Come on down for one more spherical of Arizona Cardinals predictions!
It’s time to show our consideration to the Cardinals’ 2022 slate of video games. And it’s actually no picnic.
The Cardinals’ energy of schedule ranks because the second hardest within the league with a 2021 opponent successful proportion of 54.3%. Solely the Los Angeles Rams have it more durable (56.7%).
Arizona’s gauntlet of a schedule, plus questions surrounding quite a few place teams and head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s monitor report of his groups falling off within the second half of seasons, are all components that might play enormously into the win-loss column.
However whereas FanDuel Sportsbook has Arizona’s win complete this season at 8.5 video games, I consider this crew has greater than sufficient expertise, particularly on offense, to surpass that mark and end 10-7.
Beneath Kingsbury, the Cardinals have seen their report enhance 12 months over 12 months, highlighted by a postseason berth in 2021. This could be Kingsbury’s hardest take a look at as a head coach, but it surely’s not out of the realm of chance he can’t maintain that streak alive, particularly given all of the modifications a crew goes by way of over the course of a season.
So with out additional ado, a take a look at how I consider Arizona’s season will shake out:
Arizona Cardinals’ 2022 report prediction
Week 1 vs. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs — Loss (0-1)
My unique prediction was that the Cardinals had been going to show numerous doubters mistaken with one other massive season-opening win, this time towards the Chiefs.
However following beginning cornerback Antonio Hamilton’s cooking accident that resulted within the CB being positioned on the non-football harm record, the Chiefs simply have an excessive amount of firepower to cope with.
I believe Arizona has extra of a shot than most suppose however the secondary must play a near-perfect sport towards Patrick Mahomes and Co.
Week 2 @ Las Vegas Raiders — Loss (0-2)
From one AFC West juggernaut to the subsequent.
Offensively, the Raiders went out and swung a large commerce for huge receiver Davante Adams, former faculty working mate of Raiders QB Derek Carr.
Then you’ve gotten Cardinals all-time sack chief Chandler Jones, who faces off towards his former crew for the primary time since signing with the Raiders as a free agent. He now types a formidable pass-rushing duo alongside Maxx Crosby.
That is the place DeAndre Hopkins’ absence will actually be felt.
Week 3 vs. Los Angeles Rams — Loss (0-3)
No, the sky’s not falling, although after three consecutive losses, many will assume as a lot.
Coming off a Tremendous Bowl run that included a lopsided Wild Card victory over Arizona, Los Angeles is poised to return out of the gate sizzling.
Aaron Donald is again and offseason addition Bobby Wagner solely helps an already stout Rams protection.
Matthew Stafford additionally has one other weapon at his disposal in huge receiver Allen Robinson to pair with 2021 Offensive Participant of the Yr and No. 1 possibility Cooper Kupp.
Week 4 @ Carolina Panthers — Win (1-3)
Since 2016, Arizona sports activities an 0-6 report towards Carolina. The final time the Cardinals beat the Panthers was again in 2013.
For no matter motive, Carolina has had Arizona’s quantity in current reminiscence.
That every one involves an finish in Week 4.
Carolina sees an improve at quarterback in offseason acquisition Baker Mayfield, however there are simply too many query marks surrounding the Panthers.
Working again Christian McCaffrey hasn’t made it greater than three video games into the final two seasons with out coping with an harm, seeing a complete of 10 contests.
Week 5 vs. Philadelphia Eagles — Win (2-3)
The monkey-off-the-back win in Carolina pours right into a victory at dwelling over Philadelphia.
This one I see turning right into a duel between quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Kyler Murray, each on the bottom and thru the air.
Week 6 @ Seattle Seahawks — Win (3-3)
The Cardinals shouldn’t have any downside dealing with a Russell Wilson-less Seahawks squad.
Week 7 vs. New Orleans Saints — Win (4-3)
Hopkins is again in black and it’s positive to be a present on Thursday Night time Soccer.
Week 8 @ Minnesota Vikings — Win (5-3)
A missed area purpose determined final 12 months’s end result in favor of the Cardinals.
The Vikings have weapons on offense, highlighted by huge receiver Justin Jefferson and working again Dalvin Cook dinner, however quarterback Kirk Cousins lacks consistency.
Arizona ought to draw back on this one early.
Week 9 vs. Seattle Seahawks — Win (6-3)
The Seahawks might roll out a distinct beginning quarterback by now. And even then, it wouldn’t matter. Arizona ought to dominate.
Week 10 @ Los Angeles Rams — Win (7-3)
What’s this? The Cardinals go into L.A. and knock off the Rams?
One or two performs goes to find out a defining win for Kingsbury and Co.
Week 11 vs. San Francisco 49ers — Win (8-3)
Perhaps it’s Trey Lance. Perhaps it’s Jimmy Garoppolo.
The protection is elite and San Francisco’s offense is suffering from playmakers, however there’s an excessive amount of uncertainty at QB to belief that the 49ers are going to be that very same NFC Championship-caliber crew.
Week 12 vs. Los Angeles Chargers — Loss (8-4)
The win streak lastly involves an finish towards a really proficient Chargers squad.
The trio of Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen and Justin Herbert is a prime NFL risk offensively.
Week 13 — Bye
Week 14 vs. New England Patriots — Win (9-4)
After every week of recharging, the Cardinals bounce again into the win column towards Invoice Belichick and the Patriots.
I see a powerful defensive effort approaching Arizona’s finish on this one.
Week 15 @ Denver Broncos — Loss (9-5)
Simply because he left the NFC West doesn’t imply the Cardinals don’t should face Wilson this season.
And very similar to he did throughout his time in Seattle, the lately prolonged sign caller proves to be the thorn in Arizona’s aspect as soon as once more.
Week 16 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Loss (9-6)
There are numerous questions surrounding quarterback Tom Brady.
If he’s suited up, he’s going to present Arizona’s secondary an actual take a look at.
But when for some motive he isn’t beneath middle on Christmas, this might very properly be a Cardinals win.
Week 17 @ Atlanta Falcons — Win (10-6)
Marcus Mariota isn’t Matt Ryan, and with no Calvin Ridley, Atlanta’s offense isn’t scaring anybody.
Week 18 @ San Francisco 49ers — Loss (10-7)
The Cardinals have misplaced each one among their season finales beneath Kingsbury. That pattern continues in 2022.
