{"id":29235,"date":"2025-05-06T20:30:11","date_gmt":"2025-05-06T20:30:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/29235\/"},"modified":"2025-05-06T20:30:11","modified_gmt":"2025-05-06T20:30:11","slug":"cardinals-strength-of-schedule-lighter-than-most-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/29235\/","title":{"rendered":"Cardinals’ strength of schedule lighter than most in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Arizona Cardinals won\u2019t know their official road map for the 2025 regular season until next Wednesday.<\/p>\n

That hasn\u2019t stopped NFL analyst Warren Sharp from putting together an early strength of schedule ranking<\/a> ahead of next week\u2019s schedule reveal.<\/p>\n

Using the projected 2025 win totals put out by Vegas oddsmakers instead of last year\u2019s results, the Cardinals\u2019 strength of schedule<\/a> ranks as one of the lightest at 11th overall.<\/p>\n

Why the Cardinals have a more favorable schedule in 2025<\/p>\n

Looking at Arizona\u2019s schedule, matchups against Tennessee (5.5 projected wins), New Orleans (6.5) and Carolina (6.5) help tilt things in the more favorable category.<\/p>\n

And what do they all have in common? Quarterback questions!<\/p>\n

The Titans will likely head into their matchup against the Cardinals with rookie quarterback Cam Ward running the offense. He was clearly the top-rated prospect this draft, but how quickly can he fit in at the NFL level?<\/p>\n

New Orleans meanwhile has plenty of quarterback questions to figure out. While the Saints have Derek Carr (though injured) and Arizona native Spencer Rattler on the roster, they also added another Valley product in 2025 second-rounder Tyler Shough.<\/p>\n

New Orleans\u2019 quarterback situation and who the starter is could be a weekly conversation.<\/p>\n

Carolina once again turns to Bryce Young after the quarterback showed improvement, though the franchise still posted a 5-12 record. The Panthers gave him a big weapon this NFL Draft in Arizona alum Tetairoa McMillan.<\/a> Maybe he helps turn the tide?<\/p>\n

Even with some easier opponents, the Cardinals have plenty of tough outs littered on the schedule, highlighted by San Francisco (10.5) and the Los Angeles Rams (9.5) twice, Green Bay (9.5) and Cincinnati (9.5).<\/p>\n

A look at Arizona\u2019s full list of 2025 opponents and their projected win totals:<\/p>\n

\u2013 San Francisco 49ers (10.5)
\u2013 Los Angeles Rams (9.5)
\u2013 Green Bay Packers (9.5)
\u2013 Houston Texans (9.5)
\u2013 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9.5)
\u2013 Cincinnati Bengals (9.5)
\u2013 Indianapolis Colts (7.5)
\u2013 Dallas Cowboys (7.5)
\u2013 Seattle Seahawks (7.5)
\u2013 Atlanta Falcons (7.5)
\u2013 Jacksonville Jaguars (7.5)
\u2013 Carolina Panthers (6.5)
\u2013 New Orleans Saints (6.5)
\u2013 Tennessee Titans (5.5)<\/p>\n

Who\u2019s got the easiest SOS in Sharp\u2019s ranking?<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a look at the 10 teams with an easier strength of schedule than the Cardinals:<\/p>\n

1. San Francisco 49ers (10.5)
2. New England Patriots (7.5)
3. New Orleans Saints (6.5)
4. Atlanta Falcons (7.5)
5. Buffalo Bills (11.5)
6. Jacksonville Jaguars\t(7.5)
7. Carolina Panthers (6.5)
8. Tennessee Titans (5.5)
9. Miami Dolphins (8.5)
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9.5)<\/p>\n

Follow @Tdrake4sports<\/a><\/p>\n

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