Cardinals’ strength of schedule lighter than most entering 2025

The Arizona Cardinals won’t know their official road map for the 2025 regular season until next Wednesday.

That hasn’t stopped NFL analyst Warren Sharp from putting together an early strength of schedule ranking ahead of next week’s schedule reveal.

Using the projected 2025 win totals put out by Vegas oddsmakers instead of last year’s results, the Cardinals’ strength of schedule ranks as one of the lightest at 11th overall.

Why the Cardinals have a more favorable schedule in 2025

Looking at Arizona’s schedule, matchups against Tennessee (5.5 projected wins), New Orleans (6.5) and Carolina (6.5) help tilt things in the more favorable category.

And what do they all have in common? Quarterback questions!

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?

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.

New Orleans’ quarterback situation and who the starter is could be a weekly conversation.

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. Maybe he helps turn the tide?

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).

A look at Arizona’s full list of 2025 opponents and their projected win totals:

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

Who’s got the easiest SOS in Sharp’s ranking?

Here’s a look at the 10 teams with an easier strength of schedule than the Cardinals:

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 (7.5)
7. Carolina Panthers (6.5)
8. Tennessee Titans (5.5)
9. Miami Dolphins (8.5)
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9.5)

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