Pro Football Focus thinks they know the NFC West, but the Arizona Cardinals have other plans! With a dynamic offense led by Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr., plus a revamped defense, this team is ready to shock the league. Are the Cardinals about to prove everyone wrong?

The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly undervalued in Pro Football Focus’s (PFF) latest 2025 NFC West predictions, positioning them as an underdog ready to disrupt expectations. Despite significant offseason buzz, PFF ranked Arizona third in the division, echoing a sentiment across the league that the team remains entrenched in a rebuilding phase. However, a closer examination reveals a franchise poised for a potential breakout, fueled by strategic roster enhancements and a renewed team identity that PFF’s analysis may have overlooked.

Central to the Cardinals’ offensive resurgence is the healthy return of dynamic quarterback Kyler Murray, whose unique playmaking ability can elevate the entire unit. Complementing Murray’s talents, the addition of star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. provides an elite target capable of transforming Arizona’s passing game. This formidable duo, coupled with a massively retooled roster, suggests a far more potent and competitive Arizona Cardinals squad than external evaluations currently acknowledge.

Beyond the high-profile offensive talents, the Cardinals have meticulously addressed roster depth and critical positions across both lines. This comprehensive rebuilding effort has brought in promising young talent and seasoned veterans, aiming to create a more resilient and balanced team structure. The significant investments made in bolstering key areas indicate a deliberate strategy to build a sustainable contender in the highly competitive NFL landscape.

Defensively, the Arizona Cardinals are undergoing a substantial transformation under the guidance of their Head Coach, who is instilling a culture rooted in effort, discipline, and physicality. This shift is further amplified by strategic acquisitions such as linebacker Josh Sweat and defensive tackle Calais Campbell. These experienced playmakers are expected to profoundly impact the team’s defensive prowess, presenting a formidable challenge that many preseason analyses, including PFF’s, may not fully appreciate.

The NFC West, while often touted for its strong contenders, is not without its vulnerabilities. The San Francisco 49ers, despite their elite talent, have recently seen the departure of pivotal players like wide receiver Deebo Samuel and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. Coupled with their recurring injury concerns, San Francisco’s path to division dominance is less certain than widely perceived, opening a window of opportunity for an ascending team like the Arizona Cardinals.

Similarly, the Los Angeles Rams, while boasting a talented offense, are increasingly reliant on aging stars such as their veteran quarterback and wide receiver Davante Adams. This dependency on declining foundational players introduces inherent risks and potential for regression, suggesting that their reign atop the division could be challenged as younger, hungrier teams like the Cardinals develop.

Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks appear to be navigating their own rebuilding phase, marked by the recent acquisition of quarterback Sam Darnold. This transitional period positions Seattle as less of an immediate threat for the NFC West title, further highlighting the competitive fluidity within the division and creating a more open field for teams with significant developmental potential, such as the Arizona Cardinals.

Ultimately, while the Arizona Cardinals may not feature prominently in many preseason rankings, their current trajectory signifies a profound evolution in talent, identity, and team culture. This deeply ingrained growth and readiness to compete should command greater respect and attention. The Cardinals are not just poised to play; they are prepared to earn their recognition by challenging the prevailing narratives and proving their critics, including PFF, emphatically wrong in the upcoming NFL season.