NFL schedule leaks: Cardinals to face Chargers in Week 1

The full NFL schedule doesn’t officially drop until 5 p.m. MST on Thursday, but that hasn’t stopped the leaks from pouring in.

It was a relatively quiet morning for the Arizona Cardinals compared to a lot of the other teams in the league.

A running list at the latest reports regarding the Cardinals’ 2026 regular season schedule:

Cardinals heading to L.A. in Week 1

For a fourth-straight season, Arizona will reportedly open up the year on the road.

This time, it’ll travel to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers, based on process of elimination through the official international game schedule and multiple reports around the league.

Of Arizona’s opponents, San Francisco, Los Angeles (Rams), Dallas, New York (Giants), Denver, Kansas City and Seattle are all on the primetime slate in Week 1.

Other reports indicate the New York Jets will take on the Tennessee Titans, and the Las Vegas Raiders will face the Miami Dolphins in their respective season openers. The Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders are expected to square up, while the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions will go at.

That leaves the Chargers are the last team standing for Arizona’s Week 1 tilt.

Los Angeles has made the playoffs in each of the past two season under head coach Jim Harbaugh. It has posted back-to-back 11-6 records.

Off to the Big Apple in Week 4

Arizona’s first schedule leak has the franchise heading to New York in Week 4 for a game against the Giants.

After floundering at 3-14 and 4-13 the past two seasons, respectively, New York swung big and landed on head coach John Harbaugh to turn things around.

And yes, running back Cam Skattebo is still on the roster for any inquiring Arizona State fans.

Who do the Cardinals play in 2026?

A look at the opponents Arizona faces in 2026:

Home

– San Francisco 49ers
– Los Angeles Rams
– Seattle Seahawks
– Philadelphia Eagles
– Washington Commanders
– Denver Broncos
– Las Vegas Raiders
– New York Jets
– Detroit Lions

Away

– San Francisco 49ers
– Los Angeles Rams
– Seattle Seahawks
– Dallas Cowboys
– New York Giants
– Kansas City Chiefs
– Los Angeles Chargers
– New Orleans Saints

How to watch the NFL schedule reveal

The NFL schedule reveal will take place at 5 p.m. MST and can be watched on ESPN and the NFL Network.

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