NFL Preseason Kicks Off with a Southern Desert Clash
As the curtain rises on the 2025 NFL preseason, fans are in for an early treat with an unexpected yet electric matchup: 🏈 Saints at Cardinals. Kicking off at 12:00 PM (CT) on Sunday, September 7, 2025, this Preseason Week 1 contest brings together two teams in the midst of transformation, both aiming to build chemistry, evaluate depth, and make strong early impressions.
This game, hosted at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, carries more than just roster implications. The New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals may not be traditional rivals, but recent meetings have ignited a competitive fire between these NFC squads. With young quarterbacks, new coaching strategies, and highly anticipated rookies in play, the 🏈 Saints at Cardinals matchup is one of the most watchable preseason games on the schedule.
Let’s dive into the storylines, key matchups, players to watch, predictions, and full coverage leading into Sunday’s showdown.
📅 Game Overview
- Matchup: 🏈 Saints at Cardinals
- Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
- Time: 12:00 PM CT / 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT
- Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
- TV Broadcast: NFL Network, FOX (local affiliates)
- Streaming Platforms: NFL+, fuboTV, Hulu Live, YouTube TV
- Radio Broadcast: WWL 870 AM (New Orleans), Arizona Sports 98.7 FM
- Tickets: as low as $39
🔥 Saints at Cardinals – Why It Matters
While preseason games don’t impact regular-season standings, they hold tremendous importance in evaluating progress, execution, and talent. For the Saints, it’s about establishing rhythm on offense and identifying future starters in the secondary. For the Cardinals, it’s about seeing how a new-look squad under head coach Jonathan Gannon handles pressure and develops identity.
Both franchises are searching for renewed direction. The Saints are ushering in a fresh era at quarterback with Spencer Rattler developing behind veteran Derek Carr, while Kyler Murray’s comeback storyline dominates the Cardinals’ preseason narrative.
Expect fireworks—even if the final score doesn’t count.
🐤 Arizona Cardinals 2025 Outlook: Rebuilding with Grit
After finishing near the bottom of the NFC West in 2024, the Arizona Cardinals are determined to turn the corner in 2025. A mix of returning starters and promising rookies—especially first-round draft pick WR Xavier Blue—has fans cautiously optimistic.
Cardinals Storylines
- Kyler Murray’s Return: Though expected to play limited snaps, his leadership is critical.
- New Weapons: WR Xavier Blue and RB Kenyon Drake Jr. will get preseason opportunities.
- Defensive Growth: Coordinator Nick Rallis brings an aggressive approach, emphasizing man coverage and QB pressure.
- Depth Watch: Backups like Clayton Tune (QB) and Michael Wilson (WR) will compete for bigger roles.
⚜️ New Orleans Saints 2025 Outlook: New Quarterbacks, Old Expectations
The New Orleans Saints finished 8-9 last season and missed the playoffs by a whisker. Now, under the continued guidance of head coach Dennis Allen, they enter 2025 with high hopes and a fresh crop of offensive weapons.
Saints Storylines
- Derek Carr’s Stability vs. Spencer Rattler’s Potential: Carr enters his second year in New Orleans, but all eyes are on rookie backup Spencer Rattler.
- Alvin Kamara’s Usage: Limited in preseason, but essential come Week 1.
- WR Depth: With Chris Olave leading, the competition behind him includes A.T. Perry, Rashid Shaheed, and rookie Jaedyn Daniels.
- Defensive Youth Movement: The Saints are integrating younger talent on defense, especially at linebacker and in the secondary.
🏟️ Game Day Atmosphere at State Farm Stadium
State Farm Stadium will be buzzing as fans in the Valley of the Sun return for their first taste of football since January.
- Gates Open: 2 hours before kickoff
- Tailgating: Permitted in Red and Green lots
- Fan Zones: Kids’ activities, food trucks, and live entertainment
- Weather: Indoors (retractable roof); expected outside temp: 101°F
🧠 Coaching Battle: Dennis Allen vs. Jonathan Gannon
Both head coaches enter 2025 facing pressure. Dennis Allen has yet to lead the Saints to a playoff win, while Jonathan Gannon is building a culture from the ground up in Arizona.
