Arizona Cardinals Face Big Questions Ahead of Season And Sportsbooks Are Taking Notice

Arizona Cardinals Face Big Questions Ahead of Season And Sportsbooks Are Taking Notice
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The Arizona Cardinals are heading into 2026 with more question marks than answers, and the Arizona sports betting market is reflecting exactly that. Kyler Murray is gone, off to Minnesota, and the franchise is starting fresh with a new head coach and an unsettled quarterback situation that has bettors and fans watching every training camp rep closely.

Who Starts at QB And What Are the Odds?

Arizona betting apps are already posting odds on who will take the first snap in Week 1, and right now it's Jacoby Brissett's job to lose. FanDuel has him as the heavy favorite at -350, with Gardner Minshew checking in at +420 and rookie Carson Beck, the team's most intriguing wild card,  at +700. 

Brissett entered the offseason as the expected starter and took the bulk of first-team reps, but with Minshew pushing and Beck needing development reps, nothing is guaranteed beyond camp.

The Supporting Cast Gives Cardinals Fans Reason for Hope

Regardless of who lines up under center, the Cardinals have some real weapons around him. WR Marvin Harrison Jr. has plenty to prove in year two, Trey McBride is coming off a massive 2025 season at tight end, and RB James Connor and rookie Jeremiah Love figure to take over as the lead backs ahead of Tyler Allgeier. All while left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. anchors the line.

On defense, Josh Sweat brings a legitimate pass rush threat off the edge with Zaven Collins adding length and versatility alongside him. Budda Baker heads into year 10 as a Pro Bowl safety and remains the heart and soul of the unit, while Walter Nolen III is a key difference-maker up front when healthy. Mack Wilson Sr. runs the show at inside linebacker, with Will Johnson and Garrett Williams headlining a young secondary.

Arizona Cardinals Playoff Odds Paint a Tough Picture

The Cardinals carry the worst odds to win the Super Bowl, the NFC, and their own division heading into 2026. Arizona Cardinals playoff odds reflect a team in full rebuild mode, a new coach, an unproven QB, and a roster still finding its identity. 

That said, stranger things have happened, and with talent at skill positions and a defense with some legitimate pieces, there's a storyline worth following and betting on all season long.

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Author

Calli Varner

Calli is lifelong resident of Arizona and has been an avid sports fan since she can remember. After earning her Bachelor’s degrees from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University, she combined her passion for journalism and sports. Calli has covered the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAAF, college sports, and sports betting for several media outlets.

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