Following a 7-0 start, the Arizona Cardinals faded down the stretch in 2021, ultimately to the eventual Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card round.
Entering 2022, head coach Kliff Kingsbury is undoubtedly on the NFL hot seat, quarterback Kyler Murray is under immense pressure with a new contract, and the Cardinals are nowhere near the NFL betting favorites to win the Super Bowl.
And any high-level success won't come easy, as Arizona is coupled with the league's second-most demanding schedule, including matchups against the daunting AFC West division. To make matters worse, they will have to withstand the first six games without star wideout DeAndre Hopkins, who was suspended for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
In what is a crucial year in the desert, here is Arizona's 2022 schedule:
Week 1 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Date:'Sunday, September 11
Time:'4:25 p.m. ET
The Cardinals open things up against Patrick Mahomes and the new-look Chiefs offense. Kingsbury coached Mahomes during the pair's time at Texas Tech (2014-2016)
Week 2 @ Las Vegas Raiders
Date:'Sunday, September 18
Time:'4:25 p.m. ET
Arizona battles former Cardinal Chandler Jones, who signed with the Raiders in the offseason. Jones will team up with Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby, posing a formidable challenge to Arizona's offensive line.
Week 3 vs. Los Angeles Rams
Date:'Sunday, September 25
Time:'4:25 p.m. ET
Kyler Murray will look to remove the sting of last season's 34-11 loss to the Rams in the NFC Wild Card round. Murray had one of the worst performances of his career in that contest, throwing for 137 yards and two interceptions.
Week 4 @ Carolina Panthers
Date:'Sunday, October 2
Time:'4:05 p.m. ET
The Cardinals have lost the past four regular-season meetings, including last year's 34-10 drubbing. Unrelated: The Panthers had the the worst NFL record against the spread last season