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NFC West

Arizona Cardinals

0-0Power Rank#320

AI Summary

Arizona enters 2026 in a full reset under first-year head coach Mike LaFleur, the former Rams offensive coordinator hired after the Cardinals fired Jonathan Gannon following a 3-14 season that closed with nine straight losses. The Cardinals released longtime QB Kyler Murray in March, and Jacoby Brissett is the presumptive starter after ending a training-camp holdout with a reworked deal worth up to $21 million. No. 3 overall pick Jeremiyah Love headlines a promising rookie class but is managing a high ankle sprain, and oddsmakers and most power rankings have Arizona with the NFL's lowest projected win total entering the season.

Researched by Team Research Desk · last updated August 20, 2026

Key Storylines

  • First-year HC Mike LaFleur, hired from the Rams' offensive coordinator job, replaces Jonathan Gannon, who was fired after a 3-14 season that ended with nine straight losses
  • Cardinals released longtime QB Kyler Murray in March; Jacoby Brissett is the presumptive starter after ending a camp holdout with a reworked contract worth up to $21 million
  • No. 3 overall pick RB Jeremiyah Love is dealing with a high ankle sprain from the preseason opener, with the team hopeful he's ready for the Week 1 opener
  • Rookie QB Carson Beck and veteran Gardner Minshew II are competing for the backup quarterback job behind Brissett
  • Arizona carries the NFL's lowest projected win total (around 3.5) and sits near the bottom of most preseason power rankings

Injury Report

  • Jeremiyah Love · RB

    Out (preseason)

    Suffered a high ankle sprain in his preseason debut against the Raiders; considered unlikely to play again in the preseason, though the team is hopeful he can return for the Week 1 opener.

  • Tip Reiman · TE

    PUP

    Opened training camp on the PUP list with a foot injury; head coach Mike LaFleur has said he won't be ready for Week 1.

  • Josh Sweat · OLB

    PUP

    Opened training camp on the PUP list with a knee issue described as maintenance-related; coaches have expressed confidence he'll be ready for Week 1.