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2025 Arizona Cardinals Fantasy Preview

McBride Arizona Cardinals

2025 Arizona Cardinals Fantasy Preview Johnathan Gannon has done a good job coaching the Cardinals. In Gannon’s second season, Arizona improved to 8-9 and jumped from 24th in scoring to 12th. They also leaped to 15th in defense after ranking 31st in 2023. GM Monti Ossenfort made a concerted effort to fortify the trenches through free agency and the draft, which started with five consecutive defensive players. Don’t discount Arizona’s chances of competing in a wide-open NFC West. QB Kyler Murray had his lowest output in fantasy points per game but still finished the season as the QB10.His 0.52 EPA per dropback ranked 12th among QBs, showcasing efficiency despite inconsistent protection. He also ran for 572 yards, proving he’s back in form after the knee injury that limited him to eight games in 2023. Murray is unlikely to contend for top-5 fantasy production at the loaded QB position, but he is a good bet to post QB1 numbers at a discounted price. RB James Conner remains a reliable RB2 in fantasy, thriving in Arizona’s run-heavy scheme (11th in run plays per game). In 2024, he racked up a career-high 1,094 rushing yards, with a 2.1 yards after contact per attempt. He also chipped in 47 grabs for 414 yards and totaled nine touchdowns. Just 29, Conner led all running backs in juke rate (32.5 percent) and tackles evaded (92), showing he has plenty left in the tank. He remains a high-end RB2. Trey Benson projects as the club’s RB2 and would be a high-end handcuff for the oft-injured Conner. Fantasy managers were expecting big things from first-round WR Marvin Harrison Jr. While Harrison didn’t bust, his 62/885/8 numbers were…fine…but he was outshone by Malik Nabers. The Cardinals used Harrison downfield more than anticipated, and he ranked just 37th in target rate. The plan is to get Harrison more involved closer to the line of scrimmage in 2025. Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch return as the uninspiring supporting cast. Expect Harrison to remain blanketed by opposing defensive backs. While Arizona’s receiving corps is thin, TE Trey McBride will lead the offense in opportunities. McBride, who signed a record four-year, $76 million extension, caught 111-of-147 targets for 1,146 yards. He led all tight ends in target share (29.3 percent), route participation (86.3 percent), air yards share (25.3 percent), and EPA (19.2). McBride has become a force, with the elite fantasy production of a strong WR1 from a premium position. He’s every bit worth an early-round investment on draft day. Fantasy Grade: C QB Murray, Kyler, ARI [QB1]  After missing half of the 2023 season with a knee injury, Kyler Murray rebounded nicely in 2024. He finished 10th in fantasy scoring and showed no ill effects of the injury, rushing for 572 yards (4th among QBs) and running in five scores on his own. Additionally, Murray made strides as a passer in his second season in Drew Petzing’s offense. Murray completed 68.8 percent of his attempts and ranked 5th in catchable pass rate (79.7 percent) and completion rate versus man coverage (60.7 percent). Murray delivered nine weekly QB1 finishes against only one dud game. He’s a quality target likely to be overlooked. ADVICE: Underrated QB1 with questionable weapons. RB Conner, James, ARI [RB1]  James Conner is an underrated value each season, and 2025 is no different. In 2024, he posted 1,094 rushing yards, eight TDs, and 47 receptions for 414 yards (RB15 in PPR). Conner’s elite 3.7 yards after contact (1st among RBs) and 22 percent evasion rate (4th) show he still has plenty left in the tank as a dual-threat weapon. His 14.3 percent broken tackle rate showcases durability in high-volume roles (236 carries). With a $9.5M contract through 2026, Conner’s secure as the lead back, though Trey Benson may steal some touches if he can stay healthy. ADVICE: Conner remains an excellent RB2 value to target in Rounds 6-7. RB Benson, Trey, ARI [RB2]  James Conner is an underrated value each season, and 2025 is no different. In 2024, he posted 1,094 rushing yards, eight TDs, and 47 receptions for 414 yards (RB15 in PPR). Conner’s elite 3.7 yards after contact (1st among RBs) and 22 percent evasion rate (4th) show he still has plenty left in the tank as a dual-threat weapon. His 14.3 percent broken tackle rate showcases durability in high-volume roles (236 carries). With a $9.5M contract through 2026, Conner’s secure as the lead back, though Trey Benson may steal some touches if he can stay healthy. ADVICE: Conner remains an excellent RB2 value to target in Rounds 6-7. WR Harrison Jr., Marvin, ARI [WR1]  The hope for Marvin Harrison Jr. after a somewhat disappointing rookie season is that the Cardinals figure out how to get their prized wideout involved closer to the line of scrimmage. While that might eat into Tre McBride’s massive volume, it would fit Harrison’s skill set. Harrison ranked 6th in air yards (1,566) last season and drew 26 deep-ball targets (7th most). That resulted in poor target quality, and, inexplicably, Harrison only commanded 14 red-zone looks. Head coach Jonathan Gannon predicts Harrison will ‘take a huge jump’ in Year Two. If he does, Harrison is a screaming value. ADVICE: Muted rookie numbers versus expectations will make Harrison a strong fantasy value in Rounds 5-6. WR Wilson, Michael, ARI [WR2]  ADVICE: Wilson’s sophomore numbers improved across the board, and the Cardinals didn’t make any substantial additions to threaten his WR2 role. Limited upside, but Wilson is a decent end-of-bench guy with some streaming value. WR Dortch, Greg, ARI [WR3]  ADVICE: Even though he is Arizona’s third wideout, Dortch has posted back-to-back seasons with fewer than 350 receiving yards. His 4.1 ADOT last year ranked 108th and foreshadowed a role around the line of scrimmage that has little fantasy relevance. TE McBride, Trey, ARI [TE1]  If you miss out on Brock Bowers, Trey McBride’s volume is an excellent consolation prize. McBride was second in targets (147) but led all tight ends with a massive

