Cardinals shaping up to have toughest schedule for 2026 season

The Arizona Cardinals have work to do after ending the 2025-26 season with a tough 3-14 record and only faint memories of being a serious NFL contender.

Unfortunately for Cardinals fans, the team just got some brutal news about their 2026-27 schedule.

According to research from Sharp Football Analysis, the Cardinals are staring at having the most difficult schedule in the entire league for the 2026-27 season.

In Sharp's regular-season "Strength of Schedule," out on Monday, Warren Sharp released his predictions for the upcoming strength-of-schedule rankings for all 32 NFL teams, based on expected win totals from Vegas oddsmakers.

"Based on projected win totals, the Arizona Cardinals have the hardest strength of schedule for the 2026 NFL season," Sharp said in the feature.

Arizona Cardinals Have the Toughest Schedule in the NFL for 2026

The Cardinals have the hardest schedule in the NFL for next season, and the Miami Dolphins, who are also struggling, come in at No. 2. On the flip side, the Detroit Lions have the easiest schedule for the season, followed by the New Orleans Saints at No. 2.

So, should Cardinals fans drown their sorrows in the beverage of their choice early and give up on any hope for the 2026-27 season? Not so fast. While it helps to go up against teams that aren't super difficult, what matters more is having good coaching, healthy players and solid rookies on your side. So, the Cardinals could absolutely make a comeback this season, despite their difficult schedule, if they have a strong and smart enough core.

Last season, Sharp Football Analysis projected the franchise with the easiest schedule to be the 49ers and the most difficult to be the Vikings. The 49ers ended the regular season with a 12-5 record and made it to the playoffs, while the Vikings closed out their regular run with a 9-8 record and no playoff appearance.