2025 NFL Preview: Arizona Cardinals Season Outlook, Schedule & Prediction
2025 ARIZONA CARDINALS SEASON PREVIEW
The script for the Arizona Cardinals has been similar in recent years. The team got off to a 1-3 start after a 42-14 loss to the Washington Commanders. Arizona then righted the ship and got to 6-4 with five wins in six games. After the bye, it all fell apart. The Cardinals would lose three in a row and end the season 2-5 to miss the postseason once again.
OFFENSE
The offense of the Cardinals will rely on the health of the quarterback and other stars taking it to the next level.
Kyler Murray played every game in 2024 for the first time in his career. After suffering a torn ACL, Murray was able to stay on the field for Arizona. At full strength, Murray is still an effective dual threat and has some big names to work with.
It begins with Trey McBride. The tight end has turned into the security blanket for Murray and one of the best in the game. Despite not scoring a touchdown until Week 17, McBride was able to rack up catches and yards at a high clip.
On the outside, Marvin Harrison Jr. showed promise as a rookie but was not the immediate breakout star that was expected. That could change here in 2025. In the backfield, James Conner is more than capable of being a workhorse but has also struggled with injuries during his career.
The continuity along the offensive line begins with tackles Paris Johnson and Jonah Williams, who has a long history of injuries but is solid when he plays. In the interior, Hjalte Froholdt turned into a reliable center with Evan Brown and Isaiah Adams on either side.
DEFENSE
The Cardinals needed help getting to the quarterback this offseason. It has been years of allowing yards at a high clip and struggling to get pressure.
Enter Josh Sweat. The Cardinals signed the former Philadelphia Eagle to a large contract in free agency and this is expected to improve the front right away. He rejoins Jonathan Gannon and will play alongside Zaven Collins.
Arizona also signed Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson to add to the defensive line. The first-round pick for the team was used on Walter Nolen as well. It is clear what the intentions were on the defensive side of the ball this offseason.
They improved pass rush will help the secondary, who has struggled at cornerback. This led to Will Johnson being selected in the second round, who is expected to start right away next to Max Melton and Garrett Williams.
Budda Baker continues to be the leader in the secondary as one of the better safeties the league.
SCHEDULE
Week 1: at New Orleans Saints
Week 2: vs. Carolina Panthers
Week 3: at San Francisco 49ers
Week 4: vs. Seattle Seahawks (Thursday Night)
Week 5: vs. Tennessee Titans
Week 6: at Indianapolis Colts
Week 7: vs. Green Bay Packers
Week 8: BYE WEEK
Week 9: at Dallas Cowboys (Monday Night)
Week 10: at Seattle Seahawks
Week 11: vs. San Francisco 49ers
Week 12: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 13: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 14: vs. Los Angeles Rams
Week 15: at Houston Texans
Week 16: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Week 17: at Cincinnati Bengals
Week 18: at Los Angeles Rams
Record Prediction: 7-10