The Texans Roundtable hears from Insider Kyle Odegard, as he breaks down Arizona's bleak quarterback outlook and organizational priorities.
The Houston Texans (8-5) and Arizona Cardinals (3-10) meet up for the seventh time in NFL history. So far, the two teams are deadlocked at 3-3. Although they are even all-time, their individual seasons couldn't anymore opposite.
The Texans have won their last five straight, while the Cardinals have experienced two separate five-game losing streaks with a single win against the Dallas Cowboys wedged in between.
Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard on X), former Cardinals beat writer and current Cardinals Insider, joined the Texans Roundtable today to provide the Cardinals' perspective heading into tomorrow's matchup.
He discussed everything from Arizona's organizational priorities to what the quarterback position should look like in 2026.
(Note: Odegard is a decorated sports journalist with 20+ years of experience. He also recently completed a sit down interview with NFL legend and Hall of Famer Cris Carter via CardPlayer.com.
Odegard and the former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver discussed quarterback J.J. McCarthy's struggles, the leadership of wide receiver Justin Jefferson and more.)
Clayton Anderson: At 3-10, what should be the main priority for the Arizona Cardinals organization to close the year?
Kyle Odegard: Lose out. The Cardinals’ quarterback situation is bleak, since Kyler Murray won’t be back next season and Jacoby Brissett is a career backup. If they lose the final four, there is the potential to jump some other quarterback-needy teams and get a good prospect in the draft. If it doesn’t happen, Arizona will be in quarterback purgatory in 2026.
CA: With how Jacoby Brissett has looked since taking over for the injured Kyler Murray, do you see him being QB1 in 2026?
KO: Brissett is putting up big passing yardage numbers on a lot of attempts, but his EPA/play and Total QBR suggest he is nothing more than a high-end backup or low-end starter. He will probably be the starter in 2026 because the contract is cheap and there are no great options on the market, but going with Brissett next year is waving a white flag before the season starts, because you can’t contend for a Super Bowl with him at quarterback.
CA: With injuries on the offensive line, how do you see the offense adjusting heading into Sunday?
KO: The loss of Paris Johnson is huge, as he has been a rock at left tackle. I’m assuming the Cardinals will try more quick game stuff and attempt to lean on the running game, but if they fall behind, it’s going to get ugly against this Texans pass-rush.
CA: What do you think has plagued the Cardinals defense as of late?
They have some pretty good players across the board, but no real game-changers, and it’s glaring when they go up against really good offenses. The pass-rush has slowed recently, which has put a lot of pressure on the cornerbacks, and it’s all fallen apart. The Cardinals’ offense has dealt with a litany of injuries, but the defense should be better, especially considering Jonathan Gannon is a defensive head coach, and that’s where they spent almost all their resources this offseason.
CA: What would be three keys for a Cardinals win on Sunday?
KO:
1. Avoid negative plays offensively. Brissett has shown a tendency to throw interceptions, lose fumbles or take sacks, which has mitigated some pretty good passing games.
2. Play better defensively. The talent is on that side of the ball now, and Josh Sweat, Will Johnson or someone else needs to make a big play or two in order to keep things close.
3. Pray that the weird bounces in this game all go their way, because the Texans are a much better football team.
We at the Texans Roundtable thank Kyle Odegard for his time and collaboration in providing his insights!
What do you think the final score will be between these two teams? Let us know in the comment section below and on the official Texans Roundtable X account, @Texans_RTB!