Cardinals Schedule Release: All the Rumors, Leaks, and What to Expect for Arizona

The NFL calendar is about to flip to its most anticipated chapter for fans: the official schedule release. For the Arizona Cardinals, this Thursday evening at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. Arizona time) marks the moment when the 2024 season finally takes shape. While the full slate will be unveiled on NFL Network, ESPN2, and streaming platforms, the Cardinals will drop their schedule via social media and local media outlets. But before the clock hits 8 p.m., a flurry of leaks and announcements have already started to paint a picture of what the season might look like for Kyler Murray and company. Here is everything we know—and what we can predict—about the Arizona Cardinals schedule.

Confirmed Week 1 Absences: What the Leaks Tell Us

The most concrete information we have so far revolves around what the Cardinals won’t be doing in Week 1. Thanks to the league’s global games and marquee prime-time matchups, several potential opponents have already been ruled out for Arizona’s opening weekend. This is a critical piece of the puzzle, as Week 1 often sets the tone for a team’s trajectory.

According to confirmed leaks and league announcements, the Cardinals will not face any of the following teams in Week 1:

• San Francisco 49ers – They are playing in Melbourne, Australia, against the Rams.
• Los Angeles Rams – Joining the 49ers in the international opener.
• Kansas City Chiefs – Slated for the first Monday Night Football game against the Broncos.
• Denver Broncos – Facing the Chiefs in that same MNF slot.
• Dallas Cowboys – Headlining the first Sunday Night Football game against the Giants.
• New York Giants – Their opponent for that Sunday night showcase.

This eliminates six teams from Week 1 consideration. For the Cardinals, this means their opening opponent is likely to come from a pool of remaining NFC West rivals (Seattle Seahawks), AFC East teams (Bills, Dolphins, Patriots, Jets), or another NFC team like the Bears, Lions, or Packers. The absence of the 49ers and Rams in Week 1 is a notable relief, as those divisional games are always grueling. However, it also means Arizona might face a tough non-division opponent right out of the gate.

Expert Analysis: Decoding the Leaks and What They Mean for Arizona

As a sports journalist who has covered NFL schedule leaks for years, I can tell you that the rumors circulating now are more than just noise. The league’s schedule makers use these early announcements to build narrative arcs. For the Arizona Cardinals, the absence of the Chiefs and Cowboys in Week 1 suggests the league is saving those marquee matchups for later in the season—likely when Kyler Murray is fully healthy and the team has had time to gel under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.

One persistent rumor is that the Cardinals will host a Thursday Night Football game early in the season. Given that Arizona is a warm-weather dome team (State Farm Stadium), they are a prime candidate for a short-week game. Another leak suggests the Cardinals could travel to New Jersey to face the New York Jets in a late-season game, which would be a fascinating matchup between Murray and Aaron Rodgers (if he returns to form).

Let’s break down the key leaks that have emerged:

• No back-to-back road games to start the season: Multiple sources indicate the Cardinals will open with at least one home game within the first two weeks. This aligns with the league’s desire to avoid a tough travel schedule for a rebuilding team.
• Potential London game: While not confirmed, there are whispers that Arizona could be a candidate for a future international game in 2025, but for 2024, the Cardinals are not on the official London slate.
• Divisional doubleheader: Expect the Cardinals to face the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers within a three-week span in November. This is a common scheduling pattern for NFC West teams to maximize divisional drama in the second half of the season.

My expert take: The Cardinals’ schedule will likely be front-loaded with winnable games against the Bears, Commanders, and maybe the Patriots, followed by a brutal stretch in November against the 49ers, Rams, and a potential AFC powerhouse like the Buffalo Bills or Miami Dolphins. The bye week should fall between Weeks 10 and 12, giving Murray a mid-season reset.

Predictions: The Most Likely Opponents and Prime-Time Slots

Based on the leaks, historical scheduling patterns, and the NFL’s love for storylines, here are my predictions for the Arizona Cardinals schedule in 2024.

Week 1 Prediction: vs. Chicago Bears
Why? The Bears are a young, ascending team with a rookie quarterback (Caleb Williams). The NFL loves to showcase new QBs against veteran defenses. The Cardinals’ defense, led by rookie cornerback Max Melton, would be a fascinating test. Plus, this avoids a long travel day for either team.

Prime-Time Games Prediction:
The Cardinals are not a prime-time darling after a 4-13 season, but they will likely get one Thursday Night Football game and possibly a Monday Night Football slot if Kyler Murray is playing at a high level. Look for a home game against the Los Angeles Rams on a Thursday night in October. The Rams are a divisional rival, and the league loves those short-week divisional battles.

Bye Week Prediction: Week 11
Most teams with a dome and no international travel get a Week 11 bye. This would give the Cardinals a mid-November rest before a final push against the 49ers and Seahawks in December.

December Slate Prediction:
Expect two cold-weather road games in December—likely at Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. These games will test Arizona’s ability to play in frigid conditions, which has been a weakness in past years.

How to Watch the Cardinals Schedule Release and What to Expect

The official release is Thursday at 8 p.m. ET. But the leaks will start flowing hours earlier. Here’s how to stay ahead:

• Follow the Cardinals’ social media: The team will post their schedule as soon as it’s official. Check X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram for graphic reveals.
• Watch NFL Network or ESPN2: The network broadcast will show the full slate, but the Cardinals’ specific games will be highlighted during the show.
• Check local media: Arizona Sports 98.7 FM and the Arizona Republic will have live updates and analysis.

What to expect: The Cardinals will likely release a hype video featuring Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr., and defensive star Budda Baker. Expect a schedule that balances tough NFC West matchups with winnable games against rebuilding teams like the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots.

Strong Conclusion: The Season Starts Now

The Cardinals schedule release is more than just a list of dates and times. It’s the blueprint for a team that is trying to rebuild its identity under head coach Jonathan Gannon. With a healthy Kyler Murray, a dynamic rookie wide receiver in Marvin Harrison Jr., and a revamped defense, this schedule will determine whether Arizona can surprise the NFL or sink into another losing season.

The leaks we’ve seen so far—no Week 1 against the 49ers or Chiefs, a likely early home game, and a potential Thursday night showdown—paint a picture of a schedule that is both challenging and opportunistic. The Cardinals have a chance to start fast, but they must survive a brutal November. As the leaks continue to trickle out before Thursday’s official reveal, one thing is clear: the countdown to kickoff has officially begun.

Stay tuned, Cardinals fans. The road to redemption starts with a schedule. And this one is loaded with potential.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.