Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals enter the 2025 NFL season with promising momentum under head coach Jonathan Gannon, who improved the team’s defense significantly last year, helping Arizona finish 8-9 and climb to 12th in scoring offense and 15th in defense. General Manager Monti Ossenfort bolstered the roster, especially the defensive front, with free agency and draft additions, setting the Cardinals up as a solid contender in a competitive NFC West. The team's defense could be one of the sleeper fantasy units this year, making them worthy of consideration in deeper leagues.

Kyler Murray, coming off a knee injury that limited him in 2023, looks healthier and more efficient as a dual-threat quarterback. While his fantasy output last year was his lowest so far, he still finished as the QB10 with solid efficiency metrics. Murray rushed for 572 yards and displayed his trademark agility, but the Cardinals must increase designed runs for him — just 27 last season — ideally doubling that to unlock his full fantasy potential. As a result, Murray should be drafted as a solid mid-range QB1 option with upside if the offense leans more on his running ability.

Running back James Conner remains a fantasy asset thanks to his pivotal role in a run-heavy offense that ranks 11th in run plays per game. After a career-best 1,094 rushing yards in 2024 coupled with 414 receiving yards and nine total touchdowns, Conner looks like a dependable RB2. He leads the league in evading tackles and juke rate, showing he still has plenty left in the tank at age 29. Rookie Trey Benson figures to be the backup and a valuable handcuff for fantasy managers given Conner’s injury history and heavy workload.

The Cardinals’ receiving corps is highlighted by rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., who has quickly emerged as a top fantasy asset with the potential to rack up over 1,300 yards and double-digit touchdowns this season. Tight end Trey McBride also offers high upside, coming off a 111-catch, 1,146-yard season, and could continue to be a reliable fantasy starter at a position that lacks depth across the league. Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch supplement the wide receiver group, giving Kyler Murray ample targets to work with in a balanced and improving offense.

Updated 08/23/2025