Where are the Cardinals in ESPN analyst Ben Solak’s watchability rankings?

When it comes to watching the NFL’s slate of games on a given Sunday, there is always that group of teams football fans gravitate toward.

According to ESPN analyst Ben Solak and his watchability rankings for 2026, the Arizona Cardinals are not among them.

Using four key categories — big plays, competitive games, star players and nothing offensive — Solak has the Cardinals ranked 29th.

He notes that while they have some solid star power at various positions, it likely won’t matter.

But cool players are always trumped by poor quarterback play, which seems likely in Arizona given the three-headed quarterback room of Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew II and third-round rookie Carson Beck. Beck’s first start should be worth a second screen, whenever the time comes, but QB battles are better for training camp content than in-season watchability.

As for what could make them more watchable? Solak says it’s fine to get early scouting of potential trade targets Josh Sweat, Tyler Allgeier or even Marvin Harrison Jr.

He only listed the Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns lower in his rankings.

Should the Cardinals be higher on Solak’s watchability ranking?

Between having two receivers who are hoping to prove they are WR1 caliber in Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, arguably the best tight end in the league in Trey McBride and fourth overall pick running back Jeremiyah Love, the offense should have more than enough excitement assuming the quarterback situation isn’t a complete disaster.

On defense, the Cardinals have some talent to work around, too. Year 2 leaps from Walter Nolen III and Will Johnson are very much in play. And at least for now, they have seasoned defensive staples in Budda Baker, Josh Sweat and Mack Wilson Sr.

Wins will be hard to come by in a loaded division, but pairing a new head coach with an offensive background with the star power and youthfulness they have at other positions should be able to help them climb up the watchability totem pole.

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