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Cardinals Banking on Last Year's Crew to Step Up

Arizona Cardinals 2025 Overview

Schedule

Wins

Play Calling

Key Additions

• QB Jacoby Brissett

Key Departures

• None

Notable Coaching Changes

• None

Kyler Murray

Bottom Line: Murray’s a Solid Starting Option with Upside

Murray re-established himself as a reliable dual-threat fantasy QB in 2024, finishing top-10 in total points despite modest passing TDs and reduced rushing. If he runs more in 2025, Murray should deliver QB1 production again.

2024 Summary

Healthy, Productive, Still a Fantasy Factor

Murray played every game for the first time since 2020. That marked a particularly refreshing rebound from the 15 games he lost over the previous two years, primarily to the late-2022 ACL tear.

The passing numbers proved solid:

• 3,851 passing yards (11th in the league)
• 21 TDs (13th)
• 2.1% INT rate (16th among qualifiers)

And the rushing delivered a boost, of course. Despite setting a career low in carries per game, Murray’s yards per game fell in line with most of his career. And his totals stacked up well vs. the QB field:

• 78 carries (eighth)
• 572 yards (fourth)
• 5 TDs (sixth)

Murray put all that together to rank 10th among QBs in total fantasy points but just 14th in points per game. He delivered seven top-12 weeks and fell outside the top 24 just twice.

For his career, the QB has ranked top-12 in points per game all six seasons.

Arizona Slapped a Boot on This Vehicle

Murray didn’t run less by accident. He got the fewest designed rushes of his career by a wide margin. Check out the annual per-game numbers:

• 2019 – 4.1
• 2020 – 5.1
• 2021 – 4.2
• 2022 – 3.8
• 2023 – 3.5
• 2024 – 2.2

Yeah, the Cards decreased the designed runs by 37% vs. the season in which Murray was coming off ACL reconstruction. (More on this later.) His total rushing attempts per game have also trended down from a career-high 8.3 in 2020 to last year’s career-low 4.6.

Arizona opted instead to drop the wee man back at a higher rate as the year progressed. The team went from minus-5.1% pass rate vs. expectation through Week 10 to 6.7% pass rate over expectation after the Week 11 bye.

Passing Efficiency Didn’t Match Volume

That increased passing met with just mid-level efficiency, though:

• 75.9 PFF pass grade (15th among qualifiers)
• 75.6% adjusted completion rate (18th)
• 2.2% turnover-worthy play rate (10th-lowest)
• 2.1% completion rate over expected (17th) 

Murray left points on the field by missing TD opportunities. His 28.3 expected passing TDs ranked seventh in the league, according to PFF. The 21 TDs he actually completed tied for just 13th. That means room for potential regression in 2025, though.

Injuries Finally Not an Issue

After returning from ACL surgery in 2023, Murray played a full 17-game season in 2024 without major injury. 

He should be fully healthy coming into 2025.

2025 Expectations

Same Faces, Bigger Expectations

Murray will benefit from consistency in his supporting cast.

Second-year WR Marvin Harrison Jr. will look to take the next step to becoming an elite receiving option. WRs Michael Wilson and Zay Jones also return.

Trey McBride became the highest-paid TE in the NFL with a new deal this offseason. They also return blocking TE Tip Reiman.

RB James Conner appears locked into the lead back role with second-year RB Trey Benson still developing. 

All five OL starters return in OTs Paris Johnson Jr. and Jonah William and interior linemen Evan Brown, Hjalte Froholdt, and Isaiah Adams.

Last year, the O-line had a 60% pass block win rate (16th) and 72% run blocking win rate (11th).

Coaching & Offensive Scheme

OC Drew Petzing's system blended horizontal spacing with occasional deep shots and leaned heavily on yards after catch. 

The Cardinals ranked 21st in the NFL in total plays and 19th in pace.

Their pass rate was only 22nd in the NFL, but they were 11th in neutral pass rate. 

The team continued to focus on running with James Conner finishing 11th in rush attempts and third in yards per carry.

James Conner

Bottom Line: Thank Your League Mates for Letting Him Fall

Conner delivered another quietly elite season in 2024, finishing as a top-12 fantasy back with outstanding efficiency and consistent weekly production. Despite modest usage in the passing game, he enters 2025 as the locked-in lead back in Arizona and continues to be underrated by fantasy drafters.

2024 Summary

Conner Delivers Yet Again

Conner recorded 1,094 rushing yards (11th) and 8 rushing TDs (13th) on 236 carries, while adding 47 receptions (10th) for 414 receiving yards (sixth) and a score. 

He tallied 251.8 PPR points (RB11) and averaged 15.7 points per game (RB11). 

Conner finished as a top-12 RB six times and top-24 in 12 games, with only two games outside the top 36 -- a picture of weekly consistency.

