Arizona Cardinals drop in NFL rankings ahead of regular season opener

The Arizona Cardinals enter the 2026 NFL season ranked No. 30 in the latest ESPN power rankings, moving down one spot from their post-draft position. The team currently holds the lowest projected win total in the league and faces a challenging schedule. Defensive concerns persist following a preseason where the team allowed over 30 points in three of their four exhibition games. While the offense showed some promise during the preseason, the defense lacks depth in its pass rush beyond Josh Sweat. The Cardinals serve as underdogs in every game this season, including at least touchdown deficits for their first 11 matchups. The team begins its regular season schedule on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers.

• 1:03 PMYahoo Sports — NFL power rankings: Arizona Cardinals fall slight after preseason