Ranking the 5 most important games of the Arizona Cardinals 2023 schedule

5 - Week 1 at Washington Commanders

Yet another classic rival makes this list, but many believe the Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders could be the two worst teams in football this season. That said, the Redbirds need to march into Landover, Maryland, and make a statement when they face the Commanders. 

While we probably won’t see Kyler Murray suiting up for this one, Washington will likely start either Jacoby Brissett or Sam Howell, and neither are expected to do anything spectacular this year. This game could be even more important if rookie Clayton Tune gets the nod, as he will have an early opportunity to show he can be the top man moving forward. 

Overall, every game in the NFL is important, and there is no such thing as a meaningless game, even if you’re heading into Week 18 with a 2-14 record. But when you look at the Cardinals schedule, these five games jump out not as the ones to mostly look forward to or dread, but those where the stakes are the highest.