Kyler Murray Faces Critical Test as Cardinals Fight to Stay in Playoff Hunt

The Arizona Cardinals will face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. Arizona (7-7) needs to win out and get some help from other NFC teams to make the postseason, while the already-eliminated Panthers (3-11) are playing for pride.

Arizona’s Playoff Path

The Cardinals snapped a three-game losing streak last week with a 30-17 win over the New England Patriots, keeping their slim playoff hopes alive. They remain one game behind the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West with three games left. However, Arizona has already lost twice to the Seahawks, making the division title an uphill battle.

Arizona’s best playoff path is winning the division, though the NFL currently estimates their postseason chances at just 13%. A win against the Panthers is a must to stay in the race.

“We understand what’s at stake,” said Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. “Our back is against the wall. This isn’t a trap game — we know we have to play our best on the road.”

Panthers: Playing for Pride

The Panthers have already been eliminated from playoff contention, marking their sixth straight season with double-digit losses under owner David Tepper. Despite the challenging season, first-year head coach Dave Canales remains optimistic.

“We’re still pursuing our style of football: great effort, great enthusiasm, and celebrating each other,” Canales said. “I’ve seen our guys grow.”

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Young’s Struggles Continue

Bryce Young, Carolina’s second-year quarterback, had a rough outing last week in a 30-14 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, turning the ball over four times, including two fumbles while under heavy pressure. Young has been sacked six times and is 4-21 as an NFL starter.

“Every play matters,” Canales said. “We talk about protecting the ball first and foremost as a team. When you have it, you’re holding it for the entire team.”

Arizona’s defense, which has 14 forced turnovers this season, will likely focus on applying pressure to Young again.

2. Linebacker Depth Test for Arizona

The Cardinals’ defense took a hit last week when starting linebackers Jesse Luketa (thigh) and Mack Wilson Sr. (concussion) left the game early. Their availability for Sunday remains uncertain, forcing backups like Krys Barnes, Xavier Thomas, Owen Pappoe, and Julian Okwara to step up.

Despite the injuries, Arizona’s defense managed to hold its ground against New England, thanks to strong play from their reserves.

3. Developing Rookie Connections

The Cardinals are still working to build chemistry between Kyler Murray and rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Though Harrison has posted 47 catches for 687 yards and seven touchdowns this season, he missed two potential TD catches last week due to tight coverage by Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez.

“He has what it takes to be an elite NFL receiver,” Murray said. “We just need to keep working on timing and trust.”

4. Panthers’ Rookie Hope: Jalen Coker

With Xavier Legette (groin injury) out, Jalen Coker is expected to start opposite veteran Adam Thielen. Coker had a breakout game last week, recording 110 yards receiving, including an 83-yard touchdown catch against the Cowboys.

Despite being limited in practice this week with a quad injury, Coker is confident in his abilities. “I realized I could compete at this level when I beat some top cornerbacks in training camp,” he said.

5. Stopping the Run

Carolina’s biggest defensive concern is its run defense, which has allowed nearly 200 rushing yards per game over the past six games.

Arizona’s James Conner is coming off his best game of the season, running for 110 yards and two touchdowns against the Patriots. His versatility as a runner makes him a difficult matchup for Carolina’s struggling defense.

“He can run inside, outside, or out of the shotgun,” said Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon. “He’s versatile and dependable.”

The Panthers’ run defense suffered more bad news last week with Claudin Cherelus (toe) and Trevin Wallace (shoulder) being ruled out for the season, leaving their defense even more vulnerable.