ESPN Football Power Index projects win struggles for Arizona Cardinals in 2026

The Arizona Cardinals enter the 2026 NFL season facing low expectations from the ESPN Football Power Index. Projections anticipate the team will win 4.9 games, with a best-case scenario of 7-10. Analysts assign the roster a 1.4% chance of reaching the playoffs and a 0.1% chance of securing the NFC West title. This outlook stems from a 2025 campaign that saw the franchise lose 14 games, including nine consecutive contests to close the year. While the team retains its core skill players and coaching staff, it faces the league's toughest strength of schedule. The defensive unit, which allowed 37 or more points in six of its final nine games last season, remains largely unchanged. The Cardinals are listed as underdogs in every game on their schedule, including a margin of at least seven points for the first 11 matchups.

• 12:46 PMYahoo Sports — Arizona Cardinals projected to struggle in 2026