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Arizona Cardinals: 2018 schedule looks promising

By Scott Allen

GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 12: Running back David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes the football past cornerback David Amerson #29 of the Oakland Raiders during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Raiders 20-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 12: Running back David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes the football past cornerback David Amerson #29 of the Oakland Raiders during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Raiders 20-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The Arizona Cardinals now finally know every team they will play in 2018

They had to wait to find out who would clinch third place in the NFC South and NFC East before their schedule was finalized for next season.  The Arizona Cardinals know who all 16 opponents they will face in 2018.

The Cardinals will play their usual six games against the NFC West.  They also will play the AFC West, NFC North, and third place teams from the NFC South and NFC East thanks to their third place finish in the NFC West this year.

Home games include the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins, Oakland Raiders, and Denver Broncos.  The road might be a little tougher.

Road games are at the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs, and Los Angeles Chargers. Atlanta will be the only game on the east coast next season.

The schedule will be easier in the sense of the time of day the Cardinals will play Arizona time.  There are only four possible Sunday early window games next year.  They would include Atlanta, Green Bay, Minnesota, and Kansas City.

Related Story: Arizona Cardinals: 20 players on the bubble for 2018

Don’t be surprised if at least one of those games ends up in the late Sunday window though.  This year the Cardinals had six early window games.  One of them was in London against the Rams.  The Cardinals won’t be traveling overseas in 2018.

The Cardinals will have to go to Los Angeles twice.  Those will be their shortest road trips next season.

When you look at the schedule you see at least seven games against potential playoff opponents this season.  They include the Rams (twice), Chiefs, Vikings, Chargers, and either the Seahawks or Falcons.  The Chargers, Seahawks, and Falcons still have yet to clinch a spot.

Trips to Green Bay, Kansas City, Atlanta and Minnesota will be tough.  Those are all place the Cardinals have struggled at in the past.

As for the home games, the Cardinals should draw well for everyone but will get strong interest from Bears, Raiders, and Broncos fans.  Those fan bases support no matter the record.

All that being said, the schedule could play out more favorably next year just based on opponent and possible game times.  The 2018 NFL schedule will be released sometime in April.

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