It’s a critical year in the desert for Jonathan Gannon and Monti Ossenfort.
The Arizona Cardinals’ fanbase has been patient thus far, understanding the regime’s methodical roster-building approach after it was left in tatters following the 2022 season.
But Year 3 of any regime is also about results, and a playoff berth is the expectation. Will it happen?
Here is my game-by-game prediction for the 2025 season.
Week 1: Cardinals at Saints
Analysis: It’s hard to win an NFL game on the road – unless you’re facing arguably the worst team in the NFL. Spencer Rattler is an Arizona kid so I’ll try to avoid too much disparagement, but let’s just say he’s not Drew Brees. Or Derek Carr, for that matter.
We think the Cardinals finally have a pass-rush again, and Rattler was top-10 in sack percentage last season at 8.8. It should be a feast.
Prediction: Cardinals 24, Saints 16
Record: 1-0
Week 2: Cardinals vs. Panthers
Analysis: The Panthers ended the Cardinals’ playoff hopes last season, and Bryce Young played pretty well. However, this one is the home opener for Arizona, and Kyler Murray is still easily the better quarterback.
Carolina had a small uptick in competitiveness down the stretch last season but this is still one of the bottom-feeders in the league, and is expected to have one of the worst defenses in the NFL.
Prediction: Cardinals 27, Panthers 20
Record: 2-0
Week 3: Cardinals at 49ers
Analysis: Are the 49ers as deep as they were a few years ago? No. Are they getting old at key spots? Yes. But this is early in the year, so health should still be on their side, and playing in San Francisco will be tough.
Kyler Murray has always given the 49ers some fits but San Francisco will be good enough to eke out this victory.
Prediction: 49ers 24, Cardinals 20
Record: 2-1
Week 4: Cardinals vs. Seahawks
Analysis: Crucial game here, as the Cardinals face a divisional foe in a short week. The Seahawks have a lot of nice pieces, but DK Metcalf is gone and the team made the curious decision to swap Geno Smith for Sam Darnold.
Darnold had an outlier season in 2024 but I don’t trust him. I think this will be a statement win for Arizona.
Prediction: Cardinals 24, Seahawks 16
Record: 3-1
Week 5: Cardinals vs. Titans
Analysis: Cam Ward might be good in the NFL, but it’s going to take some time. A road game against a solid defense isn’t a good setup, and the Cardinals offense should fare well against an undermanned Tennessee defense.
Uh oh, the hype train is coming after this win.
Prediction: Cardinals 31, Titans 20
Record: 4-1
Week 6: Cardinals at Colts
Analysis: This is one of the most important games on the schedule. Kyler Murray is a better quarterback than Daniel Jones, and the personnel in Arizona is also superior.
But it’s a road game against a team with a strong running game and a good enough defense. I think this one will be ugly and close. And the coin flip goes… against the Cardinals.
Prediction: Colts 20, Cardinals 17
Record: 4-2
Week 7: Cardinals vs. Packers
Analysis: This is a game that could have huge playoff implications, as Green Bay is the better team but faces a much tougher schedule. If Arizona gets the head-to-head tiebreaker, that would serve it well in the wild card race.
The Cardinals are at home, but I can’t shake how badly Arizona was outcoached in Green Bay a year ago. Matt LaFleur will be ready to pull out more tricks, while Micah Parsons wreaks havoc on defense.
Prediction: Packers 28, Cardinals 20
Record: 4-3
Week 9: Cardinals at Cowboys
Analysis: The loss of Parsons is a big one, but Dallas is at home and still has a solid offense. This is going to be a big test for the Cardinals’ young secondary, as the Dak Prescott/CeeDee Lamb/George Pickens trio is a handful.
Luckily, Kyler Murray owns Dallas.
Prediction: Cardinals 28, Cowboys 27
Record: 5-3
Week 10: Cardinals at Seahawks
Analysis: The Seahawks swept Arizona last season, which was a huge reason why the Cardinals didn’t make the playoffs. I think the inverse happens this year. I’m not buying the Seattle hype, as the Cardinals sneak out another close one.
Prediction: Cardinals 19, Seahawks 16
Record: 6-3
Week 11: Cardinals vs. 49ers
Analysis: San Francisco’s veterans might be breaking down by this point. It’s not hard to envision Trent Williams, Christian McCaffrey or George Kittle sidelined for this one and Brandon Aiyuk will still be rounding into form.
Big opportunity for Arizona, and it’s seized.
Prediction: Cardinals 23, 49ers 20.
Record: 7-3
Week 12: Cardinals vs. Jaguars
Analysis: Golden opportunity here to pick up an eighth win and really start turning heads in the NFC, but Jacksonville spoils it.
This is one of my bigger upset picks, as Travis Hunter will be finding a groove at this point, giving Trevor Lawrence a pair of great receiving options alongside Brian Thomas Jr.
Prediction: Jaguars 30, Cardinals 24
Record: 7-4
Week 13: Cardinals at Buccaneers
Analysis: Tampa Bay is dealing with some injury issues right now, but could have their complement of stars later in the year. The Bucs have more star power and a better roster, plus the home field advantage.
While most people might prefer Baker Mayfield at this point, I still think Kyler Murray is the superior quarterback. He keeps things close, but the Bucs win a close one.
Prediction: Buccaneers 28, Cardinals 26
Record: 7-5
Week 14: Cardinals vs. Rams
Analysis: The Cardinals smoked Los Angeles at home last season, and were a Trey McBride helmet doink away from the season sweep. Sean McVay is the better coach but these rosters are close in talent level.
It’s also hard to know if Matthew Stafford will still be upright for this game.
Prediction: Cardinals 23, Rams 21
Record: 8-5
Week 15: Cardinals at Texans
Analysis: The Texans’ defense is really good, and the offense should be in for a bounceback year. The Cardinals will need to play crisp to pull off this road upset, and instead I foresee a clunker.
Prediction: Texans 30, Cardinals 17
Record: 8-6
Week 16: Cardinals vs. Falcons
Analysis: Michael Penix looked good as a rookie, and he has some weapons around him, but the Atlanta defense might be cheeks.
The Cardinals’ offense leads the way to an easy win.
Prediction: Cardinals 33, Falcons 23
Record: 9-6
Week 17: Cardinals at Bengals
Prediction: Another great passing attack on the docket. The hope is that Will Johnson and Max Melton grow into solid cornerbacks by this point, but we are still talking about Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins here.
Tough matchup and a critical loss.
Prediction: Bengals 31, Cardinals 24
Record: 9-7
Week 18: Cardinals at Rams
Analysis: It’s very possible the postseason is on the line when the Cardinals head to Los Angeles for a showdown with the Rams. The injury risk for Los Angeles is real, but Matthew Stafford isn’t exactly being asked to run speed options at quarterback.
Stafford plays in this one, and plays well. The Cardinals ultimately show some improvement in 2025, but a loss in the season finale to the Rams leaves them a game short of the playoffs.
Prediction: Rams 31, Cardinals 28
Record: 9-8
