The Cardinals Have The NFL's 'Hardest' Schedule in 2026
The NFL is expected to release its complete 2026 schedule later this month, though we already know who everyone will be playing.
NFL VP of broadcast planning Mike North appeared on the It's Always Game Day in Buffalo this week. He revealed that the full schedule release could be delayed by about a week or so.
"Most fans know full well that the schedule comes out in mid-May now," North said. "That's what we've done the last five or six years. That's sort of our target. Is there any magic to May 12, 13, 14? No. Is there any real downside to May 19, 20, or 21? No. I don't think it's coming out in June, but that second week in May has been our target the last few years, but I don't know that it's impossible to think about that third week in May."
Who will have the league's toughest schedules in 2026?
The Arizona Cardinals, who are coming off a 3-14 season in 2025, actually have the league's hardest schedule in 2026.
According to Walter Football, these five NFL teams have the hardest schedules in 2026:
- Cardinals
- Dolphins
- Panthers
- Cowboys
- Rams
The Cardinals' full opponents for 2026
Arizona will play 17 games in 2026.
Cardinals' home opponents
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Washington Commanders
- Denver Broncos
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Detroit Lions
- New York Jets
- Los Angeles Rams
- San Francisco 49ers
- Seattle Seahawks
Cardinals' away opponents
- Dallas Cowboys
- New York Giants
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Los Angeles Chargers
- New Orleans Saints
- Los Angeles Rams
- San Francisco 49ers
- Seattle Seahawks
Best of luck in 2026, Arizona.
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This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 4:54 PM.