The NFL schedule for the 2026-27 season is out, and early win total projections are painting a tough picture for the Arizona Cardinals. According to several league analysts, the Cardinals are forecasted to have the lowest win total in the entire NFL—a sobering outlook for head coach Mike LaFleur's squad.

So, just how challenging could this season be for Arizona? The team is set to kick off their 17-game regular season on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, September 13, 2026. With a brutally difficult road schedule ahead, finding wins won't come easy.

Theo Mackie of the Arizona Republic offers a glimpse of hope, predicting the Cardinals' first victory could come in Week 5 against the New York Giants. "It’s hard to find many wins on the Cardinals’ brutally difficult road schedule, but this game is an exception," Mackie notes. He highlights Arizona's revamped running game, bolstered by two new interior offensive linemen and the addition of rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, as a key advantage. The Giants, meanwhile, struggled mightily against the run last season, making this a favorable matchup for Arizona's ground attack.

For Cardinals fans, this season may be a test of patience and resilience. However, with young talents like Love and quarterback Carson Beck stepping into the lineup, there are sparks of potential. As the season unfolds, every game will be a chance for this rebuilding team to defy the odds and prove the projections wrong.