The NFC West could be one of the hardest divisions in the NFL as it only got more difficult with the Arizona Cardinals having one of the best offseasons. First, they pulled one of the best value trades as they acquired star wide receiver, DeAndre Hopkins from the Houston Texans for only a second-round pick while letting go running back David Johnson who was not living up to his contract. Now with Hopkins and Larry Fitzgerald helping lead the offense with sophomore quarterback Kyler Murray, the Arizona offense should exceed last year’s performance. Especially with rookies OT Josh Jones and LB Isaiah Simmons joining the Cardinals, this team could surprise the league in 2020. Let’s take a look at each game-by-game and predict the outcome for the Arizona Cardinals this upcoming season.
Week 1: @ San Francisco 49ers
The Cardinals may have had an impressive offseason, but going up against the defending NFC champions is a tall task to open up the season. Loss
Week 2 vs Washington Redskins
It’s time to showcase the new talent to the Cardinals fans as this is the perfect home opener for Arizona. Expect the Cardinals offense to finally show off why it could be deadly for years to come. Win
Week 3 vs Detroit Lions
Back in 2019, the Arizona Cardinals nearly pulled off an impressive comeback victory against the Detroit Lions as the game resulted in a tie. There will be no comeback here as the Cardinals should run away with this game. Win
Week 4: @ Carolina Panthers
A tough matchup here, but winable. Carolina will have a slight tear in their eyes as they watch the mobile Kyler Murray go up and down the field and remember the good old days of Cam Newton. Win
Week 5: @ New York Jets
A very winnable game here for the Arizona Cardinals, but they might overlook it as they have their first primetime game in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys. Sophomore slump happens to the best of quarterbacks. Loss
Week 6: @ Dallas Cowboys
The perfect moment to show the whole league why the Cardinals could be feared for years to come. Unfortunately, the Cardinals are going up against the Cowboys who are one of the best home teams in the league. Loss
Week 7 vs Seattle Seahawks
Surprisingly, the Cardinals have had the Seahawks number as of the past three years as they hold a 4-2 record. With a chimp on their shoulder and hoping to stop a three-game losing streak, expect the Cardinals to come out with a bang against the Seahawks. Win
Week 8: BYE
Week 9 vs Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins may have found their new franchise quarterback with Tua Tagovailoa, but the Cardinals already have theirs and will unless a new playbook that fits him the most. Murray states his case against Tua. Win
Week 10 vs Buffalo Bills
This Buffalo Bills team is going to be dangerous down the stretch as they should be eying a division title for the first time in years. Facing Buffalo late in the season is no fun matchup. Loss
Week 11: @ Seattle Seahawks
Short week for the Cardinals as they go from taking on the Buffalo Bills to the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night football. This will not be a fun two weeks for Arizona. Loss
Week 12: @ New England Patriots
Even though the Cardinals may have extra time to take on the New England Patriots, Can Murray step up and take down one of the best franchises in history? Not this year. Loss
Week 13 vs Los Angeles Rams
The Cardinals have been pushed around by the Rams for the past years as losing back to back games puts them in do or die mode especially with a playoff spot on the line. Arizona finally wins against their older brother. Win
Week 14: @ New York Giants
It’s time for a late playoff push as the Arizona Cardinals head onto the road looking for their first win away from Arizona. Daniel Jones vs Kyler Murray. Give me Murray all day. Win
Week 15 vs Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles and Cardinals are no stranger to each other as the Arizona Cardinals lead the series 59-56-5. Philadelphia’s lack of wide receivers will hurt in this Cardinals upset win as Arizona showcases why having a star receiving core is important. Win
Week 16 vs San Francisco 49ers
Sitting on a three-game winning record, the Cardinals could make it into the playoffs by beating both the 49ers and Rams. Unfortunately, the big brothers always get the last laugh late in the season. Loss
Week 17 @ Los Angeles Rams
The Cardinals’ playoff hopes are all but over as the Rams put the nail in the coffin in Arizona’s season. Loss
Taking an early look at the 2020 Arizona Cardinals season, I have them finishing with an 8-8 record. In 2019 they finished with a 5-10-1 record and finished last in the division. In 2020, they will still finish last in the NFC West but have a future that will be worthwhile in the NFC West. Do you agree with these early game-by-game predictions?
