The National Football League released the 2018 schedules for all of their 32 teams. For every team, the schedule reveal brings excitement and dread. Prime matchups and the much maligned Thursday night game are what many are already discussing. Below is the schedule for the Arizona Cardinals as they try to seek redemption for last season and impress with new head coach Steve Wilks.
All times Eastern, home games in bold.
Washington – Sept. 9; 4:05pm
It is the season opener and the first game in the Steve Wilks era for the Arizona Cardinals. Washington comes to town and must compete with what should be a raucous Red Sea. The Cardinals will be unveiling their new look offense and have a chance to show the 2017 debacle is far behind them.
@ Rams – Sept. 16; 4:05pm
First game against a divisional foe. Last year the Rams effectively sabotaged Arizona’s season after injuring Carson Palmer. The Cardinals will be tested against a formidable Rams defense.
Chicago – Sept. 23; 4:05pm
The Bears come to the desert with their new head coach Matt Nagy. It’s the first matchup of rookie head coaches of 2018 for the Cardinals.
Seattle – Sept. 30; 4:05pm
The teams split their matchups last season with road victories for both. It’s a drastically different Seattle defense but the Cardinals will need to contend with Russell Wilson.
@ 49ers – Oct. 7; 4:05pm
Jimmy G and the 49ers welcome the Cardinals into Santa Clara. Can Arizona maintain their status above their Bay Area foes?
@ Vikings – Oct. 14; 1:00pm
Shiny free agent signing, Sam Bradford, returns to Minnesota to face his former club. Kirk Cousins broke many hearts when he chose to not sign with the Cardinals. Arizona fans may be hoping the defense breaks him.
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Denver – Oct. 18; 8:20pm
Case Keenum against Sam Bradford, that should get the ratings on a Thursday night!
49ers – Oct. 28; 4:05pm
San Francisco comes to town for what is usually a hard-fought game. Can the Arizona defense suffocate Garappolo and the 49ers offense?
Bye – Nov. 4
A much-needed break before a trio of AFC West games.
@ Chiefs – Nov. 11; 1:00pm
A trip to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Patrick Mahomes led Chiefs. Imagine what could have been had the Cardinals selected Mahomes in the 2017 draft.
Oakland – Nov. 18; 4:05pm
Jon Gruden and the Raiders come to Glendale. Are the Raiders back to their 2016 form or was it all just a mirage?
@ Chargers – Nov. 25; 4:05pm
The other team from Los Angeles welcomes the Cardinals. Will the Arizona offensive line hold up against a talented pass rush?
@ Packers – Dec. 2; 1:00pm
Aaron Rodgers always does something amazing against the Cardinals. Patrick Peterson and the secondary will have their hands full staying with the Green Bay receivers.
Lions – Dec. 9; 4:05pm
Last season running back David Johnson was lost for the year in the season opener. Here’s a chance for revenge against the Matt Patricia led Lions.
@ Falcons – Dec. 16; 1:00pm
The Cardinals take a trip down to Georgia to take on the Falcons. Arizona might be jockeying for a final wild card birth. Can the Cardinals defense slow down Matt Ryan and the Atlanta offense?
Rams – Dec. 12; 4:05pm
By this point of the season the Rams should have the division already locked up. If the Cardinals play their hand right, this could be a setup for playoff seeding.
@ Seattle – Dec. 30; 4:05pm
As usual, the NFL enjoys putting these two together to finish the year. Last season ended with a missed field goal. Any chance history repeats itself?
– Ryan Adverderada is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Cardinals. Like and follow on Follow @ryanadverderada Follow @Cardinals and Facebook.