GLENDALE – With the NFL season right around the corner, the Week 1 predictions are being rolled out, and every single NFL insider during their YouTube preview has the Arizona Cardinals being defeated by the Los Angeles Chargers. The Cardinals have a lot of new weapons and an entire new scheme, yet there seems to be little confidence that it will actually be productive. That’s what makes the unanimous Week 1 predictions against them sting a little more.
Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) reacts in the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Great way to start the season… pic.twitter.com/S37Np6yyKu
— K1SinceDay1 (@KSzn2021) September 2, 2026
No one gave the Cardinals the benefit of the doubt. For a team trying to change its perception, that kind of consensus can become more than bulletin-board material; it can become fuel.
Jan 4, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) carries the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The concerns aren’t difficult to understand. Los Angeles has a dangerous weapon in Ladd McConkey, and Arizona could have trouble containing him if the defense can’t consistently win individual matchups. On the other side, the Cardinals don’t even know whether Jeremiyah Love will be available, and if he is, questions remain about how effective he can be while dealing with an ankle injury.
Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) greets running back Emari Demercado (31) and quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
That’s also why Week 1 is so important. Arizona needs to prove it belongs in the conversation as a competitive football team. The Cardinals have invested in that belief. Michael Wilson and Hjalte Froholdt just received contract extensions, alongside Jacoby Brissett, who is now being counted on to provide stability at quarterback. Arizona feels like they are going to have a productive and competitive season, even if ESPN’s NFL insiders don’t see it that way. Cardinals fans certainly aren’t buying the idea that Arizona has no chance. An upset wouldn’t just put a 1-0 next to Arizona’s name; it would force everyone who dismissed the Cardinals to reconsider them.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklenÂ
