Cardinals 2025 NFL Schedule Released for Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr.'s 2nd Year

The Arizona Cardinals finished last season with an 8-9 record, marking their first time topping four wins in two years.

It was the closest the Cardinals had been to a playoff hunt since 2021, when they lost a Wild Card matchup to the Los Angeles Rams, who later won the Super Bowl.

Now, with a fully healthy Kyler Murray at the helm, the Cardinals' future looks bright. Murray told PHNX Sports he expects to play more freely next season after admitting his knee still bothered him during games in 2024.  

"Honestly, they say, Year 2 (post-knee injury) is the best year, and honestly how I feel right now is as if it never happened," Murray said in early April. "Talking to (offensive coordinator) Drew (Petzing) and Izzy (QBs coach Israel Woolfork), feeling like going into this year I'll be able to do whatever I want to do."

Murray and second-year wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. got some help this offseason with the additions of offensive linemen Evan Brown and Kelvin Beachum.

The Cardinals also made big moves on the defensive end in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen, Oregon defensive tackle Jordan Burch and Michigan cornerback Will Johnson within the first three rounds.

Analysis

The Cardinals finished in the middle of the pack last season.

They drew a few manageable games at home in 2025, including the Jacksonville Jaguars (even with the addition of Travis Hunter), Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers.

Avoiding top teams they lost to last season—like the Buffalo Bills, Washington Commanders, Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings—is a significant win for the Cardinals.

Matching up with the NFC and AFC South, both of which underwhelmed last season, is another positive for the team.

The Cardinals' biggest challenges include the Green Bay Packers at home, two games against the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks each and road games against both the Houston Texans and Cincinnati Bengals.

Pivotal Matchups

To make a playoff push, beating the worst teams on the schedule is crucial. Dropping any of those games would mean the team needs to find a win elsewhere to make up for it.

Must-win games against teams like the Panthers, Jaguars and 49ers at home, along with the Saints on the road, will be key in that scenario.

It's also imperative to circle divisional games against the Seahawks, Rams and 49ers, as those matchups can play a pivotal role in securing a playoff spot.

In the NFC West, it will be challenging to battle Matthew Stafford and the Rams, along with Sam Darnold and the Seahawks, for a top spot, but nothing is impossible. The Cardinals went 1-1 with the Rams last season and defeated the Seahawks twice.