- Allen wants discipline, defensive toughness, and better late-game execution.
- Gannon aims to create a hard-nosed, fast-paced defense that forces turnovers and gets off the field quickly.
Their philosophies will be tested immediately as young talent takes center stage.
🔥 Players to Watch – 🏈 Saints at Cardinals
Saints
- Spencer Rattler (QB) – The rookie out of South Carolina will likely play the second and third quarters.
- Jaedyn Daniels (WR) – Fifth-round rookie with explosive potential and strong camp reviews.
- Payton Turner (EDGE) – Injury-prone but crucial to the Saints’ pass rush hopes.
- Tyjae Spears (RB) – The change-of-pace back to Kamara could get significant reps.
Cardinals
- Kyler Murray (QB) – May only play one drive, but every movement will be evaluated.
- Xavier Blue (WR) – First-round pick with elite route-running and deep-threat ability.
- BJ Ojulari (OLB) – Expected to lead the team in sacks this year.
- Trey Benson (RB) – Rookie rusher who has impressed with vision and balance.
📊 Position Battles to Watch
Saints
- QB2: Spencer Rattler vs. Jake Haener
- WR3: Rashid Shaheed vs. Jaedyn Daniels
- Nickelback: Bradley Roby vs. Alontae Taylor
Cardinals
- WR2/WR3: Michael Wilson vs. Zay Jones
- CB2: Marco Wilson vs. rookie Khyree Jackson
- RT Battle: Elijah Wilkinson vs. Kelvin Beachum
📺 How to Watch 🏈 Saints at Cardinals
No matter where you are, you won’t want to miss this NFC battle:
- TV: NFL Network (national), FOX (regional/local)
- Streaming Options:
- NFL+ (mobile)
- Hulu + Live TV
- fuboTV
- YouTube TV
- Radio: WWL 870 AM (Saints), Arizona Sports 98.7 FM (Cardinals)
- Replays: NFL Game Pass (international)
📈 Saints at Cardinals: Series History
- All-Time Series: Saints lead 17–15
- Last Meeting: Cardinals won 42-34 in 2024 (Regular Season)
- Preseason Record: Tied 3–3
- Notable Moment: The 2015 thriller where Arizona’s defense shut down Drew Brees in the red zone to win 31-19.
Though the rivalry isn’t historical, recent games have been physical, high-scoring, and full of highlight-reel moments.
🗣️ Expert Predictions – Who Wins?
Final Score: Saints 24, Cardinals 20
- MVP: Spencer Rattler – 13/17 passing, 160 yards, 2 TDs
- Breakout Star: Xavier Blue – 5 catches, 81 yards
- Surprise Play: Tyjae Spears 45-yard touchdown reception
With slightly more depth and a hungry rookie QB, the Saints may edge out the Cardinals in this preseason opener. Expect both teams to experiment, but execution could be the difference-maker.
🧪 Key Factors to Watch
- Turnover Margin – Can young QBs protect the ball under pressure?
- Discipline – Which team avoids costly penalties in the red zone?
- Tempo – Will the Cardinals go up-tempo early with Murray on the field?
- Depth – The second-string and third-string players could ultimately decide the outcome.
- Special Teams – Kicking battles and return coverage will be under close review.
📌 Saints and Cardinals Open with Urgency
Don’t let the word “preseason” fool you. The 🏈 Saints at Cardinals matchup is loaded with storylines, talent, and intensity. From quarterback battles to rookie highlights, this Week 1 exhibition is a critical launchpad for both franchises as they embark on uncertain but promising 2025 campaigns.
With fans returning, coaches evaluating every snap, and young players fighting for roster spots, expect action, excitement, and maybe even the beginning of new stars in the making.