The Arizona Cardinals have a storied history of rivalries within the NFC West. Many of these have created some of the most intense matchups in the NFL. Their primary rivals include the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers, who have contributed to memorable moments that resonate with all NFL fans.
The Seattle Seahawks vs. The Arizona Cardinals
The rivalry with the Seattle Seahawks took shape when both teams were placed in the NFC West in 2002. Since then, they have faced off over 50 times, with the Seahawks holding a slight edge in the series. These types of matchups are always intriguing for fans looking to participate and engage in their favorite NFL rivalry actively, for example, by using reliable social sportsbook platforms like the one
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One of the most memorable was in 2016 when both teams managed to tie with the rare score of 6-6 on Sunday Night Football. Both kickers missed field goal attempts that would have won them the game, and thus it became a memorable game for its result. This rivalry got serious when Russell Wilson joined the league in 2012; he brought great success to Seattle, including the Super Bowl win in 2014.
Another memorable encounter between these two teams happened during the 2020 season. The Cardinals handed the Seahawks their first loss of the year. In what is now considered as a thrilling overtime game, both quarterbacks' got to display their talents. Kyler Murray and Wilson combined for impressive statistics, but Murray led his team to victory, highlighting his emergence as a star player. The frequent
matchups between the Seahawks and Cardinals each season often lead to heightened tensions and intense competition.
San Francisco 49ers vs. the Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals’ rivalry with the San Francisco 49ers is equally historic and competitive. Dating back to their early days in the NFL, these two teams have faced each other numerous times. Many of these games have had significant playoff implications. One particularly memorable moment occurred during the 2008 season when the Cardinals clinched their first NFC West title since 1975 by defeating the 49ers. This victory was part of a remarkable season that culminated in their first Super Bowl appearance.
The Cardinals kept winning against the 49ers in recent years, winning eight straight games in the rivalry from 2015 to 2018. In 2022, the teams met again, where the 49ers dominated the game.
Rams vs. The Arizona Cardinals
In recent years, the games against the Rams have also become important. The rivalry has changed since the Rams moved to Los Angeles. Several times, the Los Angeles Rams and the Arizona Cardinals have been at the top of the NFC West division. The most remembered part of fighting for both happened in 2013 on a Week 1 game where rookie Tyrann Mathieu made an incredible play, foreshadowing stardom in one forced fumble to seal the win, showing what was in store for teams from him defensively.
While the history of rivalries of the Cardinals has ups and downs, these series have indeed produced excitement and drama over time. The hard battle against division foes always keeps the fans' passion at its best. It defines or shapes their identity in the league. Rivalries remain part of the essential story for them and are a do-or-die match every season.
Players and fans know how much each game means against their rivals, and therefore, there is always excitement when these matchups occur.