Nobody Threatened His Role

Conner averaged 15.5 carries (56.0% share) and 3.5 targets per game (11.3% share). 

He dominated short-yardage work, handling 80% of Arizona’s inside-the-5 rush attempts (12 total). 

Conner's target share also rose slightly late in the season when Trey Benson and Emari Demercado were out. 

He was the clear feature back on both early downs and in red-zone situations.

Conner Made Defenders Miss All Year

Conner was one of the most efficient RBs in the NFL in 2024:

• 90.6 PFF rushing grade (fourth)
• 3.30 yards after contact per attempt (15th)
• 0.29 missed tackles forced per attempt (second)
• 100.3 elusive rating (seventh)
• 1.54 yards per route run (seventh among RBs)

Conner continued to thrive in gap-heavy concepts (162 gap vs. 70 zone runs) and finished 13th in breakaway run rate (31.0%), despite being viewed as more of a bruiser than a burner.

Cardinals Changed Focus But Not Leading Man

Arizona leaned on Conner and the run, ranking third in yards per carry and seventh in rush yards. 

The Cardinals began the season run-heavy (-5.1% pass rate over expected pre-bye), then flipped pass-heavy after Week 11 (+6.7% PROE), but Conner’s production remained stable.

The One Red Flag

Conner stayed healthy through most of the fantasy season, but a knee injury in Week 17 landed him on injured reserve to end the season.

He has missed at least one game every season since 2019, and now has been placed on IR due to a knee injury for two straight seasons.

Entering 2025 at age 30, durability remains his biggest question.

2025 Expectations

Still the Man in the Desert

Conner enters 2025 as the unquestioned No. 1 RB for Arizona. He signed a two-year deal keeping him on the team through 2026. 

Second-year RB Trey Benson will be the primary backup while being developed as a complement to Conner.

The Cardinals return veterans Emari Demercado and DeeJay Dallas.

Arizona Relying on Same Cast

QB Kyler Murray leads a group of returning skill players looking to take the next step.

Second-year WR Marvin Harrison Jr. will look to take the next step to becoming an elite receiving option. WRs Michael Wilson and Zay Jones also return.

Trey McBride became the highest-paid TE in the NFL with a new deal this offseason. They also return blocking TE Tip Reiman.

All five OL starters return in OTs Paris Johnson Jr. and Jonah Williams and interior linemen Evan Brown, Hjalte Froholdt, and Isaiah Adams.

Last year, the OL had a 60% pass block win rate (16th) and 72% run blocking win rate (11th).

Scheme Fit Remains Strong for Conner

OC Drew Petzing's system blended horizontal spacing with occasional deep shots and leaned heavily on yards after catch. 

The Cardinals ranked 21st in the NFL in total plays and 19th in pace.

Their pass rate was only 22nd in the NFL, but they were 11th in neutral pass rate. 

The team continued to focus on running with Conner ranking 11th in rush attempts and third in yards per carry.

Trey Benson

Bottom Line: Handcuff with Juice

Benson flashed explosiveness and elusiveness in limited work during his rookie season, showing he can be a complement to James Conner. Though his 2024 usage was modest, he enters 2025 as a high-upside No. 2 back with the potential to carve out a bigger role, especially if Conner misses time.

2024 Summary

Quiet Year, Loud Moments

Benson logged 63 carries for 291 yards and a TD last year. He caught all six of his targets for 59 yards across limited action. 

He delivered two top-24 fantasy finishes, showcasing efficiency and playmaking despite limited volume. 

While not a weekly contributor, his flashes hinted at bigger things ahead.

Rookie Effective with Limited Opportunities

Benson operated behind James Conner for most of the season, serving as a change-of-pace and gap-scheme runner. 

He logged 47 carries on gap concepts vs. just 16 zone runs, fitting Arizona’s power-based approach. 

Though he wasn’t heavily used in the passing game, he caught every target thrown his way and was effective in space.

Metrics Say He's Ready for More

Benson’s underlying metrics stood out, even on a small sample:

• 3.33 yards after contact per attempt (15th among RBs with 60+ carries)
• 91.8 PFF elusive rating (eighth)
• 70.2 PFF receiving grade (14th)
• 1.26 yards per route run (21st)

His breakaway run rate (17.9%) was modest, but his contact balance and agility helped him force missed tackles and maximize limited touches.

2025 Expectations

One Snap Away from Fantasy Upside

Benson projects as the No. 2 RB behind James Conner but could be in line for increased touches in early-down and passing situations. 

If Conner were to miss time or see a reduced workload, Benson’s efficiency suggests he could step into a high-impact fantasy role. 

Veterans Emari Demercado and DeeJay Dallas also return, but are unlikely to be major threats to Benson’s role.

