2025 Arizona Cardinals Team 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 Kyler Murray, ARI - Solid/Safe Pick

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.

RB James Conner, ARI - Solid/Safe Pick

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.

RB Trey Benson, ARI - Bye Week Fill-in

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.

WR Marvin Harrison Jr., ARI - Solid/Safe Pick

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.

WR Michael Wilson, ARI - Deep-league Only

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.