If you came here looking for a kickoff time or a channel for a Cardinals game this afternoon, I’ve got some bad news. The Arizona Cardinals do not play today, January 13, 2026. While the NFL world is currently buzzing with the high-stakes drama of the Wild Card round, the Red Sea is sitting this one out. It’s a bit of a gut punch for a fan base that started the season with high hopes. Honestly, seeing the Rams and the 49ers still fighting while State Farm Stadium sits empty is a tough pill to swallow.
The 2025 season wrapped up for Arizona on January 4th with a 37-20 loss to those very same Rams. That defeat wasn't just another tally in the loss column; it was the final nail in a 3-14 campaign that set a franchise record for the most losses in a single season.
The Cardinals 2026 off-season has already begun
Because they aren't on the field today, the "game" for the front office has already moved to the draft rooms and coaching carousels. The biggest news since the season ended? Jonathan Gannon is out. The team fired Gannon on January 5th, just one day after the season finale. When you finish with a .294 winning percentage over three years, the seat doesn't just get warm—it disappears. Now, Monti Ossenfort is tasked with finding a leader who can navigate what has become a total roster overhaul.
The schedule for today's NFL action features the final matchups of the Wild Card weekend, but Arizona's name is nowhere on the bracket. Instead of a game plan for a playoff opponent, the team is staring at a 2026 opponent list that was finalized just last week.
Who will the Cardinals play next season?
Since there is no game today, we have to look ahead. The 2026 schedule won't have dates or times until May, but we already know exactly who is coming to Glendale and where the Cardinals are traveling.
💡 You might also like: Jake Ehlinger Sign: The Real Story Behind the College GameDay Controversy
Home Opponents at State Farm Stadium:
- Los Angeles Rams
- San Francisco 49ers
- Seattle Seahawks
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Washington Commanders
- Denver Broncos
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New York Jets
- Detroit Lions
Away Games for 2026:
- Dallas Cowboys
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Los Angeles Chargers
- New York Giants
- New Orleans Saints
- And of course, the standard divisional trips to LA, San Francisco, and Seattle.
It’s a brutal slate. Going to Arrowhead to face Mahomes and then hitting Dallas is a nightmare for a team that struggled to find its identity this year.
Why who do the Arizona Cardinals play today is a quiet question
The silence today is deafening because of how the 2025 season unfolded. They actually started 2-0. Can you believe that? Wins over the Saints and Panthers had people thinking this was the breakout year. Then the wheels didn't just fall off—they disintegrated.
📖 Related: What Really Happened With Nick Chubb: The Injury, The Recovery, and The Houston Twist
Injuries played a massive role, and it's only fair to mention that. Kyler Murray was lost for the season. James Conner was out by Week 3. Marvin Harrison Jr. missed five games. Even the rookie sensation Walter Nolen III only managed to suit up for six games before his season ended. By the time December rolled around, the Cardinals were essentially fielding a preseason roster against playoff-bound titans.
Jacoby Brissett did what he could as the bridge QB, but you can't win in this league when you're starting your fourth-string cornerbacks.
What to watch instead of the Cardinals today
Since our local team is home on the couch, the focus for Arizona fans should be on the NFC West rivals who are playing. The San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams are both deep in the mix.
Keeping an eye on the Divisional Round schedule (which starts January 17th) is also smart, as it will dictate the draft order for everyone else. Currently, the Cardinals are looking at a very high pick—likely top 5—which means names like Travis Hunter or the top QB prospects will be the main topic of conversation in the desert for the next four months.
👉 See also: Men's Sophie Cunningham Jersey: Why This Specific Kit is Selling Out Everywhere
If you’re looking for a silver lining, it’s that the roster isn't totally bare. Trey McBride is officially an elite, All-Pro tight end. Budda Baker is still a Pro Bowl safety and the heartbeat of the defense. The foundation has some solid stones; they just need a massive amount of mortar to hold it all together.
Actionable steps for Cardinals fans
Since there’s no game to watch today, here is how you can stay plugged in during the off-season:
- Track the Coaching Search: The Cardinals are currently interviewing candidates. Watch for names like Ben Johnson or high-tier defensive coordinators who can fix a unit that allowed nearly 29 points per game.
- Monitor the Injury Reports: Keep an eye on the recovery timelines for Kyler Murray and Paris Johnson Jr. Their health by May OTA's will define the 2026 season.
- Study the 2026 Draft Class: With a top-tier pick, the Cardinals have a chance to grab a generational talent. Start looking at the mock drafts specifically for the first and second rounds where Arizona holds significant capital.
- Check the 2026 Opponents: Even though dates aren't set, start planning for those home games against the Eagles or Lions, which are bound to be sell-outs.
The 2025 season was a slog. A 14-loss season is exhausting for everyone involved. But while the Cardinals don't play today, the moves made in the next three weeks will determine if we're asking this same question next January—or if we'll actually be checking the kickoff time for a playoff game.