If you’re refreshing your phone looking for the arizona cardinals game score today, I’ve got some bad news. There isn't one. The Cardinals aren't playing today, January 12, 2026, because their season is already over. While the heavy hitters of the NFC are gearing up for the Divisional Round of the playoffs, Arizona is back home in the desert, likely already deep into "evaluation mode" for a roster that desperately needs it.
It’s a tough pill to swallow for fans who saw that 2-0 start back in September and thought, "Hey, maybe this is the year." It wasn't.
The last time we saw this team on the field was January 4, 2026. They closed out the regular season at SoFi Stadium against the Los Angeles Rams. The final score was 37-20 in favor of the Rams. That loss wasn't just another tally in the L column; it was the final nail in a 3-14 season that eventually led to the firing of head coach Jonathan Gannon just 24 hours later.
What Happened in the Last Arizona Cardinals Game?
Looking back at that Week 18 matchup, it was kind of a microcosm of the entire 2025-2026 campaign. The Cardinals actually had a lead! After a sluggish first half where both teams traded field goals, Arizona came out of the locker room swinging. Matt Haack, the punter, pulled off a gutsy 28-yard pass to Emari Demercado on fourth down. It was beautiful. That play set up a 43-yard touchdown bomb from Jacoby Brissett to Michael Wilson.
For a second there, it felt like the Cardinals might play spoiler. They even went up 20-16 after a Josiah Deguara touchdown.
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But then, the wheels fell off.
Matthew Stafford turned into, well, Matthew Stafford. He led three straight touchdown drives, including two scoring passes to Colby Parkinson. The Rams scored 21 unanswered points to end the game. Arizona’s defense, which had been struggling all year with injuries and depth issues, simply ran out of gas. Puka Nacua also had a day, hauling in 10 catches for 76 yards and a highlight-reel one-handed touchdown that basically broke the internet for an afternoon.
Arizona Cardinals Game Score Today: A Look at the 3-14 Reality
When you search for the arizona cardinals game score today, you’re really looking for answers about a team that finished at the bottom of the NFC West. The record says 3-14, but the story is more about the "what ifs."
- The Kyler Factor: Kyler Murray’s season-ending injury early on changed everything. Jacoby Brissett did what he could, but this offense is built for a dual-threat playmaker, not a steady veteran backup.
- The Losing Streak: After beating the Dallas Cowboys 27-17 on November 3, the Cardinals didn't win another game. That's nine straight losses to end the year.
- The Coaching Change: Owner Michael Bidwill clearly saw enough. Jonathan Gannon finished his tenure with a 15-36 record. In the NFL, that's just not going to keep you employed.
Honestly, the defense was the biggest culprit. Giving up 45 points to the Rams in early December and 44 to the Seahawks in November showed a unit that couldn't stop the bleed. They finished the season with a -14.5 average spread in several late-season games, according to Vegas data. That's a massive gap for any professional team.
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Bright Spots in a Dark Season
It wasn't all misery. If you’re a Cardinals fan looking for a reason to stay invested, look at Trey McBride. The guy was a beast this year, earning First-Team All-Pro honors. He and Budda Baker (who once again made the Pro Bowl) were the heartbeat of this roster. Michael Wilson also showed he can be a legitimate WR1 or WR2, finishing the final game with 99 yards and a touchdown.
Marvin Harrison Jr. had some incredible moments too, though he missed five games due to injury. When he was on the field, you could see the superstar potential. The problem was just keeping everyone healthy at the same time. The injury list this year looked like a CVS receipt—James Conner, Trey Benson, and Walter Nolen III all missed significant time.
Why the Cardinals Aren't Playing During Wild Card Weekend
Since the arizona cardinals game score today is non-existent, you might be wondering who is playing. The NFC West is actually well-represented. The Seattle Seahawks, who won the division with a 14-3 record, are currently waiting for their Divisional Round opponent. Meanwhile, the Rams and 49ers (both 12-5) have been moving through the Wild Card gauntlet.
The Cardinals finished 0-6 in the division. You can't make the playoffs if you can't win a game against your neighbors. That's the cold, hard truth of the 2025-2026 NFL season.
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What's Next for Arizona?
The "score" for the Cardinals now is all about the front office. With Gannon gone, Monti Ossenfort is on the hunt for a new leader. There’s a lot of talk about bringing in an offensive-minded coach who can maximize Kyler Murray’s return in 2026.
The draft is the next big milestone. Arizona is locked into a top-three pick, which means they could go after a franchise-altering defensive tackle or another weapon for the passing game.
If you're looking for action today, your best bet is to check the scores for the remaining playoff teams. The Cardinals are officially in the "wait until next year" phase of the cycle. It’s a familiar place for the Bird Gang, but with a high draft pick and a healthy Murray on the horizon, the 2026 season might actually have some juice.
For now, put the remote down. There’s no arizona cardinals game score today, just the quiet of an early offseason and a lot of questions about how to fix a defense that gave up nearly 400 yards a game.
Keep an eye on the coaching search. That’s where the real "wins" will happen over the next few weeks. The team needs a reset, and it starts with who's holding the clipboard in 2026.
Next Steps for Cardinals Fans
- Track the Coaching Search: Follow local beat writers like Darren Urban for updates on who the team is interviewing to replace Jonathan Gannon.
- Review the Draft Order: Arizona holds a premium pick; look at mock drafts specifically focusing on defensive line depth or offensive tackle prospects.
- Monitor Injury Reports: Get the latest on Kyler Murray’s rehab progress, as his availability for 2026 training camp will dictate the team's entire strategy.