The dust has settled on the 2026 NFL draft, but for the Arizona Cardinals, the outlook remains bleak. Despite adding talent in the draft, the Cardinals are still the NFL's longest long shots to make the playoffs, with betting odds sitting at +2000—the longest in the league.

This perception hasn't shifted since before the draft, even after the Cardinals used their third overall pick on running back Jeremiyah Love. The addition of a dynamic playmaker at running back is exciting, but it hasn't moved the needle for oddsmakers or analysts. The core issue? Quarterback uncertainty.

The Cardinals' quarterback room is a question mark, with Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew likely battling for the starting job. Rookie third-round pick Carson Beck could also push his way into the mix. While each has experience, none inspire confidence as a playoff-caliber leader. It's hard to see any of them steering this team to the postseason.

Compounding the problem is the NFC West—arguably one of the toughest divisions in football. The Seahawks, Rams, and 49ers are all expected to be NFC championship contenders, leaving little room for a rebuilding Cardinals team to sneak in.

First-year head coach Mike LaFleur has inherited a squad in transition, and expectations are low for 2026. The Cardinals might be building for 2027 and beyond, but for now, they're the team no one expects to see in the playoffs. For fans, it's a season to watch for growth and development—and maybe to stock up on some fresh Cardinals gear for the long road ahead.