The league has officially released the 2011 NFL schedule. Yes, it is early and, yes, there is still a lockout. This is "business as usual" for the league, who (at least publicly) are confident that there will be a season without games lost. The Arizona Cardinals are set to play six game in their own division, four games each against the NFC East and AFC North and then games against the Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings.
For the first time since 2004 the Cards will not have a prime time game, unless late in the season they are in the hunt for the playoffs and their games are "flexed" to Sunday evening. Also, for only the third time in team history, they will open at home, all of which have occurred ever since playing in University of Phoenix Stadium.
They close the season playing four of their last five games at home, which is a positive on a couple of levels. It means that they have a slight competitive advantage in the division if they are in the running for their division. it also means that their East Coast road games (except Cincinnati) will not be in the cold of December. It does mean that the middle of the schedule is road heavy. Prior to their final stretch, they play four of five on the road.
Based on 2010 W/L records, the Cardinals have the easiest schedule in the league, but that is due to their division and the fact they play the Panthers.
Here is the schedule (with TV schedule):
Week 1: Panthers @ Cardinals, Sunday, Sept 11, 4:15 PM ET on FOX
Week 2: Cardinals @ Redskins, Sunday, Sept 18, 1:00 PM ET on FOX
Week 3: Cardinals @ Seahawks, Sunday, Sept 25, 4:15 PM ET on FOX
Week 4: Giants @ Cardinals, Sunday, Oct 2, 4:05 PM ET on FOX
Week 5: Cardinals @ Vikings, Sunday, Oct 9, 1:00 PM ET on FOX
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: Steelers @ Cardinals, Oct 23, 4:05 PM ET on CBS
Week 8: Cardinals @ Ravens, Oct 30, 1:00 PM ET on FOX
Week 9: Rams @ Cardinals, Nov 6 4:15 PM ET on FOX
Week 10: Cardinals @ Eagles, Nov 13, 1:00 PM ET on FOX
Week 11: Cardinals @ 49ers, Nov 20, 4:05 PM ET on FOX
Week 12: Cardinals @ Rams, Nov 27, 1:00 PM ET on FOX
Week 13: Cowboys @ Cardinals, Dec 4, 4:15 PM ET on FOX
Week 14: 49ers @ Cardinals, Dec 11, 4:05 PM ET on FOX
Week 15: Browns @ Cardinals, Dec 18, 4:15 PM ET on CBS
Week 16: Cardinals @ Bengals, Saturday Dec 24, 1:00 PM ET on FOX
Week 17: Seahawks @ Cardinals, Jan 1, 4:15 PM ET on FOX