Arizona moved to 2-0 in the 2025 season by molding necessity into advantage. A quick-struck 10-0 lead sprang from a Bryce Young fumble forced by Josh Sweat, then a Zaven Collins scoop-and-score capped the turnover spree that set the tone early.

The second-quarter surge blossomed with back-to-back red-zone threats and a late-half dagger: Greg Dortch’s 29-yard punt return set up a Murray-to-Wilson TD with 47 seconds left before the break, followed by a 71-yard march to James Conner’s score to start the third. The defense buckled late, but Calais Campbell sealed the win on a fourth-and-15 tackle as Arizona weathered Carolina’s rally and improved to 2-0 heading to San Francisco.

Two turnovers, decisive drives, and a closing stand. The Cardinals leaned on opportunism and timely stops to steady a young, imperfect offensive day, showing enough to keep bettors optimistic for a tough schedule ahead against the 49ers.

Ikem Ekwonu is slated to return at left tackle for Carolina in Week 2 on the road vs. Arizona after an appendectomy sidelined him. His presence should stabilize Bryce Young’s protection, correcting Week 1’s rough showing when Yosh Nijman struggled and the quarterback was pressured into three turnovers. Ekwonu’s return also reshapes the Panthers’ line dynamics and adds heft to an offense that needs cleaner pockets.

Ekwonu’s long-term status hinges on his 2025-26 arc, as Carolina picked up his fifth-year option with a cap hit over $17.5 million. He’ll battle Cardinals newcomer Josh Sweat in a pivotal matchup, testing the Panthers’ ability to protect and unlock the passing game. Nijman and Christensen remain in the mix, but Ekwonu’s health is the linchpin for Week 2 and beyond.

Arizona Cardinals target a playoff push with Kyler Murray back in Drew Petzing's offense and a front seven built to disrupt. Sweat and Campbell bolster the pass rush and run defense, while Will Johnson adds rookie depth. Gannon emphasizes front pressure as the engine of the defense, with Ossenfort keeping roster stability to stay on a measured plan.

Week 1 against the Saints serves as a litmus test for offensive continuity and defensive leverage. Fantasy angles center on Murray's health and rushing upside, the D-line’s ability to create pressure, and how rookie pieces might contribute as the season unfolds.

Arizona faces 37 NFL Top 100 players in 2025, including three Cardinals in the list: Josh Sweat, Trey McBride and Budda Baker.Week-by-week Top 100 opponents include heavy tests from the 49ers, Rams and Texans, with the Texans boasting six Top 100 foes—the most on Arizona's schedule. Notable clusters emerge in Weeks 3 (49ers: Warner, Kittle, Williams, Bosa, McCaffrey), Week 13 (Buccaneers: Wirfs, Evans, Mayfield, Vita Vea, Lavonte David) and Weeks 15 & 18 (Texans; Nacua/Verse/Stafford/Williams on Rams). This shapes weekly fantasy game-planning and matchup-making across the season.