The Arizona Cardinals now know their 2020 schedule, as it was released last week. The first month of the season isn’t too bad, as they will face three teams who were worse than they were in 2019 in the first four games, including two at home.
However, which are the games that look the toughest on the schedule?
Week 1 at 49ers
The Cardinals will get no easy opener. The next three weeks after the opener are against lesser opponents, but the opener is tough. They will face the NFC champs on the road with a shortened offseason. Every team in the league is dealing with the same thing in terms of on-field work in the offseason, but the 49ers were already good. The Cardinals have added many defensive players.
It is on the road in the season opener, so the environment, if there are fans attending, will be electric. It will make for a fantastic win to start the year, but the opener will be one of their toughest games of the season.
Week 11 at Seahawks
Touchdown Wire’s Mark Schofield believes this is the Cardinals’ toughest game of the year. Seattle is a tough venue to play in, but the Cardinals have had more success there than any other road team over the years.
That said, they will be coming off an East Coast road game against the Buffalo Bills and playing on Thursday night on four days rest.
That will not be an easy game.
Week 10 at Bills
The Cardinals will have an early game in November on the East Coast. They historically struggle back East. The weather could end up being a factor because of the time of year. The Bills are favored to win their division, so it will be a quality opponent on the road in the early time slot in a game where the weather could be bad.
That’s not a good mix.
Week 7 vs. Seahawks
The Cardinals will be at home against the Seahawks in their first matchup but it will also be on a short week. They will be coming off their Monday night game against the Dallas Cowboys. It will be their first home game after a three-game road trip and before their bye. The Cardinals will be tired and they just can’t beat the Seahawks at State Farm Stadium.
The last time they beat Seattle at home was Russell Wilson’s NFL debut in 2012 and John Skelton Kevin Kolb played quarterback for the Cardinals.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
Ep. 266
Ep.265
