Watchability rankings: ESPN’s Solak buries Cardinals toward the bottom
ESPN's Ben Solak buried the Cardinals toward the bottom of the barrel in a ranking of NFL teams by watchability.
Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Arizona Cardinals following the NFL game against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium on January 05, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 47-24. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Those who love the Arizona Cardinals tune into all the games, no matter what.
It might be difficult for the team to gain more exposure, however, if they aren’t deemed entertaining. The Cardinals were ranked No. 28 out of 32 teams in the NFL in a list of most watchable franchises by Ben Solak of ESPN.
His ranking system is based on the potential for big plays, close games, star players and “cool stuff” like propensity for trick plays and unique schemes.
Solak says the Cardinals are higher on the scheme rankings, but other aspects bring the team down.
Their bend-don’t-break defensive philosophy leads to long drives with low scoring outputs (third in field goals forced per drive and fourth worst in punts forced per drive). Their league-leading explosive rush rate couldn’t save the 21st-ranked explosive pass rate. It’s not a bad offense at all (sixth in success rate and ninth in points per drive!); it’s just not particularly exciting.
It’s important to note that these are not rankings based on how well the team will play this season.
It’s just to help determine which teams are most fun to watch.
Other NFL teams in terms of watchability for 2025
The Cardinals are flanked in the rankings by NFC West opponents in the Los Angeles Rams (27) and Seattle Seahawks (29).
The top five teams on Solak’s list are the Washington Commanders, Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles.
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Comments
5 Comments
Okay, what next?
Seems like a bogus list if they dont have KC and Patrick Mahomes in the top 5.
I remember when Kyler Murray drafted and everyone knew he wasn't a Super Bowl QB, KTAR assured us that, "even though he may not win anything, at least he'll be fun to watch."
Now it's not even watchable. And Mike Bidwill rips the Cardinals Charities focus away from local needs.