This month, Last Word on Pro Football will be analyzing the schedules of every team in the NFL and ranking each game in order of difficulty (with one being the most difficult). This series will be split up into the eight most difficult games (ranked 1-8) and the eight easiest games (ranked 9-16) for each team. In this article, the Arizona Cardinals most difficult games are the focus.
Arizona Cardinals Most Difficult Games in 2017
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Week 17 at Seattle Seahawks
The Cardinals could likely be in playoff contention heading into the final week of the regular season. Playing at CenturyLink Field in Seattle is tough. The Seahawks will be seeking to crush Arizona and wrap up the division. The most difficult game for the Cardinals this season could potentially be a heartbreaker.
2. Week 3 vs Dallas Cowboys
This early season matchup could be a problem for Arizona. The Cowboys have had issues through the off-season, but Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott are no joke. The Cardinals will have to find a way to stop Zeke from running all over their defense and contain Prescott in this game to win.
3. Week 14 vs Tennessee Titans
Tennessee has been crashing the NFL for the past few seasons and the team has no signs of letting up. Marcus Mariota will yet again lead the way under center, and the Titans could win the AFC South. Arizona will have to contain Mariota and the Titans offense to come away with a win at home late in the season.
4. Week 4 at Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are another reborn team that is primed for a breakout run. Carson Wentz is entering his second season in the league, and he is looking to break out. Philadelphia brought in former New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount to bolster their backfield. If Arizona can’t figure out a way to stop the Eagles offense, this could be a difficult game to win.
5. Week 1 at Detroit Lions
The season opener for Arizona won’t be an easy win. The Lions are reborn and are ready to shock the world. Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is primed for a great season, and Detroit could possibly make the playoffs once again. The Cardinals defense will be the key to winning this opening matchup.
6. Week 12 vs Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have a slim bit of hope to be a quality team this season. The talent is definitely there for Jacksonville, and quarterback Blake Bortles has been improving his passing through the off-season. For the Cardinals to win this game, they will have to shut down elite corner Jalen Ramsey and safety Barry Church.
7. Week 10 vs Seattle Seahawks
The newly-formed rivalry between the Cardinals and the Seahawks has gained the attention of every fan in the NFL. Last season, the two teams played to a tie in one game and the Cards defeated Seattle on a field goal in the other, but that may not be the case this time around. The Cardinals will have to step it up a notch against the versatile offense of the Seahawks. Russell Wilson, Tyler Lockett, and newly-added running back Eddie Lacy will be a force to reckon with in 2017.
8. Week 6 vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs have star-studded talent all over their roster. Quarterback Jameis Winston is set for a breakout season, and they added tight end O.J. Howard through the NFL Draft. Arizona may have a tough time stopping this brutal offense for Tampa Bay if the Cardinals defense isn’t on top of their game.
Be sure to check out the eight easiest games on the 2017 Arizona Cardinals schedule.
