Saints vs. Cardinals | NFL Season Week 1 | Sep 7, 2025
Game Details and Broadcast Information
The New Orleans Saints (0-0) and Arizona Cardinals (0-0) open their 2025 seasons at the Caesars Superdome on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 12:00 PM CDT. The game will be broadcast on CBS, featuring commentators like Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, and Tracy Wolfson on the sidelines. Streaming options include Paramount+ for local markets, NFL+ for mobile and in-market viewers, and Fubo, which offers a free trial for fans looking to catch this game alongside other Week 1 action. Local radio coverage is available on WWL 105.3 FM/870 AM in New Orleans, with Mike Hoss, Deuce McAllister, and Jeff Nowak calling the action. Cardinals fans can tune into Arizona Sports 98.7 FM or ESPN 620 AM in Phoenix, with Dave Pasch and Ron Wolfley on the call. National listeners can access the game on SiriusXM (channels 380 for Saints, 225 for Cardinals) or Westwood One.
This Week 1 clash marks the first regular-season meeting between the Saints and Cardinals since 2022, when Arizona won 42-34 in a high-scoring affair. Tickets, available through Ticketmaster, StubHub, and the Saints’ official website, are in high demand as fans anticipate a competitive game in the vibrant Caesars Superdome atmosphere. The Saints, with a 9-4 home record against Arizona in their all-time series, will look to leverage their home-field advantage.
The Rivalry: Saints vs. Cardinals
The Saints and Cardinals have a balanced history, with their all-time series tied at 16-16, including one postseason game. New Orleans holds a 9-4 edge in home games, making the Caesars Superdome a formidable venue for Arizona. Their last encounter, a 42-34 Cardinals victory in Week 7 of 2022, showcased Arizona’s offensive firepower, led by Kyler Murray. The Saints, however, have won three of the last five meetings, including a 31-24 win in 2019. The 2024 season saw no matchup between the two, making this Week 1 game a fresh opportunity to break the series tie.
The Saints, coming off a 7-10 season in 2024, are under new head coach Kellen Moore, who brings an innovative offensive approach. The Cardinals, who finished 8-9 in 2024 and missed the playoffs for the third straight year, are led by Jonathan Gannon and a dynamic offense. This game pits New Orleans’ veteran-led roster against Arizona’s youthful energy, setting the stage for a tactical battle in the NFC.
New Orleans Saints: A Fresh Start
The Saints enter 2025 with renewed optimism after a 7-10 season in 2024 that saw them miss the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. Quarterback Derek Carr, in his third year with the team, threw for 3,614 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, showing flashes of his Raiders-era form but struggling with consistency. Running back Alvin Kamara remains a dual-threat weapon, amassing 1,287 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in 2024, while wide receiver Chris Olave led the team with 87 catches for 1,123 yards and seven touchdowns. The offense ranked 17th in total yards (326.8 per game) but showed promise under Moore’s play-calling late in the season.
Defensively, the Saints were a strength, ranking 10th in total defense (319.4 yards allowed per game) and sixth against the pass (192.7 yards allowed). Defensive end Cameron Jordan, despite an aging core, recorded 6.5 sacks, while linebacker Demario Davis led with 136 tackles. The offseason saw New Orleans draft offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry to bolster both lines, aiming to counter Arizona’s explosive offense. With a 2025 schedule featuring three playoff teams early, including a Week 2 matchup against Tampa Bay, a home win is critical for momentum.
Arizona Cardinals: Building on Promise
The Cardinals’ 2024 season was a step forward, finishing 8-9 and third in the NFC West, with a 6-3 home record at State Farm Stadium. Quarterback Kyler Murray, fully healthy, threw for 3,947 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while rushing for 497 yards and four scores. Running back James Conner added 1,092 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, and tight end Trey McBride led receivers with 1,017 yards on 89 catches. Rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., the No. 4 overall pick in 2024, contributed 911 yards and six touchdowns, forming a potent offensive trio. The offense ranked 12th in scoring (22.8 points per game) under coordinator Drew Petzing.
Defensively, the Cardinals struggled, ranking 21st in total defense (354.2 yards allowed per game) and 24th against the run (131.6 yards allowed). Linebacker Kyzir White and safety Budda Baker led the unit, which forced 19 turnovers (12th in the NFL). The offseason saw Arizona sign edge rusher Josh Sweat (8.0 sacks in 2024) and defensive lineman Calais Campbell, aiming to improve their pass rush. With a 2025 schedule featuring tough early games against the 49ers and Seahawks, a road win in New Orleans could signal a breakout season.
