The Cardinals Have The NFL's 'Hardest' Schedule in 2026

The NFL is expected to release its complete 2026 schedule later this month, though we already know who everyone will be playing. NFL VP of broadcast planning Mike North appeared on the It’s Always Game Day in Buffalo this week. He revealed that the full schedule release could be ...

by Andrew Holleran

May 4, 2026

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

The NFL is expected to release its complete 2026 schedule later this month, though we already know who everyone will be playing.

NFL VP of broadcast planning Mike North appeared on the It’s Always Game Day in Buffalo this week. He revealed that the full schedule release could be delayed by about a week or so.

“Most fans know full well that the schedule comes out in mid-May now,” North said. “That’s what we’ve done the last five or six years. That’s sort of our target. Is there any magic to May 12, 13, 14? No. Is there any real downside to May 19, 20, or 21? No. I don’t think it’s coming out in June, but that second week in May has been our target the last few years, but I don’t know that it’s impossible to think about that third week in May.”

Who will have the league's toughest schedules in 2026?

Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) warms up before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Arizona Cardinals, who are coming off a 3-14 season in 2025, actually have the league's hardest schedule in 2026.

According to Walter Football, these five NFL teams have the hardest schedules in 2026: