BEST CASE SCENARIO: Arizona Cardinals Open 2026 With MOST DIFFICULT Opponent on Schedule

Alex Clancy breaks down the Arizona Cardinals’ ideal and worst-case scenarios as the NFL schedule release approaches. The episode opens with a discussion about the best opponents to face early in the season, advocating for testing the Cardinals against tough teams like Seattle, the Rams, or even the Eagles in Week 1 to gauge where the team stands right away. Alex Clancy weighs the desire to challenge the new-look Cardinals offense led by Jacoby Brissett and rookie Jeremiyah Love against the advantages of starting with beatable teams to build momentum. The show moves into “avoidance” strategies: why the Cardinals should hope to steer clear of early bye weeks, late-season "murderers row" matchups, games in snow climates (with special mention of away dates at Kansas City and the Giants), and international travel that could disrupt season rhythm. Alex Clancy articulates why controlling external factors is crucial for a team in transition. In the final segment, Alex Clancy zeroes in on bye week timing, advocating for Weeks 6 or 10 as optimal resting points. He stresses how crucial this cadence could be for a team with a first-time offensive coordinator, young skill players, a questionable defense, and significant injury history. Throughout, the theme is clear: for the 2024 Cardinals, how and when they’re tested matters as much as the opponents themselves, with early adversity potentially shaping the team’s direction. This episode provides fans with a thoughtful, strategic lens for viewing the Cardinals' imminent schedule—and the ripple effect each date and matchup could have on a pivotal season. Let's discuss.   Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Square If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Rocket MoneyLet Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join athttp://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON   Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)     Find and follow Locked On Cardinals on your favorite podcast platforms:     Apple https://apple.co/3gzT6Pg Spotify https://spoti.fi/3wsOL7a Audacy https://bit.ly/3xdaqjU Stitcher https://bit.ly/3cFWffn Google https://buff.ly/2yH7WOl Megaphone https://bit.ly/2RUBlC5x Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.