Key Matchups to Watch
This game will hinge on several pivotal matchups that highlight the strengths and challenges of both teams:
- Derek Carr vs. Kyler Murray: Carr’s veteran poise faces Murray’s dual-threat dynamism. Carr must exploit Arizona’s 23rd-ranked pass defense (222.6 yards allowed per game), while Murray’s mobility will test New Orleans’ sixth-ranked pass defense.
- Alvin Kamara vs. Cardinals’ Run Defense: Kamara’s versatility will target Arizona’s weak run defense. If the Saints establish the ground game, it could open up play-action for Olave and Rashid Shaheed.
- Marvin Harrison Jr. vs. Saints’ Secondary: Harrison’s size and speed will challenge New Orleans’ cornerbacks, led by Marshon Lattimore and rookie Kool-Aid McKinstry. Limiting Harrison’s deep targets is crucial to containing Arizona’s offense.
- Cameron Jordan vs. Cardinals’ Offensive Line: Jordan’s pass-rushing prowess will test Arizona’s line, which allowed 41 sacks in 2024 (15th-most). Protecting Murray will be key to sustaining drives.
Historical Context and Stakes
The Saints and Cardinals are tied at 16-16 in their all-time series, with New Orleans holding a 9-4 advantage at home. Their last meeting, a 42-34 Cardinals win in 2022, saw Murray outduel Andy Dalton in a high-scoring affair. This 2025 opener is only the second time the teams have met in Week 1, with the Saints winning 24-20 in 1988. The game carries significant weight in the NFC, where both teams face competitive divisions—the Saints in the NFC South and the Cardinals in the NFC West.
For New Orleans, a victory would set a positive tone for a challenging early schedule that includes road games against Atlanta and Carolina. For Arizona, a road win would validate their offseason moves and signal a potential NFC West challenge. With both teams eyeing playoff berths after missing the postseason in 2024, this game is a critical early test.
Fan Experience and Atmosphere
The Caesars Superdome will be electric as Saints fans pack the stands to usher in the Kellen Moore era. The “Who Dat Nation” will create a raucous environment, amplified by the dome’s iconic acoustics and pregame festivities like the “Saints Pregame Huddle” at 10:00 AM CDT on WWL-TV. Cardinals fans, though fewer, will bring their energy, adding a splash of red to the black-and-gold sea. The Saints will wear their classic white jerseys with gold pants, a nod to their storied tradition.
Tickets, available through Ticketmaster, StubHub, and saints.nfl.com, are selling quickly due to the excitement surrounding Carr, Murray, and the home opener. Fans unable to attend can follow along on social media, with the NFL, Saints, and Cardinals accounts on platforms like X providing real-time updates and highlights. NFL Network’s Schedule Release ’25 on May 14, 2025, offers additional analysis of this game and the full season slate.
Predictions and Expectations
Early projections from ESPN Bet favor the Saints by 4.5 points, reflecting their home-field advantage and defensive strength. The over/under is set at 44.5 points, suggesting a competitive game with potential for offensive fireworks given both teams’ playmakers. New Orleans’ ability to control the tempo with Kamara and pressure Murray with Jordan could give them an edge, but Arizona’s speed and Murray’s elusiveness make them a dangerous underdog.
Analysts expect a close contest, with the Saints’ home crowd and defensive prowess potentially making the difference. The prediction: a 27-24 Saints victory, with Carr connecting on a late touchdown pass to Olave to secure the win, though Arizona keeps it tight with a strong effort from Murray and Harrison Jr.
How to Watch and Follow Along
- Date and Time: Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 12:00 PM CDT
- Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+, NFL+ (mobile/local), Fubo (free trial)
- Radio: WWL 105.3 FM/870 AM (New Orleans); Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, ESPN 620 AM (Phoenix); SiriusXM (380 for Saints, 225 for Cardinals), Westwood One
- Tickets: Available through Ticketmaster, StubHub, and saints.nfl.com
Fans can stay engaged through the Saints and Cardinals mobile apps, offering live stats, scores, and breaking news. The official team websites (neworleanssaints.com and azcardinals.com) provide game blogs and postgame breakdowns for in-depth coverage.
The Saints vs. Cardinals Week 1 clash on September 7, 2025, is a thrilling NFC battle that showcases two teams with playoff aspirations and dynamic playmakers. With New Orleans’ veteran leadership facing Arizona’s youthful exuberance, this game promises to be a captivating start to the 2025 NFL season. From the star power of Carr, Kamara, Murray, and Harrison Jr. to the electric atmosphere at the Caesars Superdome, this matchup has all the ingredients for a memorable opener. Whether you’re watching on CBS, streaming on Paramount+, or cheering in the stands, get ready for an exciting showdown as these teams battle to break their series tie and gain an early edge in the NFC.
