If you’re refreshing your feed trying to figure out who won the Arizona Cardinals game today, I’ve got some news that might be a bit of a bummer if you had your jersey on and the snacks ready.
The Cardinals didn't play today.
Basically, the team’s season wrapped up a couple of weeks ago. While the NFL Divisional Round is currently in full swing with teams like the Bills and Broncos battling it out, Arizona is already deep into "wait until next year" mode. It’s a quiet Sunday in Glendale, and honestly, after how the regular season ended, maybe the break is exactly what the locker room needs.
Why isn't there a Cardinals game today?
The NFL schedule is a bit of a beast, and if you aren't in the playoffs, your season ends the moment the Week 18 clock hits zero. For Arizona, that happened on January 4, 2026.
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They finished the year with a tough 37-20 loss against the Los Angeles Rams.
That game was actually a microcosm of their whole season. They kept it close for a while—even led in the third quarter after a touchdown by Josiah Deguara—but then Matthew Stafford and the Rams just hit the gas. When you finish with a 3-14 record, you don't get an invite to the January dance. It’s a tough pill to swallow for a franchise that has so much history, but the reality is they’ve been home for two weeks now.
What happened in the last Arizona Cardinals game?
Since there isn't a score from today, the most relevant game to talk about is that Week 18 finale. It’s the last memory fans have until the draft.
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- The Quarterback Situation: Jacoby Brissett was under center because Kyler Murray has been dealing with a lingering foot injury. Brissett actually played decent, throwing for 243 yards and two touchdowns.
- A Silver Lining: Michael Wilson had a massive day. He caught 5 passes for 99 yards and a score, which actually pushed him over the 1,000-yard mark for the season. That’s a huge milestone for a young receiver on a struggling team.
- Trey McBride's Record: If you're looking for a reason to be happy, look at McBride. He caught 7 passes in that final game, bringing his season total to 126. That is an NFL single-season record for a tight end.
The Rams used that game to secure the No. 5 seed in the NFC, while the Cardinals used it to lock in a very high draft pick. It's a weird contrast. One team is fighting for a Super Bowl right now, and the other is scouting college kids in January.
Who won the Arizona Cardinals game today? Looking at the draft order
Since the Cardinals aren't playing, the real "win" for fans today is watching the playoff results to see where their draft stock lands. Because they finished with 14 losses—the first time that’s happened in franchise history—they are sitting in a prime spot for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Coach Jonathan Gannon hasn't had it easy. He’s 15-36 over his first three seasons. People are starting to ask questions. Is Kyler Murray the long-term answer? Will the front office move on?
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These are the "games" being played in Arizona right now. They aren't played on turf; they're played in conference rooms.
Practical next steps for Cardinals fans
Since you can't watch a game today, here is how you can stay locked in:
- Track the Draft Order: Keep an eye on the remaining playoff games. While Arizona’s spot is mostly locked in at the top, the value of that pick changes based on which teams need quarterbacks.
- Monitor Kyler Murray’s Rehab: The biggest question mark for the 2026 season is Kyler’s health. If his foot isn't 100% by the spring, the "Jacoby Brissett or a rookie" conversation is going to get very loud.
- Watch the Tight Ends: With Trey McBride setting records, watch how other playoff teams use their tight ends today. It gives you a good idea of how the Cardinals' offense might evolve next year to maximize their best weapon.
Check back during the NFL Draft in April. That’s the next time the Cardinals will actually "win" something on a big stage.