Arizona Cardinals have tough but feasible road to playoffs
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How quarterback Kyler Murray and receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. connect in their second year together will be a big factor in the Arizona Cardinals' 2025 season. Photo: Norm Hall/Getty Images
After climbing out of the basement last season, the Arizona Cardinals could compete for a playoff spot this year.
Yes, but: Getting to the postseason won't be easy.
The big picture: Whether the Cardinals can reach the postseason for the first time since 2021 may depend on a reinvigorated defense and an offense whose passing game fell short of expectations last year but has room to grow.
Reality check: The Cards' postseason odds aren't great, but some pundits view them as a potential playoff team.
- BetMGM gives them a nearly 42% chance of making the playoffs.
- The Cards' tough division won't do them any favors — all eyes are on defending NFC West champs the Los Angeles Rams, as well as the San Francisco 49ers, who are looking to rebound from a down year after three consecutive playoff appearances.
- Still, some pundits are projecting an 8-9 season for the Cards with a third- or fourth-place finish in the division.
The intrigue: Can quarterback Kyler Murray and receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. work out the kinks and be the dynamic duo that Cards fans hoped for?
- Harrison was probably the most hyped draft pick since Larry Fitzgerald when the Cards selected him No. 4 overall last year, and he had a solid rookie year but didn't quite look like the superstar some predicted he'd be.
- Murray played his first full season since an ACL tear sidelined him in 2022, but he acknowledged his knee still bothered him and affected his running ability, per Athlon Sports. The former No. 1 pick has had some strong seasons but has struggled with consistency, and some view him as a player who hasn't lived up to his potential.
What we're watching: If Harrison and Murray can find the connection that eluded them last season. If the second-year receiver has the breakout year some are predicting, the Cards could have one of the league's most potent quarterback-receiver combos.
Meanwhile, Arizona was one of the NFL's best running teams last year, with the seventh-most total rushing yards in the league.
- Running back James Conner, who's coming off two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, is back to lead the Cards' ground attack.
On the other side of the ball, Arizona scored a big-time off-season acquisition with outside linebacker Josh Sweat, who was a major force for the Philadelphia Eagles in their Super Bowl victory in February.
- And former Cardinal Calais Campbell is back after an eight-year absence. At 39 years old, the defensive lineman still has some gas in the tank and brings veteran leadership to the defense.
- Multiyear All-Pro Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson comprise one of the NFL's top duos at safety, The Athletic writes, though Arizona's cornerbacks are unproven.
- But defensive tackle Walter Nolen III, the Cards' top draft pick this year, will miss at least the first four games of the season.
Flashback: After back-to-back 4-13 seasons, the Cards showed some improvement in 2024, though a 2-5 finish kept them out of the playoffs.
What's next: The Cards open their season on the road against the New Orleans Saints at 10am Sunday.