NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
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
Real Efficiency KPIs
Offensive EPA/play
-0.018
#23 of 32
Defensive EPA/play allowed
+0.088
#27 of 32
2025 regular season, 1074 offensive / 1053 defensive plays. Source: nflverse play-by-play (github.com/nflverse/nflverse-data), real 2025 regular season. This is a prior-season baseline — this team's 2026 numbers will replace it once real Week 1 plays exist.
Key Players (2025 production)
Leading Passer
Jacoby Brissett · QB
315/485, 23 TD, 8 INT
-3.2 passing EPA
Leading Rusher
Michael Carter · RB
92 car, 333 yds, 1 TD
-6.8 rushing EPA
Leading Receiver
Trey McBride · TE
126/169, 1239 yds, 27% target share
+72.7 receiving EPA
Leading Pass Rusher
Josh Sweat · LB
12 sacks, 17 QB hits
Leading Tackler
Budda Baker · S
54 solo, 63 assist
Leading Interceptor
Denzel Burke · CB
3 INT
Source: nflverse player stats (github.com/nflverse/nflverse-data), real 2025 regular season; team attribution updated for documented 2026 offseason trades. Prior-season baseline, not 2026 in-season stats.
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.