The Arizona Cardinals are one of the most exciting teams in the National Football League (NFL), with a rich history of thrilling games and dedicated fans. As the new season approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming matchups and planning their schedules around the team's games. If you're an Arizona Cardinals fan, you won't want to miss these 10 essential games that are sure to be some of the most exciting of the season.
Understanding the Arizona Cardinals Schedule
Before we dive into the top 10 games, it's essential to understand how the Arizona Cardinals schedule works. The NFL schedule is typically released in April or May, and it includes 16 games per team, divided into two conferences: the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The Cardinals are part of the NFC West division, which includes the Los Angeles Rams, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Seattle Seahawks.
The schedule typically includes six home games and six away games, with two bye weeks. The Cardinals play their home games at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, which has a seating capacity of over 63,000 fans.
Breaking Down the Cardinals' Strength of Schedule
The strength of schedule is a critical factor in determining a team's success in the NFL. The Cardinals' schedule is always challenging, but some games are more critical than others. Here are some key statistics to consider:
- The Cardinals have the 10th-toughest schedule in the NFL, based on their opponents' winning percentage from the previous season.
- They will face six teams that made the playoffs last season, including the Kansas City Chiefs, the Los Angeles Rams, and the Seattle Seahawks.
- The Cardinals will also face several teams that are expected to be strong contenders this season, including the San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers.
The Top 10 Essential Games of the Arizona Cardinals Schedule
Now that we've set the stage, let's dive into the top 10 essential games of the Arizona Cardinals schedule. These games are sure to be some of the most exciting of the season, and fans won't want to miss them.
1. Week 1: Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers
The Cardinals open their season against their NFC West rivals, the San Francisco 49ers. This game is always a intense matchup, and it's a great way to start the season.
2. Week 5: Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams
The Cardinals face another NFC West rival, the Los Angeles Rams, in Week 5. This game is always a high-scoring affair, and it's a great test for the Cardinals' defense.
3. Week 8: Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Cardinals travel to Seattle to face the Seahawks in Week 8. This game is always a tough matchup, and the Cardinals will need to be at their best to come away with a win.
4. Week 10: Arizona Cardinals vs. Kansas City Chiefs
The Cardinals face one of the top teams in the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs, in Week 10. This game is a great test for the Cardinals' offense, and it's a chance for them to prove themselves against one of the best teams in the league.
5. Week 12: Arizona Cardinals vs. Green Bay Packers
The Cardinals face another top team, the Green Bay Packers, in Week 12. This game is a great matchup between two of the top quarterbacks in the league, Kyler Murray and Aaron Rodgers.
6. Week 14: Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams
The Cardinals face the Rams again in Week 14, this time at home. This game is a great opportunity for the Cardinals to avenge their earlier loss and make a statement in the NFC West.
7. Week 15: Arizona Cardinals vs. Cleveland Browns
The Cardinals face the Cleveland Browns in Week 15, which is a great matchup between two of the top young teams in the league.
8. Week 16: Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers
The Cardinals face the 49ers again in Week 16, this time at home. This game is a great opportunity for the Cardinals to sweep their NFC West rivals and make a statement in the division.
9. Week 17: Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Cardinals face the Seahawks again in Week 17, this time at home. This game is a great opportunity for the Cardinals to avenge their earlier loss and make a statement in the NFC West.
10. Week 18: Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams
The Cardinals face the Rams again in Week 18, this time at home. This game is a great opportunity for the Cardinals to sweep their NFC West rivals and make a statement in the division.
Conclusion
The Arizona Cardinals schedule is always exciting, and this season is no exception. With 10 essential games that are sure to be some of the most thrilling of the season, fans won't want to miss a single matchup. Whether you're a die-hard Cardinals fan or just a casual observer, these games are sure to be some of the most exciting of the year.
What is the Arizona Cardinals schedule for the upcoming season?
+The Arizona Cardinals schedule is typically released in April or May, and it includes 16 games per team, divided into two conferences: the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC).
Who are the Arizona Cardinals' biggest rivals?
+The Arizona Cardinals' biggest rivals are the San Francisco 49ers, the Los Angeles Rams, and the Seattle Seahawks, all of whom are part of the NFC West division.
What is the strength of the Arizona Cardinals' schedule?
+The Arizona Cardinals have the 10th-toughest schedule in the NFL, based on their opponents' winning percentage from the previous season.