A popular thing to do in the off-season is take a look at the schedule and try to see where wins and losses will occur for each team. Although some games may appear easier than others, anything can happen. Fortunately, the games are not played on paper and the players must perform on a weekly basis. Continuing with the Arizona Cardinals schedule analysis, here we discuss the “easier” half of their schedule.
Arizona Cardinals Easiest Games in 2016
9. Week 5 at 49ers
Just outside of the top half is the Cardinals week five game in San Francisco. A division game where one team has something to prove usually proves to be an intriguing matchup. Although the 49ers are not a good team yet, no one knows what they will become.
Several years ago, San Francisco was a powerhouse but after a couple key player losses, and one big coaching loss, the team has not been the same. The return of running back Carlos Hyde will surely help while innovative coach Chip Kelly always has something up his sleeve. Last year’s meeting in San Francisco between these two teams was a very tight game and this year’s game should be similar.
10. Week 6 vs. Jets
If Ryan Fitzpatrick was signed, this would game be higher on the list. Even though it seems inevitable that Fitzpatrick will sign, he may not and that would greatly affect the Jets and their season. Both teams will be tough defensively, likely not letting the other team establish a rushing attack. Then, when the game is forced to go to the air, the Cardinals will have a massive advantage. Geno Smith against the Cardinals secondary or Carson Palmer against the Jets secondary? No question the advantage goes to Arizona.
11. Week 13 vs. Redskins
Kirk Cousins will have 12 weeks to prove himself under his franchise tag before this battle. With a tremendous second half of last year, Cousins and the Redskins offense, mainly Jordan Reed, proved to be dangerous and dynamic. However, the loss of Alfred Morris may prove to be more costly than most people think. By this time in the season the Cardinals should be in great form and one of the best teams in the NFL, especially at home.
12. Week 12 at Falcons
Although the Falcons stormed out to a 5-0 start, they ended the season 3-8 with some ugly losses. However, each weekly matchup brings its own challenges in the NFL and stopping Atlanta’s offense is certainly a challenge.
Julio Jones, Devonta Freeman, and Matt Ryan lead the way for an explosive offense that when clicking, cannot be stopped. Luckily for the Cardinals, the same can be said for their offensive attack. The difference in this game will be the playmakers on each team’s defense. Vic Beasley is all alone in that department for Atlanta while the Cardinals are six or seven deep. Good luck to you, Matt Ryan.
13. Week 2 vs. Buccaneers
This game may end up being tougher than most people believe. Early on in the season, lesser teams have a chance to pounce on better teams. With a formidable offensive attack that includes Mike Evans, Doug Martin, Austin Seferian-Jenkins and the 2015 NFL Draft’s first overall pick Jameis Winston, the Bucs will have a chance to turn some heads in 2016.
This game will be the first of several head-turning opportunities for the Bucs. If the Cardinals want to return to the playoffs and become a Super Bowl team, they need, and should, take care of business against Tampa Bay. If Patrick Peterson can give Evans fits on the outside and if Calais Campbell and stuff the run, the Cardinals should be fine.
14. Week 14 at Dolphins
Coming in at number 14 is the game that takes place during week 14 against the Dolphins. It may be the time difference, jet lag, or the food, but West Coast teams that travel east seem to always run into trouble. That will not be the case here.
Although the signing of Arian Foster will get some Dolphins fans excited, they are in trouble this season. Ryan Tannehill is taking much longer to develop than most people expected and the loss of Lamar Miller will be evident. Jarvis Landry, Ndamukong Suh and Reshad Jones are the only three stars the Dolphins have and that is not enough playmaking ability to take on the Cardinals.
However, as mentioned, the Cardinals cannot take this team, or any team, lightly. Many of the Dolphins players will be playing for jobs and that kind of motivation has a great impact. Early mistakes for the Cardinals could be costly so there should be a big dose of David Johnson.
15. Week 10 vs. 49ers
Another division game, but this time at home. The last time the 49ers played in Arizona, the game was over at halftime. Larry Fitzgerald and Chris Johnson each had over 100 yards (receiving and rushing respectively). This year, the Cardinals offense is even better.
Even though they lost only twice at home last season, Arizona will look to improve upon that this year. For some reason, Arizona steps up their game at home and seems to find their rhythm exceptionally fast offensively. Look for them to take plenty of shots downfield to try and get inside the heads of 49ers players.
16. Week 15 vs. Saints
The New Orleans Saints offense has young wide receivers that are explosive, downfield threats. Drew Brees has always been a great competitor that wills his teams to play hard and fast, knowing how quickly momentum can change. However, this is another game on the Cardinals schedule where they matchup evenly in terms of offensive personnel.
Eventually, this game will be won on the defensive side of the ball. There, the Cardinals will have a tremendous advantage. Also, unfortunately for the Saints, they have been known to be a terrible road team. University of Phoenix Stadium is not a good place to play if you can’t get it done on the road. Expect the Cardinals to come out full force and ready to attack every piece of the Saints horrible defense.
In case you missed it, check out the toughest games for the Cardinals this coming season.
