallace III (2) against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Jan. 8, 2026.
Jameson Geers #86 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers catches a touchdown pass against Matt Jung of the Wisconsin Badgers in the third quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium on Nov. 29, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Golden Gophers defeated the Badgers 17-7.
Offensive lineman Ka'ena Decambra #52 of the Arizona Wildcats warms up before the game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on Sept. 12, 2025, in Tucson.
James Madison Dukes cornerback Elijah Culp (2) defends in the first half during a college football game on Sept. 5, 2025, at L&N Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky.
As if the Cardinalsâ schedule wasnât difficult enough â playing in the hardest division in football â they also have to face a deep, talented AFC West. That means matchups against teams like the Broncos, who likely would have made the Super Bowl had Bo Nix not broken his ankle in the AFC divisional round.
On one hand, the Cardinals have had the Cowboysâ number in recent years, including in their most recent win, back in early November. On the other hand, Dallas has one of the leagueâs more explosive offenses and has now added key defensive pieces like Caleb Downs, Rashan Gary, Jalen Thompson and Cobie Durant. Dallas could push for an NFC East title, while the Cardinals are expected to remain near the leagueâs basement.
The Cardinals have now lost nine consecutive games to the Seahawks, including four in a row at Lumen Field â where each of those defeats has been by at least 10 points. And despite their offseason departures, the Seahawks are better than the Cardinals at quarterback, in the trenches, at the skill positions and in the secondary.
Prediction: Seahawks over Cardinals
Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 15, vs. Los Angeles Rams, 2:05 p.m. MST
Last season, the Cardinals were outscored by the Rams, 82-37, in a pair of losses. Despite a new coaching staff and some peripheral reinforcements, itâs hard to imagine that picture changing much this year â even in Glendale.
As the Chiefs showed last season, this is a heavily flawed roster searching for an offensive identity in a league that has evolved to mitigate its strengths. And yet, Kansas City still has Patrick Mahomes. This game landing in November is a difficult break for Arizona, as Mahomes should be recovered from his torn ACL by then.
If the Commanders replicate last seasonâs miserable performance, this could be a win for the Cardinals. But Washington spent its offseason aggressively getting younger and more athletic on defense with additions such as Sonny Styles, Odafe Oweh and Leo Chenal. If Jayden Daniels is healthy, the Commanders will be heavy favorites here.
The last time the Cardinals faced the Eagles, it felt like the dawn of a new era. Late in Jonathan Gannonâs first season, they went into Philadelphia and pulled off a stunning upset, laying the groundwork for what seemed to be a bright future. Instead, three years later, theyâre back to square one: overmatched against a significantly more talented Eagles team.
Prediction: Eagles over Cardinals
Week 14: Bye
Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 20, vs. New York Jets, 2:05 p.m. MST
When sportsbooks reveal their full betting lines in the coming days, this might be the only game in which the Cardinals are favored. These are two of the more flawed rosters in the NFL, with the leagueâs third-worst (Jets) and worst (Cardinals) Super Bowl odds. So in their own building, the Cardinals get the nod here.
This is not the same Saints team that the Cardinals beat in New Orleans last September. Behind head coach Kellen Moore and second-year quarterback Tyler Shough, this group has found its offensive identity, as it showed in a 4-1 finish to last season. Theyâre one year ahead of the Cardinals in their rebuild.
The Raiders have a shiny new toy in No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, but the rest of their roster remains flawed, especially on offense. Plus, the Raiders reportedly plan to start Kirk Cousins for the early portion of the season. That means that Mendoza could still be adjusting to the NFL by the time they arrive in Arizona.
Prediction: Cardinals over Raiders
Week 18: Sunday, Jan. 10, vs. San Francisco 49ers, time TBD
Surely, the Cardinals canât go 0-6 against the NFC West for the second consecutive year, right? Right? And if thereâs any division win on the slate, itâs probably this one. The Rams and Seahawks have the sportâs two best Super Bowl odds, while the 49ers are relatively fallible, down in 10th (albeit 22 spots ahead of the Cardinals). Plus, the Cardinals have been competitive against the 49ers recently, winning four of their past 10 matchups. And in Week 18, San Francisco might be resting its starters.
