The Arizona Cardinals are entering a new era under head coach Mike LaFleur, with veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett set to lead the offense following the departure of Kyler Murray. The team is undergoing a significant roster transformation with the aim of rebuilding its foundation and fostering a culture of accountability.
LaFleur, formerly the offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, takes the helm after a challenging 2025 season where the Cardinals finished last in the NFC West with a 3-14 record. Arizona struggled in divisional play, going 0-6 against NFC West opponents, and lost numerous close games, highlighting execution issues late in the season. These struggles led to a complete coaching change.
In the offseason, the Cardinals made key acquisitions to support Brissett and add depth to the roster. Wide receivers Kendrick Bourne and Devin Duvernay, along with running back Tyler Allgeier, were brought in to bolster the offense. The team also signed backup quarterback Gardner Minshew. While these moves may not immediately position the Cardinals as playoff contenders, they are expected to make the team more competitive and provide LaFleur an opportunity to assess and develop the roster.
Roster Outlook
The offense features potential playmakers like rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and tight end Trey McBride, an All-Pro caliber player. However, confidence in the consistency of these players, outside of McBride, remains a question. The ground game could see an improvement with rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, although his availability for the season opener is uncertain due to a high-ankle sprain sustained in the first preseason game.
Defensively, Nick Rallis returns as coordinator to maintain scheme continuity, but the unit is considered thin on elite pass rushers. Edge rusher Josh Sweat and Andrew Billings anchor the defensive front, while a young secondary will face significant challenges against potent NFC West offenses. The team has also been impacted by injuries to its top draft picks, with several out for extended periods.
Betting Perspective
Oddsmakers have set the Cardinals' win total at under 3.5 games. While objective assessment is crucial for betting, the team's outlook suggests a potentially low win total for the upcoming season. The team's performance in one-possession games last season, where they held a 2-8 record, underscores the challenges they face in closing out tight contests.