Arizona Cardinals: Power Ranking the Importance of Each Home Game in 2012

It has been a very long and painful offseason for many Arizona Cardinals fans. We were teased with Peyton Manning and watched teams make move after move and pick after pick while it seemed like Arizona did nothing.

The preseason has not been much better for the average fan, either. The quarterback battle is sideways, the offensive line is looking like it usually does, and it is looking like they are in a lot of trouble. Not to worry, though. In just over a week, the Cardinals have an opportunity to put us out of our misery. The regular season kicks off at home against the Seattle Seahawks.

Sticking with the theme, this article is the first of a two-part series that will rank the importance of each Arizona Cardinals' home game in 2012.

8. Miami Dolphins

From both a fan and a writer’s perspective, this game has “boring” written all over it. After three games against playoff-calibre teams, Arizona will host the Miami Dolphins in Week 4.

This is an inter-conference matchup that will have very little impact in a playoff race. In such a short season, every game is important. That said, there isn’t much of a storyline here. Arizona should win this game, however, this is the week they realize that re-signing Richard Marshall should have been a top priority.

7. St. Louis Rams

Their second and final game against the Rams in 2012, Arizona will return home in Week 12 for the first time following their bye week.

The Cardinals swept the Rams last season and barring an injury or two, there is no reason for them to lose this game. This game is more important than the one against Miami simply because it is a division matchup.

6. Buffalo Bills

Ever since they picked up Mario Williams in free agency, the Buffalo Bills hype train is bigger and louder than ever. Many are picking them as their sleeper team, but in Week 6 it will be the Cardinals' turn to spoil the party.

Arizona plays St. Louis and Miami in the two previous weeks, so a win in this contest could give them at least a three-game winning streak before heading to Minnesota. A loss, on the other hand, could put them below .500 and may kill their playoff hopes.  

5. Chicago Bears

In the first of two home games against NFC North opponents, the Chicago Bears are in town for what could be an interesting Week 15 game.If the Cardinals want to take it to the next level and be a playoff team, then these are the teams they have to beat.The Bears are who we think they are and Arizona better not let them off the hook.

4. Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions made their first playoff appearance since the dinosaur era last year. In Week 16, they will travel to the desert to play a game that could have a huge impact on the NFC wildcard chase.To add on to that, there is a bit of a storyline here as the two best receivers in football will face off for the first time since 2009.

Arizona finished just two games back from the Lions last year and just two games out of a playoff spot. This game could ultimately decide whether or not they make it to the postseason.

3. Seattle Seahawks

Arizona kicks the 2012 campaign off right where they finished last year. They will be at home against a division rival in the Seattle Seahawks. While this game will not get the same media attention that others will, it is a very interesting matchup. Both teams have strong defensive units, have similar problems on offense and are on the rise.

This is the first of two games that the teams will play and it is very important for Arizona to get the early edge. If they can pick up the win, it will show San Francisco that they are the team they have to get through. A loss puts them in a rough situation as they have to travel to New England the following week.

2. Philadelphia Eagles

For the second year in a row, the Philadelphia Eagles are being picked as one of the favorites in the NFC. The Cardinals get to take on these Eagles in Week 3, and if Kevin Kolb is the starter, it will be the first time he faces his former team.

They did defeat the Eagles last season, but it was John Skelton who was at the helm while the former Philadelphia backup nursed an injury. Arizona is not supposed to win this game, but it is still very important. A win here would make a statement to the rest of the league, and it would be a huge confidence booster for Kevin Kolb.

1. San Francisco 49ers

The most important game of the year comes in Week 8 when Arizona will host the 2011 NFC West division champions.

After a strong season, San Francisco is the favorite to win the division again and some believe they will represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. You can expect a war every time these two teams play, and if the game is not hyped up enough, it is also being played on Monday Night Football. This is an overlooked matchup that could be a candidate for game of the year. A win could make Arizona the favorites in the West, but with a loss, they will continue to be the team that nobody pays attention to.