The first post to my question and you want to start a pizzing contest on the definition of the word 'rival?'
Every team in the NFL is going after the same prize---to win the SB. Every team in the league is a rival to the Cardinals because they are all competing for the same goal. What rival dictionary did you use to come up with your definition of 'rival?' There is nothig in the basic defintion that says anything about playing two games or fighting for playoff standings.
The team I consider the 'most hated rival' for the Cardinals will most likely be different from that selected by another Cardinal fan. There is no right answer---I don't have to 'guess again.'
Do you want to talk football or do you want to talk dictionary definitions?
I like your style Gimme.