Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon against the Denver Broncos during a preseason game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Aug. 11, 2023.
After losing the final seven games of last season, resulting in an overall record of 4-13, the Arizona Cardinals are not favored to win a single this year, per DraftKings Sportsbook.
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Assessed by opponents’ winning percentage in 2022, the Cardinals are preparing for the 11th most challenging schedule.
Nonetheless, the current odds appear somewhat exaggerated, considering the talent that still exists on the Cardinals’ roster.
Some notable games that Arizona will enter as an underdog.
Week 9 against Browns: +260
Week 10 against Falcons: +120
Week 11 against Texans: +120
Week 16 against Bears: +164
Last season, these teams collectively achieved a record of 20-47 (.299%). In fact, all of them finished last in their respective divisions.
Disrespect, or reality?
Compounding this, the Cardinals are encountering a distinct lack of regard beyond just being unfavored in every game.
Here are a few intriguing odds for the Cardinals in 2023, as outlined by DraftKings Sportsbook:
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Win line: Set at 4.5, Texans second to last at 6.5
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Winning record: Notably, +1200 odds to achieve a winning record, surpassing the Texans at +330
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Fewest wins:Â +220 odds to secure the fewest regular season wins, Buccaneers second to last at +700
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Winless: At +1600 odds for an 0-17 outcome, Colts trailing behind at +4000
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Last winless team: Favored at +400 odds to be the last winless team, Texans second to last at +700
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NFC West struggles:Â -270 odds to finish last in the NFC West, standing alone as the only team projected to end in 4th place
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Playoff pursuit: Intriguingly, +1100 odds to make the playoffs, Texans trailing at +475
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Coaching prospect: Jonathan Gannon stands at +3500 odds to win Coach of the Year, tied with Titans HC Mike Vrabel, previously projected to be fired after last season
Undoubtedly, the Cardinals are poised for an uphill battle, yet certain odds appear rather extreme.
Many may have already forgotten the Cards 2021 season, just two years ago, where they began 7-0 and finished 11-6.
Consider also the 2020 campaign, during which they achieved an 8-8 record and narrowly missed the playoffs only due to a tiebreaker with the Bears.
Looking ahead, equipped with a comparable offense excluding DeAndre Hopkins, the Cardinals find themselves projected to finish last in the NFC West, by a large margin.
This is not to say that Arizona should be expected to finish near the top of the league, but, at the very least, this is a team that can finish near a .500 record.