The countdown to the 2026 NFL season is officially on, and the Arizona Cardinals are starting to piece together their schedule puzzle—even if it means learning who they won't be playing in Week 1.
The full regular-season schedule drops Thursday, but thanks to a few high-profile announcements from the league's broadcast partners, we already know four teams the Cardinals can rule out for opening weekend.
ABC and ESPN kicked things off by revealing the first Monday night matchup: a heavyweight clash between the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs. Since the Cardinals are slated to face the entire AFC West in 2026, that eliminates both Denver and Kansas City as potential Week 1 opponents. Then came the Sunday night game announcement—Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants—which takes two more names off the board.
So, as of now, Arizona won't be lining up against the Broncos, Chiefs, Cowboys, or Giants in Week 1. That leaves plenty of possibilities, and the suspense will end Thursday at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. Arizona time) when the full 17-game schedule is released.
For fans already planning their game-day gear, this is the perfect time to start thinking about those matchup-specific outfits. Whether it's a classic red jersey for a divisional battle or something fresh for a cross-conference showdown, the schedule reveal is your cue to refresh your wardrobe.
In the meantime, here's a look at the Cardinals' 2026 home and away opponents—so you can start dreaming about which games will be must-see TV.