The NFL schedule release is one of the most anticipated days of the offseason, and while the official 2026 slate drops tomorrow, we're already piecing together what the Arizona Cardinals' season might look like. Based on early rumors and confirmed leaks, here's what we know so far.

First, according to reliable NFL insider Ozzy NFL—who has accurately predicted schedule moves in recent years—the Cardinals will not be playing an international game in 2026. That's a notable shift for a team that has occasionally traveled overseas, and it means all 17 games will be stateside.

From the leaked international slate, we can also rule out several key matchups during those weeks. The Cardinals won't face the Cowboys in Dallas during Week 3, won't host the Eagles in Week 5, won't travel to New Orleans in Week 7, and won't play the 49ers late in November. That's valuable intel for fans hoping to plan their travel or game-day gear.

Looking at the bright side, there's a real opportunity for the Cardinals to build early momentum. Facing teams like the New York Giants, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, or even the Washington Commanders early on could give this squad a chance to stack some wins and gain confidence. If they start strong, those games become a springboard.

But if the season starts rocky, you might actually prefer to see those softer opponents later in the year—especially if the team makes a mid-season quarterback change to Carson Beck. Either way, the schedule's flow will be critical for a team with a win total set at just 4.5 by FanDuel Sportsbook.

We'll keep updating as more leaks come in, but historically, the Cardinals don't generate many early schedule reveals. The real puzzle comes together when other teams' slates are leaked, allowing us to reverse-engineer Arizona's full calendar. So, will the Cardinals' win total move up or down once the official schedule drops? Stay tuned—we're tracking every rumor.