2024 Arizona Cardinals Fantasy Preview

Kyler Murray

2024 Arizona Cardinals Fantasy Preview The Arizona Cardinals have now produced back-to-back four-win seasons. Kyler Murray returns, which is excellent news for the Cardinals, who finished 24th in points per game and 26th in passing yards last season. Murray will

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NFL Week 1 Cardinals at Commanders: DFS & Fantasy Preview

Jahan Dotson

NFL Week 1 Cardinals at Commanders: DFS & Fantasy Preview Betting Line: Commanders – 7 Over/Under: 39.0 The Cardinals are the favorites to finish last in the NFL in wins based on their over/under betting line (3.5). Kyler Murray is

NFL Week 1 Cardinals at Commanders: DFS & Fantasy Preview

Betting Line: Commanders – 7

Over/Under: 39.0

The Cardinals are the favorites to finish last in the NFL in wins based on their over/under betting line (3.5). Kyler Murray is on the PUP list with no clear timetable to return to the starting lineup. Incoming rookie Clayton Tune looks poised to start in Week 1 after getting drafted in the fifth round this year. James Conner is the lead back with minimal competition for snaps. Zack Ertz is trending toward a sit in Week 1. Arizona will feature Marquise Brown and Rondale Moore in the passing game. They hope Michael Wilson can handle their WR3 role at some point in the season.

Washington has a top defense with a developing quarterback (Sam Howell) who will be making his second career start. The change at offensive coordinator could lead to a bump in production at running back in the passing game, rewarding Antonio Gibson. Brian Robinson is their power running with the inside track to score in close. A turf toe issue may keep Terry McLaurin on the sideline in Week 1. For now, Jahan Dotson assumes the lead wide receiver role, and Curtis Samuel gets a bump in chances.

Note: The fantasy points per $1,000 are based on the early projections for Week 1.

The above grid shows the top players excepted to contribute in Week 1 in the fantasy games. I listed each player’s salary at DraftKings and FanDuel, plus their fantasy points expected per $1,000 of salary invested. In GPP (grand prize pools) events, the goal is to find players with a chance to score four times their salary at DraftKings ($50,000 salary cap and three times at FanDuel ($60,000 salary cap). 

