There were tangible reasons to justify the falling short of the playoffs in 2020. late-season injury was the main reason why Arizona was unable to parlay a 6-3 start into its first playoff berth since 2015. A defense that allowed at least 26 points six times over the season's last 10 games also contributed to the Cardinals posting a 3-6 record following their Week 8 bye. But all in all, the Cardinals' 8-8 record was a significant improvement from their 5-10-1 record in coach Kliff Kingsbury's first season in the desert in 2019.While some fans may have been inclined to give them a pa s last season, that won't be the case for the Cardinals in 2021, especially after the offseason Cardinals general manager Steve Keim had. On offense, the Cardinals added former Pro Bowlers , and along with rookie wideout . Defensively, the Cardinals signed perennial All-Pro pa s rusher as well as former Pro Bowl cornerback
Tanner Roark Jersey (and Super Bowl XLIX hero) . Arizona further added to its defense when it spent its first-round pick on , one of the top-rated linebackers in the draft.Despite their roster upgrades, William Hill Sportsbook has the Cardinals' Over/Under set at 8 games, which would put them below the .500 mark. Below, you can check out my week-by-week breakdown and predictions of every game game on Arizona's 2021 schedule, including each team's Over/Under set by William Hill. But first, let's explore several notable takeaways from Arizona's schedule as well as pinpointing the toughest part of its upcoming journey. Key schedule observationsArizona's opponents posted a cumulative .507 winning percentage in 2020, which puts it in a tie with Tenne see for the 13th toughest scheduleNine games against 2020 playoff teams Three prime-time games that include a Christmas Day showdown with the Week 12 byeNine road games, eight home gamesToughest stretchThe schedule is relatively consistent, with relatively winnable games often sandwiched between formidable opponents. Two things of note is that the Cardinals will be on the road for four of its first six games. Their toughest stretch takes place after their Week 12 bye. The slate starts with a December game in Chicago, followed by a home game against the . After another road game in Detroit, the Cardinals will play host to the Colts on Christmas Day. The Cardinals will kick off 2022 with a road game against what should be a vastly improved team before closing out the regular season against the always tough at home. Now let
Yasiel Puig Jersey 's get to the predictions: Week 1- Sunday, Sept. 12Location: Ni san Stadium (Nashville, Tenne see)Time: 1 p.m. ET2020 record: 11-5Series record: 7-4 (Cardinals lead)Opponent win total: O/U 9.5The Cardinals' run defense -- 22nd in the league in 2020 -- will be immediately tested in 2021 in the form of , the reigning two-time rushing champion. On offense, Murray should have succe s against the Titans' suspect pa s defense. It's a close call, but I'm taking the Titans in a tight-knit, high-scoring affair. Prediction: Cardinals lose 31-27 Pick Six Newsletter Crafted By The Best NFL Experts Get
Luis Castillo Jersey the day's big stories + fun stuff you love like mock drafts, picks and power rankings. I agree to receive the "Pick Six Newsletter" and marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers), and other information from CBS Sports and the Paramount family of companies. By pre sing sign up, I confirm that I have read and agree to the and acknowledge Paramount's . Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. Thanks for signing up! Keep an eye on your inbox. Sorry! There was an error proce sing your subscription. Week 2- Sunday, Sept. 19Location: State Farm Stadium (Glendale, Arizona)Time: 4:05 p.m. ET2020 record: 7-9Series record: 17-11 (Vikings lead)Opponent win total:O/U 8.5A week after facing Henry, the Cardinals' defense will again be put up to the test against , who finished second in the NFL in rushing last season. Unlike Week 1, I'm taking the Cardinals to win behind the efforts of Murray, who should be able to take advantage of a Vikings defense that finished near the bottom in most defensive categories in 2020.Prediction: Cardinals win 30-20 Week 3- Sunday, Sept. 26Location: TIAA Bank Field (Jacksonville, Florida)Time: 1 p.m. ET2020 record: 1-15Series record: 3-2 (Cardinals lead)Opponent win total:O/U 6 This one should be fun. The Jaguars, 1-15 last season, should be vastly better under Urban Meyer, who has led a revamping of Jacksonville's roster that includes the addition of rookie quarterback . This is the type of early-season game against a rookie quarterback where
Johnny Bench Jersey defensive veterans Watt, Butler, and should thrive. It might be closer than Cardinals fans would want, but the Cardinals should leave Jacksonville with their first road win.Prediction:Cardinals win 20-16Los Angeles RamsFirst meeting:Week 4 (SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California) - Sunday, Oct. 3, 4:05 p.m. ETSecond meeting:Week 14 (Glendale, Arizona) - Sunday, Dec. 13, 8:15 p.m. ET2020 record: 10-6Series Record:45-38-2 (Rams lead)Opponent win total:O/U 10.5For a second straight year, the Cardinals dropped both games to Los Angeles in 2020. Whether or not the Cardinals can win at least one of their games against the Rams in 2021 may determine whether or not the Cardinals make the playoffs. Like the Cardinals, the Rams are also expected to be better this season with the addition of former Lions quarterback . If healthy, Murray has proven himself capable of having succe s against the Rams' talented defense. These matchups will likely come down to how much succe s Watt and the rest of the Cardinals' defense can have against Goff and the Rams' offense. The Cardinals are certainly capable of forcing a series split, but until Kingsbury and Co. prove otherwise, I'm rolling with the Rams in both games. Week 4 Prediction: Cardinals lose 38-28Week 14 Prediction: Cardinals lose24-20 First meeting:Week 5 (State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona) - Sunday, Oct. 10, 4:25 p.m. ETSecond meeting:Week 9 (Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara,
Nick Castellanos Jersey California) - Sunday, Nov. 7, 4:25 p.m. ET2020 record: 6-10Series Record:32-27 (49ers lead)Opponent win total:O/U 10Arizona kicked off the 2020 season by beating the then-defending NFC champio
