I’ve been pessimistic about the Cardinals in recent years, taking the under on their projected regular season win totals in 2022 and 2023.

Well, more like realistic, as both bets hit.

So what will it be in 2024? Is Optimistic Odegard breaking through that wall like the Kool-Aid man?

The over/under is set at 6.5 wins, and here is my game-by-game prediction after Wednesday evening’s schedule release. All spreads can now be wagered on at DraftKings sportsbook.

Week 1: Cardinals (+7) at Bills

The Bills lost some key pieces on both sides of the ball and are projected to be a little bit worse this season. But Buffalo still has Josh Allen and a strong defensive line.

The Cardinals are on the road to open the season and I can’t envision a win here.

Game Prediction: Bills 27, Cardinals 17
Overall: 0-1

Week 2: Cardinals (+1) vs. Rams

I’m a little surprised the spread is this low. The Rams’ offense could be among the best in the NFL and the Cardinals’ defense could be among the worst.

Los Angeles has a lot of continuity on that side of the ball and should be strong out of the gate. 

Game Prediction: Rams 31, Cardinals 24
Overall: 0-2

Week 3: Cardinals (+4) vs. Lions

The Cardinals are the deserved underdog, but this might be a Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison, Jr. game. Detroit still has some questions to answer in its secondary and I could see MHJ having the best game of his young career.

Detroit has a lot of talent on offense but Jared Goff puts up some stinkers every once in awhile.

Game Prediction: Cardinals 27, Lions 23
Overall: 1-2

Week 4: Cardinals (-2) vs. Commanders

This is my favorite spread to bet on right now. The Cardinals can cover with a field goal margin and I don’t think it will be that close.

The Commanders are working in a rookie quarterback who is going to be having some process issues. The Cardinals can use exotic blitzes to get home because Jayden Daniels won’t be able to read them quickly enough.

Game Prediction: Cardinals 24, Commanders 16
Overall: 2-2

Week 5: Cardinals (+9.5) at 49ers

Don’t need to over-analyze this one. San Fran is still great. Arizona is ascending but not there yet.

Game Prediction: 49ers 33, Cardinals 20
Overall: 2-3

Week 6: Cardinals (+5) at Packers

Some may look at this as an enticing upset play at +180 moneyline odds. I do not. I think Green Bay is going to be really good this season.

Jordan Love and that ascending group of skill players is going to expose the Cardinals’ cornerbacks and lack of pass-rush. The Arizona offense won’t be able to keep up.

Game Prediction: Packers 26, Cardinals 20
Overall: 2-4

Week 7: Cardinals (-1) vs. Chargers

As the odds show, this one feels like a toss-up. My question: Will Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack be healthy for this matchup? If so, that pass-rush advantage could be the difference.

It’s early in the year still and I think both will be on the field.

Game Prediction: Chargers 24, Cardinals 21
Overall: 2-5

Week 8: Cardinals (+6) at Dolphins

This is a tough matchup for the Cardinals, who don’t have the horses to keep up with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Odell Beckham, Jr.

Mike McDaniel will do some creative stuff to get his skill guys in space and then allow them to use their superior athleticism to make big plays.

Game Prediction: Dolphins 34, Cardinals 24
Overall: 2-6

Week 9: Cardinals (+1) vs. Bears

The Bears have the superior overall roster, but the quarterback position is going to determine this one. I have questions about Caleb Williams’ ability to play in structure, and while the Arizona defensive personnel is lacking, it will be well-coached and should be able to confuse the young signal-caller.

I could see Budda Baker or Jalen Thompson coming away with a critical pick in this game to help Arizona pull out the home win.

Game Prediction: Cardinals 22, Bears 20
Overall: 3-6

Week 10: Cardinals (+3) vs. Jets

This one is going to be a lot easier to dissect when it rolls around. Is Aaron Rodgers going to return to elite status? Will age and injury catch up to him? Is he going to be the freshly-minted Vice President of the United States and hang up his cleats?

The Jets might be a dumpster fire at this point so I’ll roll with Arizona.

Game Prediction: Cardinals 21, Jets 20
Overall: 4-6

Week 12: Cardinals (+3) at Seahawks

There is some new coaching blood in Seattle but there is still a lot of talent on offense. 

Both teams should be able to score in this one but the Seahawks are at home with a slightly better roster and they should be able to pull out a close win.

Game Prediction: Seahawks 30, Cardinals 27
Overall: 4-7

Week 13: Cardinals (+1.5) at Vikings

The Vikings may very well have J.J. McCarthy on the field at this point, which is great news for the Cardinals. Another rookie quarterback to confuse using innovative defensive play-calls.

Minnesota has better players but Kyler vs. Sam Darnold or McCarthy is a huge mismatch. 

Game Prediction: Cardinals 20, Vikings 17
Overall: 5-7

Week 14: Cardinals (-1) vs. Seahawks

The Cardinals’ offense dominated Seattle at home last year. I could see more of the same in 2024, with MHJ getting in on the action this time.

Game Prediction: Cardinals 30, Seahawks 24
Overall: 6-7

Week 15: Cardinals (-3.5) vs. Patriots

Not a lot of love from the oddsmakers here. The Cardinals are more than field goal favorites for the only time in this one but this is still too low.

Drake Maye will become the latest rookie to be victimized by a strong defensive scheme.

Game Prediction: Cardinals 23, Patriots 14
Overall: 7-7

Week 16: Cardinals (-1) at Panthers

The Cardinals are on the road. Maybe a new coaching staff can unlock Bryce Young. The Panthers have some talent on defense.

Blah, blah, blah. This spread is too low.

Game Prediction: Cardinals 19, Panthers 16
Overall: 8-7

Week 17: Cardinals (+5) at Rams

Look, the Cardinals have peeked their head above .500 for the first time in forever and may even be in the playoff hunt!

The good feeling won’t last, as Los Angeles dominates at home.

Game Prediction: Rams 35, Cardinals 20
Overall: 8-8

Week 18: Cardinals (+5.5) vs. 49ers

This is actually the best possible game to have as the season finale because there is a chance that the 49ers have a playoff seed wrapped up and can rest their key players.

But you can’t count on that in May, so I'll project a Cardinals loss at home. However, I could see it being an encouraging showing to cap an encouraging season, leading to a whole lot of anticipation for 2025.

Game Prediction: 49ers 28, Cardinals 24
Overall: 8-9

Over/Under Prediction

Cardinals finish over 6.5 regular season wins (-130)