Arizona Cardinals

Clayton Tune

 

  • Clayton Tune was Arizona’s shot at a future quarterback. His mechanics need work to improve his accuracy under duress and on the move. He can read defenses, but his arm doesn’t always have the fire to win in tight coverage. 
  • Over five seasons in college, Tune passed for 11,996 yards with 104 touchdowns and 41 interceptions. He was also active in the run game (412/1,256/15). In his senior year, Tune gained 4,618 combined yards with 45 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His production rushing the ball peaked in 2022 (128/544/2).
  • I don’t know if he will start with the Cardinals signing Joshua Dobbs and releasing Colt McCoy.
  • Washington had a league-average defense vs. quarterbacks in 2022 (18.84 FPPG).
  • Tune has to walk before being considered to start any format. I have a feeling he will make progress as the season moves on if Arizona gives him starting snaps.

 

James Conner

 

  • Conner finished 19th in running back scoring (201.20) in PPR formats while playing in 13 games last season. A rib issue knocked him out for three weeks early in the year, and in Week 18, he had a shin injury. 
  • From Week 10 to Week 17, Conner delivered seven productive games (23.60, 13.40, 22.00, 23.40, 18.10, 25.00, and 14.00 fantasy points). He rushed for more than 100 yards in one matchup (25/120 with three catches for 20 yards and one score).
  • The Cardinals will give him 15+ touches with some value in catches. The lack of quarterback play is a significant concern for…

 

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2023 Arizona Cardinals Outlook

james conner

2023 Arizona Cardinals Outlook The 2023 NFL season is right around the corner and that means fantasy football drafts are underway. Before you assemble your championship dynasty, redraft, or high-stakes squad, FullTime Fantasy members will have an in-depth, player-by-player preview

2023 Arizona Cardinals Outlook

 

The 2023 NFL season is right around the corner and that means fantasy football drafts are underway. Before you assemble your championship dynasty, redraft, or high-stakes squad, FullTime Fantasy members will have an in-depth, player-by-player preview of all 32 teams from football legend Shawn Childs.

Also, check out Jody Smith’s NFL offensive line rankings and exclusive 2023 Strength of Schedule analysis.

Up next in our extensive NFL and fantasy football preview series is Shawn’s deep dive into the 2023 Arizona Cardinals Outlook.

— Quarterback —

Kyler Murray

After an excellent season in 2020 (4,790 combined yards with 37 touchdowns), Murray missed three matchups midseason with an ankle issue that lingered for the remainder of the year. Also, he had regression rushing the ball (88/423/5 – 133/819/11 in 2020). However, his completion rate (69.2) and yards per pass attempt (7.9) were career highs. Murray started the year with two impact games (37.45 and 39.10 fantasy points in four-point passing), followed by four steady showings (22.70, 25.30, 28.05, and 25.05 fantasy points) over the next five weeks. Over his final six starts, he passed for 1,511 yards and three touchdowns with a rebound in explosiveness in the run game (39/276/2).

Last season, Murray had a dull feel over his first seven starts, leading to one impact game (305 combined yards with two touchdowns) and two steady showing in fantasy points (22.55 and 25.95) in four-point passing touchdown leagues. After an uptick in production in Week 8 (362/3). However, he missed seven of their next nine games with a hamstring issue and a torn ACL in his left knee. His best value as a runner came over his final five full starts (38/382/1). Murray didn’t have a completion of 40 yards or more while gaining a career-low 6.1 yards per pass attempt. 

Fantasy Outlook: His left knee surgery came on January 4th, putting him behind schedule for the start of the season. In addition, Murray will be less active as a runner in his first few games when he returns to game action. In the high-stakes market, Murray is the 20th quarterback drafted. However, Arizona didn’t improve their receiving corps in the offseason, making it difficult to trust their star quarterback in the fantasy market. In the first run of the projections, I’ll have Murray out for four weeks with a step back in value in the run game. His summer news will dictate his ultimate fantasy value in 2023. 

Clayton Tune

Over five seasons in college, Tune passed for 11,996 yards with 104 touchdowns and 41 interceptions. Also, he was active in the run game (412/1,256/15). In his senior year, Tune gained 4,618 combined yards with 45 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His production rushing the ball peaked in 2022 (128/544/2).

