3 projected NFL contenders that could just as easily miss the playoffs

NFL contender who could miss the playoffs – Arizona Cardinals

The offseason for the Arizona Cardinals has come with a bit of controversy as quarterback Kyler Murray has made it clear he wants a new contract. The Cardinals retained running back James Conner, and after wide receiver Christain Kirk left in free agency, they made a big splash during the draft trading for Baltimore wide receiver Marquise Brown.

At the end of 2021, the wheels fell off for the Cardinals after limping into the playoffs, losing four of their final five games, they were embarrassed by the Los Angeles Rams 34-11. They lost star pass-rusher Chandler Jones to free agency, leaving a lot more pressure on head coach Kliff Kingsbury and Murray to perform in 2022.

In 2021, Murray fumbled the ball 13 times to go with 10 interceptions. He must take care of the ball better in 2022. Late in the season, many defenses have been able to figure out Kingsbury’s game plans and schemes, does he have what it takes to take a step forward as a head coach or will the Cardinals disappoint in 2022?