We now have an idea as to when the NFL schedule will be released. Adam Schefter confirmed the news on “X” saying that the schedule is expected to be released next Wednesday, May 15th.
This season’s schedule features nine playoff rematches, including all four Divisional Round games, both Conference Championships as well as the Super Bowl. https://t.co/Xsavpugqpt
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 8, 2024
The Arizona Cardinals find themselves facing the AFC East, NFC North, Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers along with the rest of the NFC West. Despite the Cardinals finishing in 4th place last year at 4-13, they will still have a tough schedule. They are going to need some schedule breaks in order to have an advantage as they try to improve from their last two seasons.
As we wait for the schedule to be released, here are the five top games for the Cardinals in 2024.
5.) Los Angeles Chargers
The Cardinals will welcome a new Los Angeles Chargers team that will look much different this season. Jim Harbaugh is now in charge and he will get the chance to save Justin Herbert’s career, which has been affected by bad coaching. However, this Chargers team will look much different. There is no more Keenan Allen, Mike Williams or Austin Ekeler. The Chargers addressed the offensive line this offseason and all signs point to the Chargers being a run-heavy team. Arizona had one of the worst run defenses in the league last year. Monti Ossenfort went out and addressed the defensive line by bringing in veterans Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols.
The Cardinals and Chargers will be looking to improve from previous years, making this an interesting matchup for the Cardinals.
4.) New York Jets
The Cardinals’ offense will be tasked with a tough job to try and score on the Jets’ defense that has been dominant the last two years. Not to mention, Robert Saleh is coaching for his job this year. Aaron Rodgers is expected to be ready coming off a torn achilles last season. New Cardinals’ wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. will more than likely matchup against Sauce Gardner, which will be a true test to Harrison. The Cardinals’ offensive line will have to have the biggest challenge to contain the Jets’ defensive line led by Quinnen Williams.
Arizona played tough football last season and they will need to bring that energy against the Jets.
3.) Chicago Bears
The Bears look better on paper than they ever have. With a new rookie quarterback in Caleb Williams surrounded by new and improved weapons, the Bears should perform at a high level. Much like their offense, the Cardinals’ offense should also take a step forward. With already having Kyler Murray, Arizona has stability at the quarterback spot and they have added help at wide receiver as well as the offensive line.
Within the NFC, both of these teams will be looking to prove what their future is like with well-known rookies and both Jonathan Gannon and Matt Eberflus will be looking to show what they can do on the sidelines to come out with a win.
2.) Buffalo Bills
Kyler Murray and Josh Allen will face once again in what should be an exciting matchup. The last time these two went up against each other, it was a back-and-forth matchup where Murray got the last laugh off of the infamous “Hail Murray”. The Cardinals will travel to Buffalo this year and they need to hope that it is earlier in the season. It gets cold in Western New York and if the Cardinals want to avoid cold weather, they will need to play in the first two months of the season.
While the Bills have taken a little step back this offseason, they are still in the conversation as Super Bowl contenders because of Allen. The Cardinals will have the chance to prove what they can do against this Bills team and the duo of Kyler Murray-to-Marvin Harrison Jr. will need to step up big time to put the pressure on Buffalo’s offense.
1.) San Francisco 49ers
The Cardinals and 49ers are in different spots as of now. San Francisco has been one of the most dominant teams in recent memory and have been to back-to-back conference championships. Arizona has not beaten the 49ers since 2021, giving up 35+ points in their last four meetings. Arizona’s defense has been vulnerable against San Francisco in this stretch and Jonathan Ganon will need to step up his game to contain the 49ers’ offense.
The Cardinals will get their chance twice this season to show what they can do as they work their way up the rankings. In order to be the best, you have to beat the best. Right now, San Francisco holds that title within the division. This is not to say that the Cardinals need to sweep the season series, but they will need to find a way to get atleast one win. Facing the 49ers will truly test the Cardinals and it will show fans what has improved, and what still needs improvement.