Predicting the Arizona Cardinals’ 2024 record

The regular season begins Sunday for the Arizona Cardinals. But before the ball goes live in their season opener against the Buffalo Bills, it’s time for one final record prediction for the year ahead.

Just because head coach Jonathan Gannon doesn’t like to look too far ahead, doesn’t mean we can’t!

Arizona Cardinals’ 2024 record prediction

Week 1: at Buffalo Bills

The Cardinals are taking on arguably their toughest challenge at quarterback this regular season right out of the gates in Josh Allen.

He’s a problem through the air and on the ground with or without star wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who now resides in Houston.

Buffalo’s defense, however, has some questions to answer in the secondary following the departures of Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde.

I smell a high-scoring upset (not just chicken wings) in Buffalo.

Result: Win

Week 2: vs. Los Angeles Rams

Quarterback Kyler Murray and the Cardinals don’t have to worry about Gannon-certified “war daddy” Aaron Donald. Ernest Jones IV and his 145 tackles aren’t around, either. That’s the good news.

The bad news is that wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are back for another round of catching footballs from quarterback Matthew Stafford.

This one could be a shootout.

Result: Loss

Week 3: vs. Detroit Lions

The Lions are where the Cardinals want to get to in the next year or two.

After climbing out of the NFL gutter, Detroit is in the Super-Bowl conversation under head coach Dan Campbell. And wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is no joke.

This is going to be a good litmus test to see just where the Cardinals rank.

Result: Loss

Week 4: Washington Commanders

Kliff Kingsbury’s and Jayden Daniels’ return to Arizona! The former Cardinals head coach and Arizona State quarterback have since teamed up in D.C.

You know the Cardinals (and their fans) are going to be extra amped for this one, especially those who played under Kingsbury during his Arizona tenure. It’s going to show on the scoreboard.

Result: Win

Week 5: @ San Francisco 49ers

There’s no more drama in the Bay Area after Brandon Aiyuk, Trent Williams and the 49ers worked everything out contract-wise.

The Super Bowl contenders would have been a tough out regardless of their statuses.

Result: Loss

Week 6: @ Green Bay Packers

Coming off a tough battle in San Francisco, the Cardinals have another strong NFC foe in the Green Bay Packers.

They’ve experienced some change, with starting running back Aaron Jones now lining up for the Minnesota Vikings, but still bring enough talent to get the job done at home.

Result: Loss

Week 7: vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Head coach Jim Harbaugh is back in the NFL, but can he turn things around in Year 1?

Justin Herbert is dangerous, but the Cardinals take this one.

Result: Win

Week 8: @ Miami Dolphins

Miami presents a high-powered offense that is going to be tough for any defense to contend with, let alone Arizona.

Tyreek Hill could be in store for a big day.

Result: Loss

Week 9: vs. Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams could be a force to be reckoned with down the line.

He’s also a rookie quarterback bound to make mistakes. I think defensive coordinator Nick Rallis is going to get creative in this one.

Result: Win

Week 10: vs. New York Jets

This one comes down to quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

If he’s healthy and doing some of the things he’s known for on the field, Arizona’s young cornerbacks room could have some trouble against the old vet and a supporting cast that includes running back Breece Hall and wide receiver Garrett Wilson.

The defense that features cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams is another beast.

Result: Loss

Week 11: Bye

Week 12: @ Seattle Seahawks

New head coach, same Seattle. The elements could play a factor in this one. But even then, Arizona should still have the upper hand.

Result: Win

Week 13: @ Minnesota Vikings

No matter who was the quarterback, be it rookie JJ McCarthy or Sam Darnold, this one remains circled as a Cardinals W.

This is going to be a rough year for Minnesota.

Result: Win

Week 14: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Well, that was fast.

Unlike in Seattle, quarterback Geno Smith and Co. figure things out for the series split.

Result: Loss

Week 15: vs. New England Patriots

Another rookie quarterback (probably)? Even with the questions surrounding Arizona’s defense, it should have a good day against a franchise fresh into its rebuild post-Bill Belichick.

Result: Win

Week 16: @ Carolina Panthers

The Panthers have done themselves zero favors over the last couple years and it shows on their roster.

This is one the Cardinals can’t lose.

Result: Win

Week 17: @ Los Angeles Rams

After getting some time to work through the wrinkles of a post-Donald world, head coach and mastermind Sean McVay should have some answers.

Another tough divisional matchup for Arizona.

Result: Loss

Week 18: vs. San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers could very well be resting players ahead of the playoffs at this point in the season.

Still, they have enough coaching and depth to get the job done.

Result: Loss

Final record: 8-9

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