Predicting the Arizona Cardinals’ 2024 record
Sep 6, 2024, 6:33 PM | Updated: Sep 8, 2024, 2:17 pm
The regular season begins Sunday for the Arizona Cardinals. But before the ball goes live in their season opener against the Buffalo Bills, it’s time for one final record prediction for the year ahead.
Just because head coach Jonathan Gannon doesn’t like to look too far ahead, doesn’t mean we can’t!
Arizona Cardinals’ 2024 record prediction
Week 1: at Buffalo Bills
The Cardinals are taking on arguably their toughest challenge at quarterback this regular season right out of the gates in Josh Allen.
He’s a problem through the air and on the ground with or without star wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who now resides in Houston.
Buffalo’s defense, however, has some questions to answer in the secondary following the departures of Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde.
I smell a high-scoring upset (not just chicken wings) in Buffalo.
Result: Win
Week 2: vs. Los Angeles Rams
Quarterback Kyler Murray and the Cardinals don’t have to worry about Gannon-certified “war daddy” Aaron Donald. Ernest Jones IV and his 145 tackles aren’t around, either. That’s the good news.
The bad news is that wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are back for another round of catching footballs from quarterback Matthew Stafford.
This one could be a shootout.
Result: Loss
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Week 3: vs. Detroit Lions
The Lions are where the Cardinals want to get to in the next year or two.
After climbing out of the NFL gutter, Detroit is in the Super-Bowl conversation under head coach Dan Campbell. And wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is no joke.
This is going to be a good litmus test to see just where the Cardinals rank.
Result: Loss
Week 4: Washington Commanders
Kliff Kingsbury’s and Jayden Daniels’ return to Arizona! The former Cardinals head coach and Arizona State quarterback have since teamed up in D.C.
You know the Cardinals (and their fans) are going to be extra amped for this one, especially those who played under Kingsbury during his Arizona tenure. It’s going to show on the scoreboard.
Result: Win
Week 5: @ San Francisco 49ers
There’s no more drama in the Bay Area after Brandon Aiyuk, Trent Williams and the 49ers worked everything out contract-wise.
The Super Bowl contenders would have been a tough out regardless of their statuses.
Result: Loss
Week 6: @ Green Bay Packers
Coming off a tough battle in San Francisco, the Cardinals have another strong NFC foe in the Green Bay Packers.
They’ve experienced some change, with starting running back Aaron Jones now lining up for the Minnesota Vikings, but still bring enough talent to get the job done at home.
Result: Loss
Week 7: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Head coach Jim Harbaugh is back in the NFL, but can he turn things around in Year 1?
Justin Herbert is dangerous, but the Cardinals take this one.
Result: Win
Week 8: @ Miami Dolphins
Miami presents a high-powered offense that is going to be tough for any defense to contend with, let alone Arizona.
Tyreek Hill could be in store for a big day.
Result: Loss
Week 9: vs. Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams could be a force to be reckoned with down the line.
He’s also a rookie quarterback bound to make mistakes. I think defensive coordinator Nick Rallis is going to get creative in this one.
Result: Win
Week 10: vs. New York Jets
This one comes down to quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
If he’s healthy and doing some of the things he’s known for on the field, Arizona’s young cornerbacks room could have some trouble against the old vet and a supporting cast that includes running back Breece Hall and wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
The defense that features cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams is another beast.
Result: Loss
Week 11: Bye
Week 12: @ Seattle Seahawks
New head coach, same Seattle. The elements could play a factor in this one. But even then, Arizona should still have the upper hand.
Result: Win
Week 13: @ Minnesota Vikings
No matter who was the quarterback, be it rookie JJ McCarthy or Sam Darnold, this one remains circled as a Cardinals W.
This is going to be a rough year for Minnesota.
Result: Win
Week 14: vs. Seattle Seahawks
Well, that was fast.
Unlike in Seattle, quarterback Geno Smith and Co. figure things out for the series split.
Result: Loss
Week 15: vs. New England Patriots
Another rookie quarterback (probably)? Even with the questions surrounding Arizona’s defense, it should have a good day against a franchise fresh into its rebuild post-Bill Belichick.
Result: Win
Week 16: @ Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have done themselves zero favors over the last couple years and it shows on their roster.
This is one the Cardinals can’t lose.
Result: Win
Week 17: @ Los Angeles Rams
After getting some time to work through the wrinkles of a post-Donald world, head coach and mastermind Sean McVay should have some answers.
Another tough divisional matchup for Arizona.
Result: Loss
Week 18: vs. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers could very well be resting players ahead of the playoffs at this point in the season.
Still, they have enough coaching and depth to get the job done.
Result: Loss
Final record: 8-9
