Grok simulates the Arizona Cardinals’ 2026 NFL season, including game-by-game results, playoff predictions, and more
The Arizona Cardinals are in their second week of training camp which means things are about to get real. The pads are about to be popping and the preseason is about to begin, but before it does, here is a season simulation using Grok.
The Arizona Cardinals have started their 2026 season for all intents and purposes with training camp beginning in the desert. There was a lot of talk surrounding Marvin Harrison Jr. and his early struggles, as well as the quarterback situation but he has since quited the doubters with an impressive stream of clips that have surfaced.
But that’s just one player; what about the rest of the roster and the total outlook for the Cardinals? We asked Grok to help us project.
Marvin Harrison Jr. 2025 stats
- 41 receptions.
- 608 receiving yards.
- 4 touchdowns.
Arizona Cardinals 2026 Season Simulation
(New era under first-year head coach Mike LaFleur after a 3-14 finish in 2025, the release of Kyler Murray, and one of the league’s toughest schedules.)
Preseason Snapshot
- Head coach: Mike LaFleur (offensive-minded, Shanahan tree influence; play-caller).
- QB situation: Jacoby Brissett starts after a reworked deal. Gardner Minshew is the primary backup; third-round rookie Carson Beck develops behind them.
- Offense highlights: Elite TE Trey McBride, WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (Year 3, healthier), WR Michael Wilson, and a deep RB room led by first-round pick Jeremiyah Love (No. 3 overall), plus Tyler Allgeier, James Conner, and Trey Benson. Scheme emphasizes motion, run game, and play-action.
- Defense: Returning pieces include Budda Baker, Josh Sweat, and young talent (Walter Nolen, etc.). Still thin in places after a poor 2025.
- Projection context: Win totals around 3.5–4.5; toughest SOS in the league; heavy underdogs most weeks.
Regular Season Schedule & Simulated Results
(Home games in bold)
| Week | Opponent | Result | Score | Record | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | at LA Chargers | L | 17–27 | 0–1 | Brissett solid but defense gives up big plays |
| 2 | Seattle Seahawks | L | 20–31 | 0–2 | Defending champs dominate; Love shows flashes |
| 3 | at San Francisco 49ers | L | 13–24 | 0–3 | Struggle to move the ball against strong D |
| 4 | at NY Giants | W | 24–17 | 1–3 | First win; McBride 2 TDs, run game clicks |
| 5 | Detroit Lions | L | 21–34 | 1–4 | High-powered Lions offense too much |
| 6 | at LA Rams | L | 16–28 | 1–5 | Another tough NFC West road loss |
| 7 | Denver Broncos | W | 23–20 | 2–5 | Late FG; Love breaks 100 yards |
| 8 | at Dallas Cowboys | L | 19–27 | 2–6 | Competitive but turnovers hurt |
| 9 | at Seattle Seahawks | L | 14–30 | 2–7 | Seahawks pull away in second half |
| 10 | LA Rams | L | 20–26 | 2–8 | Close home game; MHJ big day (9/112) |
| 11 | at Kansas City Chiefs | L | 17–31 | 2–9 | Mahomes does his thing |
| 12 | Washington Commanders | W | 27–21 | 3–9 | Beck sees significant action; offense opens up |
| 13 | Philadelphia Eagles | L | 13–29 | 3–10 | Physical loss; defensive struggles |
| 14 | BYE | — | — | 3–10 | — |
| 15 | NY Jets | W | 24–13 | 4–10 | Strong home win; balanced attack |
| 16 | at New Orleans Saints | L | 20–23 | 4–11 | Heartbreaker on a late FG |
| 17 | Las Vegas Raiders | W | 28–17 | 5–11 | Love goes off; season-high points |
| 18 | San Francisco 49ers | L | 16–27 | 5–12 | Finish with another divisional loss |
Final Record: 5–12 (4th in NFC West)
Season Summary & Key Storylines
The Cardinals improve on their 2025 collapse but remain a bottom-tier team in a brutal division and schedule. They start 0–3, grind out a few wins against lesser opponents (Giants, Broncos, Jets, Raiders, and one more), and show progress under LaFleur’s scheme without becoming competitive in the NFC West.
Standout performers
- Jeremiyah Love (RB): Immediate impact. ~1,100 rushing yards, several big plays; the clear foundation of the offense.
- Trey McBride (TE): Continues elite production (~1,000+ yards, multiple TDs). Safety valve and red-zone threat.
- Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR): Healthier Year 3 shows growth (~900 yards). Chemistry with Brissett improves mid-season.
- Jacoby Brissett (QB): Steady but limited. Completes ~63–65%, low turnovers, but lacks the upside to push the team higher. Beck gets meaningful snaps late and looks promising for 2027.
- Budda Baker / Josh Sweat: Anchor a defense that is slightly improved but still gives up too many points against top offenses.
Biggest positives: Run game identity takes hold. Young skill players (Love, MHJ, McBride, Wilson) provide hope. LaFleur’s system shows structure and “eye candy” pre-snap looks. No complete meltdown like the 2025 late-season skid.
Biggest issues: Quarterback play remains average-to-below. Pass rush and secondary still inconsistent. Tough early schedule digs a hole that’s hard to climb out of. Still winless (or near it) in the NFC West.
Playoffs: Missed (again). Focus shifts to 2027 draft capital, further QB evaluation (Beck or free agency/trade), and continued development of the young core.
This is a realistic “step-forward but still rebuilding” season—better culture and scheme under LaFleur, exciting individual performances from Love and the skill group, but the talent gap and schedule keep the win total modest. Cardinals fans get more competitive Sundays and clearer building blocks, even if the standings stay near the bottom.