Fantasy Outlook: Tune improved each year in college. As a matter of fact, his style of play has more overlap than Colt McCoy with Kyler Murray, but I doubt Arizona will roll out a rookie quarterback in September.

Other Options: Colt McCoy, David Blough, Jeff Driskel

— Running Backs —

The Cardinals’ running backs posted lower stats across the board in 2022, with the exception of targets (112). They gained 1,926 combined yards with 13 touchdowns and 84 catches, leading to 20.86 FPPG in PPR formats. However,their backs had a regression of 56 touches.

James Conner

From 2018 to 2020, with a starting job in Pittsburgh, Conner missed 12 games, leading to a challenging player to manage in the fantasy market. He played well in 2018 (1,370 yards with 13 touchdowns and 55 catches over 13 games. As a matter of fact, his success placed him sixth in running back scoring (282.00 fantasy points) in PPR leagues.

In 2021, in a split role for the Cardinals, Conner gained only 3.7 yards per rush, with three of his 202 carries gaining 20 yards or more. He made the best of his opportunity by scoring 15 rushing touchdowns. In the passing game, Conner looked more explosive (10.1 yards per catch) with an exceptional catch rate (94.9).

However, most of his success catching the ball came over four matchups (5/77/1, 5/37, 9/94, and 6/41/1) over the second half of the year. Conner gained over 60 yards in only five contests in the running game. His best value rushing the ball came from Week 9 to Week 13 (72/272/4).

Last season, he finished 19th in running back scoring (201.20) in PPR formats while playing in 13 games. A rib issue knocked him out for three weeks early in the year, and in Week 18 with a shin injury. But, from Week 10 to Week 17, Conner delivered seven productive games (23.60, 13.40, 22.00, 23.40, 18.10, 25.00, and 14.00 fantasy points). He rushed for more than 100 yards in one matchup (25/120 with three catches for 20 yards and one score).

Fantasy Outlook: Conner ranks 24th running back in high-stakes drafts. Over the past two seasons, he averaged 16.7 touches with Arizona. At the minimum, Arizona should give him the ball 15 times a game in 2023, with 25% of his chances coming in receptions. On the downside, Conner typically misses about three games a year.

Keaontay Ingram

Over four seasons in college, Ingram worked in a split role. He finished with a high catch rate (87.3), leading to 89 catches for 671 yards and six touchdowns. Ingram offered change-of-pace value in the run game (495/2,722/16), with the best output coming in 2019 (144/853/7 with 29 catches for 242 yards and three scores.

In his rookie season, the Cardinals gave Ingram 31 touches, leading to 81 yards with one touchdown and four catches. His top output came in Week 7 (9/14/1 and two catches for 23 yards).

Fantasy Outlook: The running back depth behind James Conner is uninspiring, pointing to Ingram having a clear path to

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT OUT OF THE CARDINALS IN 2023?

 

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2021 Fantasy Football Comeback Player of the Year

