Clear edgeDEN
Denver Broncos
82.0PFM Team Score#11 NFL
Denver Broncos vs. Arizona Cardinals: PFM Team Comparison
The Denver Broncos hold a clear overall advantage over the Arizona Cardinals in the current PFM ratings. Denver separates itself through the stronger coaching operation and the stronger defense.
Current PFM Team Scores
ARI
Arizona Cardinals
72.1PFM Team Score#31 NFL
PFM JUDGMENT
Why PFM Rates the Denver Broncos Higher
Sean Payton gives the Denver Broncos the stronger coaching operation. Preparation and in-game answers matter once the opening script no longer controls the game. The Arizona Cardinals are closest in offense, where the teams remain essentially even.
Denver also brings the stronger defense. Denver adds the deeper roster. The counterargument matters, but it does not erase Denver's clear overall advantage.
TEAM DNA COMPARISON
Denver vs. Arizona Across the Core Pillars
The farther a team reaches, the stronger the rating. Each category also calls out which team has the edge and the exact gap. Hover on desktop or tap on mobile to isolate one team.
DENDenver Broncos
ARIArizona Cardinals
ARIZONA’S BEST PUSHBACK
Offense Is Arizona’s Only Close Fight
Arizona's offense gives the team one place to push back. Arizona sits only 1.7 points behind Denver in Offense, but close is not the same as an edge. Denver still has Bo Nix at quarterback and the deeper roster, two advantages the Cardinals cannot match in this comparison.
COMPLETE COMPARISON
Where Each Team Has the Edge
PFM Team Score
DEN82.0
Denver Broncos 82.0ARI72.1
Arizona Cardinals 72.1Overall NFL Rank
DEN#11
Denver Broncos #11ARI#31
Arizona Cardinals #31QB Stability
DEN82.2
Denver Broncos 82.2ARI78.1
Arizona Cardinals 78.1Roster Strength
DEN80.4
Denver Broncos 80.4ARI72.8
Arizona Cardinals 72.8Coaching Direction
DEN85.0
Denver Broncos 85.0ARI71.4
Arizona Cardinals 71.4Recent Performance
DEN79.5
Denver Broncos 79.5ARI63.0
Arizona Cardinals 63.0Offense
DEN76.9
Denver Broncos 76.9ARI75.2
Arizona Cardinals 75.2Defense
DEN83.6
Denver Broncos 83.6ARI71.8
Arizona Cardinals 71.8Franchise Direction
DEN77.5
Denver Broncos 77.5ARI73.0
Arizona Cardinals 73.0Explosiveness
DEN66.6
Denver Broncos 66.6ARI63.6
Arizona Cardinals 63.6Conference Rank
DEN#6
Denver Broncos #6ARI#16
Arizona Cardinals #16Division Rank
DEN#2
Denver Broncos #2ARI#4
Arizona Cardinals #4Outlook
DENPlayoff ContenderARIPlayoff Long Shot
Stronger outlook: Denver BroncosSCHEDULE CONTEXT
Which Team Has the Tougher Road?
Denver Broncos
Remaining schedule rank: #24
Toughest stretch: Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers
Strongest opponents: Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots
Next five difficulty: 78.5
View Denver Broncos Road AheadArizona Cardinals
Remaining schedule rank: #2
Toughest stretch: Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, Kansas City Chiefs
Strongest opponents: Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks
Next five difficulty: 83.2
View Arizona Cardinals Road AheadArizona has the tougher Road Ahead at No. 2. The strongest opponents include Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks. Denver also has the more favorable road, which adds to the stronger coaching operation and the stronger defense.
Explore Both Team Dashboards
Ratings and Schedule Freshness
PFM ratings updated October 13, 2026. Schedule data updated October 16, 2026.
How to Read This Comparison
PFM Team Score determines the overall order. The Team DNA comparison puts five core pillars on the same 0–100 scale, while the full rows show every current category.
PFM compares overall team strength rather than predicting one matchup. Road Ahead adds schedule context without changing PFM Team Score.
PFM ratings updated
How PFM grades NFL teams