Cardinals Fans Embrace Draft Positioning as Season Winds Down
With the Arizona Cardinals officially out of playoff contention for the season, fans are grappling with a mix of emotions. As star players continue to exit the lineup due to injuries, a new sentiment has taken hold among the loyal fanbase: a focus on draft positioning and fantasy football outcomes as they enter Week 15.
As the team prepares to head to Houston for a matchup against the Texans at NRG Stadium, fans are left to consider whom they should support in the week’s games. Here’s a comprehensive rooting guide for Cardinals fans looking to navigate the remainder of the season.
Current Draft Positioning
Sitting at eighth in the NFL Draft order, the Cardinals find themselves in a five-way tie at 3-10. However, due to the most challenging strength of schedule among the tied teams, they currently hold the lowest draft position. This scenario makes it imperative for fans to root for their fellow 3-10 teams to secure victories.
Key Matchups to Watch
Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears
The Bears, currently at 9-4, are coming off a tough loss to the Green Bay Packers. With Caleb Williams’ draft stock soaring, Chicago will aim to rebound, but it’s unclear if rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders can rise to the occasion against a determined Browns defense.
New York Jets at Jacksonville Jaguars
This matchup features the struggling Jets, who will be starting rookie QB Brady Cook, against the formidable Jaguars, also at 9-4. The Jaguars need to avoid a second consecutive loss in a crucial stretch as they look to solidify their playoff positioning.
Washington Commanders at New York Giants
For the Cardinals, this game is a win-win. A Giants loss would push them to a dismal 2-11 record, leveling them with Arizona, while the Commanders would also join the 3-10 club. With both teams in turmoil, this game could shift the landscape further in Arizona’s favor.
Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints
Despite their 3-10 record, the Saints are capable of surprising performances, especially against division rivals at home. Meanwhile, Carolina, sitting at 7-6, is in the hunt for a playoff spot, making this matchup particularly intriguing for Cardinals fans hoping for a Saints victory.
Tennessee Titans at San Francisco 49ers
A Titans win here could be beneficial for Arizona, while a 49ers loss would help the Cardinals’ draft positioning. Although it seems unlikely, the unpredictability of the NFL means anything can happen on game day.
Las Vegas Raiders at Philadelphia Eagles
While the Raiders are mired in a 2-11 record, a win against the Eagles could provide a cushion for the Cardinals. Fans may also be curious to see if veteran quarterback Tom Brady might consider a comeback, following the footsteps of Philip Rivers.
Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals
As speculation swirls around quarterback Joe Burrow’s future, a Bengals win could aid the Cardinals in more ways than one. Additionally, rooting against NFC West rivals remains a strategic move for Cardinals supporters.
Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Rams
The Lions, now 8-5, have been a surprise team this season. Fans might find themselves rallying behind Detroit as they face the 10-3 Rams, hoping to see the Rams stumble as the playoffs approach.
Indianapolis Colts at Seattle Seahawks
In what could be termed a legacy game for Philip Rivers, this matchup features two teams eyeing playoff spots. The outcome may impact the Cardinals in unexpected ways.
As the season draws to a close, Arizona fans find themselves in a precarious dance of hope and despair. With the draft on the horizon, every game matters, and rooting for the right outcomes could shape the future of the franchise.