Who is 2021’s fantasy football comeback player of the year? Each summer there are several players that are viewed as potential breakouts or sleepers but through injuries or other circumstances, things don’t work out. Usually, these players see their fantasy status plummet the next season but sometimes this drop can lead to an opportunity to buy low. Being able to predict these rebounds is a crucial element towards building a championship roster. Fulltime Fantasy’s 2021 Comeback Player of the Year is Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner. (Don’t run away just yet…) Usage in Pittsburgh A feel-good story for overcoming cancer, Conner was the 105th pick of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Conner was used sparingly in his rookie season but when Le’Veon Bell sat out the 2018 campaign, Conner became Pittsburgh’s main runner. In his first season as the starter, Conner posted overall RB6 numbers, churning out 1,470 total yards and 13 touchdowns in 13 games. His play fell off in 2019 but a terrible offensive line and injuries played big parts in that, as they have in each of Conner’s four pro seasons. When healthy, Conner has been an excellent three-down back with solid hands and plus short-yardage ability. When used as a workhorse, Conner really shined. In the six games in which Conner received 15-plus carries in 2020, he averaged 101 scrimmage yards and scored a touchdown in five of the six contests. According to the Fantasy Index magazine, Conner has actually accumulated 1,310 rushing yards, caught 59 passes for an additional 429 yards, and racked up 13 touchdowns in the past 16 games that he played a full-time role. Those are elite fantasy numbers. Conner is the kind of back who gets better late in games. At 233 pounds, he’s the kind of back that can be used in the second half to churn out tough yards and eat the clock. But after signing a very modest 1-year deal with the Cardinals, the fantasy community has big questions of just how many touches Conner will command in Arizona, where the incumbent running back is a favorite of the community. Chase Edmonds   Once Kenyan Drake signed with Las Vegas, many football fans became excited at the prospect of Chase Edmonds becoming a star as the Cardinals’ starting running back. Whether that plays out or not remains to be seen but Edmonds isn’t really built (5-9, 205) to be a workhorse and hasn’t fared well when featured. Last season, Kliff Kingsbury gave Edmonds double-digit carries just twice and the results weren’t impressive. In those games, Edmonds averaged a mere 3.2 yards per carry and did not score a touchdown. Edmonds was far more effective when used as a change-of-pace option. Overall, he ranked 6th among all running backs with 68 targets and four of his five scores came as a receiver. The most likely scenario here is for Kingsbury to keep Edmonds in that satellite back role and insert Conner into the Drake role. If that plays out, not only can Edmonds thrive, but Conner will be in a prime position to also make a significant fantasy impact. Fit in Arizona  Under Kingsbury, the Cardinals have averaged 20 rushing touchdowns per season. While QB Kyler Murray will run in plenty of those himself, Conner’s between-the-tackles prowess makes him an awfully appealing option to punch in those goal-line runs–a role that resulted in a healthy 10 scores for Drake one year ago. Conner has also been good in short-yardage situations. Inside the 5-yard line last season, Conner rushed for 12 yards on nine attempts with five touchdowns. Edmonds wasn’t even used in that area, racking up (-1) rushing yards on his line goal-line attempt all season. When the Steelers needed a single yard to either score or keep a drive alive, Conner was successful on 12-or-16 carries with the Steelers. Conversely, Edmonds had the second-lowest conversion rate of an NFL running back, cashing in just two of his six attempts. While Edmonds should remain a big part of Arizona’s passing attack, Conner himself is a very good receiver, which allows Kingsbury to utilize both of his backs in creative ways, including with both on the field at the same time. We’ve seen that wrinkle during the preseason and it adds more fuel to the fire of fantasy prognosticators trying to predict 2021 roles. Fantasy Forecast According to Fulltime Fantay’s strength of schedule tool, Arizona has the fifth-easiest schedule for running backs this season. Under Kingsbury, the Cardinals have been a top-10 rushing offense in both seasons, which included 2,237 yards and 22 TDs a year ago. Kingsbury also sent a third-round pick to the Raiders to acquire former Pro Bowl guard Rodney Hudson, which helps reinforce what was already a solid run-blocking unit. There should be plenty of opportunities for Conner to make a weekly impact in Arizona, and he’s in prime position to secure a weekly role with 12-15 carries. He also is in a favorable position to punch in double-digit rushing scores and could even snag 30-plus passes. That adds up to a strong RB2 season for a running back that is routinely falling outside the top 100 in ADP. And some of the high-stakes FFWC drafters have noticed this potential value, as Conner has garnered seventh-round attention in at least one FFWC draft according to Fulltime’s Advanced ADP tool. The Cardinals are poised to be one of the most exciting offenses in the league in 2021 and there should be plenty of opportunities for multiple runners to make a fantasy impact. James Conner is poised to carve out a solid role in this attack and that upside makes the fifth-year pro our 2021 Fantasy Football Comeback Player of the Year.   Win incredible prizes using our On-Demand Simulator! Takes Minutes to draft! Win Your Choice of a Trip for Four to Maui or a Panini 2020 Football FLAWLESS Hobby Briefcase! How it Works: –Draft your team using our On-Demand Simulator. (Great practice for the