The Arizona Cardinals aren't expected to be very good in 2026. However, after the start of the preseason, perhaps they won't be quite as bad as people have believed.
While they are projected to have the lowest win total in the NFL, in new preseason power rankings from NFL.com, they aren't at the bottom of the league.
Surprisingly, they are ranked 26th.
Once you're done sipping the Carson Beck Kool-Aid (I know, it really is refreshing), come take a seat with me and consider where the Cardinals are right now. They're entering 2026 with a veteran bridge quarterback, another respected backup behind him and a rookie who turned heads in the Hall of Fame Game. While it carries a lower ceiling, that scenario suddenly doesn't sound too bad, especially when considering the weaponry Arizona has assembled: newly minted Madden NFL 99 Club member Trey McBride, No. 3 overall pick Jeremiyah Love, former No. 4 overall pick Marvin Harrison Jr. and 1,000-yard receiver Michael Wilson. Not bad! Much of the Cards' success will depend on whether they can protect Jacoby Brissett and if they can consistently get stops defensively. But despite this No. 26 ranking, I'm shifting toward a sunnier outlook with this team.
Now, ranking 26th isn't exactly good. However, when the perception has been that they will be the worst team in the league and now they are ahead of six, it is a start.
The regular season is still four weeks away, and the Cardinals have one of the toughest schedules in the league.
And there is some optimism for the offense. The problem is that the defense doesn't look any better than last season, when it allowed 37 or more points six times in their nine-game losing streak to close the season.
They were bad, they couldn't rush the passer, they couldn't stop the run, they couldn't stop teams on third down and they didn't offer much in the way of ball resistance in the passing game.
They still have major concerns with the pass rush. The run defense looks like it could be better, but with no threat of getting the opposing quarterback, they won't stop many.
Are there many 31-27 games in the Cardinals' future? Perhaps. Will they look like a bad team record-wise? Probably, but the vibes are certainly improving.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: NFL power rankings: Arizona Cardinals not at the bottom