The Arizona Cardinals are expected to have an offense that should be able to do things. They have an upgraded runnig back room, a healthy offensive line and a trio of pass catchers that will be tough for any defense to face.
But how good will the defenses they face in 2026?
USA TODAY put together defensive power rankings. Let’s see where the Cardinals’ opponents rank.
Defensive rankings for Cardinals opponents in 2026
- Week 1, LA Chargers: No. 8
- Week 2, Seattle Seahawks: No. 1
- Week 3, San Francisco 49ers: No. 23
- Week 4, New York Giants: No. 28
- Week 5, Detroit Lions: No. 10
- Week 6, LA Rams: No. 4
- Week 7, Denver Broncos: No. 3
- Week 8, Dallas Cowboys: No. 20
- Week 9, Seattle Seahawks: No. 1
- Week 10, LA Rams: No. 4
- Week. 11, Kansas City Chiefs: No. 19
- Week 12, Washington Commanders: No. 29
- Week 13, Philadelphia Eagles: No. 5
- Week 14: BYE
- Week 15, New York Jets: No. 31
- Week 16, New Orleans Saints: No. 14
- Week 17, Las Vegas Raiders: No. 24
- Week 18, San Francisco 49ers: No. 23
Takeaways
The Cardinals will have eight games against defenses ranked in the top 10. They do have some seemingly easy games for their offense.
But it will be especially tough early. In their first seven games, five are against teams ranked in the top 10.
We will see how it goes. It probably won’t go well.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: NFL power rankings: Where Arizona Cardinals’ 2026 opposing defenses rank
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