Schedules are important. A lot of times when you face teams is important.
Let me give some examples. DG had a great record coming out of byes. The team we play out of our bye better watch out.
Catching teams when they are set up to lose is beneficial. Of course you cannot predict these things ahead of time. It depends on how a team is doing when you met them so you can't tell.
The Vikes schedule was very favorable. The first game at GB after the war the year before was easy. Then the Vikes played DEN and ATL when their QBs were hurt. Played SF when dissension was sky high etc. Back to back west coast road trips in the Vikes schedule was brutal though.
A lot of the benefits and negatives of a schedule only become apparent as the season develops. A good team on a losing streak you hate to play them, a good team on a winning streak that is not so bad.
A home game with 55000 screaming fans against a weak team with injuries
would be a nice way to start. Look at DET last year but it doesnt translate. Get that 1-0 start with fan support and the players will believe a little more.
But heck the Cards could lose that game and go to a good team the next week and win. It comes down to winning and not using the schedule as an excuse.
I wonder how many national games the Cards will get this year?