Expect him to begin the year as a high-upside handcuff with potential to put up RB2 numbers if Conner goes down with injury.

Familiar Cast Offers No New Challenges

QB Kyler Murray leads a group of returning skill players looking to take the next step.

Second-year WR Marvin Harrison Jr. will look to take the next step to becoming an elite receiving option. WRs Michael Wilson and Zay Jones also return.

Trey McBride became the highest-paid TE in the NFL with a new deal this offseason. They also return blocking TE Tip Reiman.

All five OL starters return in OTs Paris Johnson Jr. and Jonah Williams and interior linemen Evan Brown, Hjalte Froholdt, and Isaiah Adams.

Last year, the OL had a 60% pass block win rate (16th) and 72% run blocking win rate (11th).

Benson Would Find Friendly System if Elevated

OC Drew Petzing's system blended horizontal spacing with occasional deep shots and leaned heavily on yards after catch. 

The Cardinals ranked 21st in the NFL in total plays and 19th in pace.

Their pass rate was only 22nd in the NFL, but they were 11th in neutral pass rate. 

The team continued to focus on running, with Conner ranking 11th in rush attempts and third in yards per carry.

Marvin Harrison Jr.

Bottom Line: Second-Year Leap Possible, Not Guaranteed

Harrison’s rookie season ultimately disappointed with inconsistent usage and an inefficient deep connection. He returns to a very similar situation in 2025, but his overall profile suggests a second-year leap is possible.

2024 Summary

Touchdowns Helped Mask Inconsistency

Harrison posted 198.5 PPR points (WR30) and averaged 11.7 PPR points per game (WR45). 

He totaled 62 receptions for 885 yards (30th) and 8 TDs (T-12th) on 116 targets (20th). 

He recorded two top-12 fantasy finishes and six inside the top 24, but struggled for consistency with nine finishes outside the top 36.

Role Helped Drive Inconsistent Output

Harrison played 74.1% of his snaps out wide, serving as Arizona’s primary perimeter target. 

He commanded a 27.6% first-read target rate (30th) and had a 14.2-yard aDOT (11th), with nearly 25% of his targets coming 20+ yards downfield. 

He functioned as Kyler Murray’s go-to deep threat and contested-catch option but was often used in low-percentage situations.

Metrics Raise More Questions Than Hopes

Harrison Jr. flashed a bit, but his underlying metrics leave a lot to be desired. 

• 1.63 yards per route run (49th)
• 77.2 PFF receiving grade (28th)
• 2.4 yards after catch per reception (77th)
• 0.22 targets per route (56th)
• 1.6% drop rate (78th)

Harrison saw 38 contested targets (3rd most) but caught just 42.1% of them, below his 55.7% expected rate, highlighting a disconnect between his separation and actual ball placement.

Offense Leaned Pass Late in Year

The Cardinals’ passing game opened up after the Week 11 bye, shifting from a -5.1% pass rate over expected to +6.7%. They still ranked just 22nd in overall pass rate. 

QB Kyler Murray was efficient but conservative, averaging only 5.0 air yards per completion. 

That made Harrison's downfield-heavy role difficult to convert into consistent production.

Some Precedent for Year 2 Leap

Harrison’s 11.56 PPR points per game aligns with several high-profile rookie WRs, many of whom made big second-year jumps (e.g. Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, DeVonta Smith). 

His profile, high aDOT, low drop rate, and heavy contested target volume is consistent with a No. 1 WR archetype. 

He underperformed his expected receiving yards by 100 last year, pointing to untapped upside.

Can't Get Much More Durable

Harrison suffered a minor concussion in Week 6 but did not miss any games.

He has never missed a game in his entire football career.

2025 Expectations

McBride the Only Real Target Threat

Harrison will return as Kyler Murray’s No. 1 WR and primary deep/intermediate target.

WR Michael Wilson is expected to start on the other side with WR Zay Jones also earning some work.

The depth for the Cardinals is lacking with Greg Dortch, Simi Fehoko, and Quez Watkins filling out the group.

The main competition for targets will come from TE Trey McBride, who earned 147 last season.

Passing Progression Could Unlock Offense

QB Kyler Murray leads the group of returning skill players looking to take the next step. The offense increased in pass rate late in the season as Murray showed progression in that area. 

Murray had the lowest rush rate of his career. If that continues into 2025, it should mean more passes to his top weapons.

All five OL starters return in OTs Paris Johnson Jr. and Jonah Williams and interior linemen Evan Brown, Hjalte Froholdt, and Isaiah Adams.

Last year, the OL had a 60% pass block win rate (16th) and 72% run blocking win rate (11th).

Michael Wilson

Bottom Line: Wilson Needs Help to be Relevant

Wilson operated as a starting WR for the Cardinals last year but lacked the targets or production to be a fantasy difference maker. He enters 2025 as a rotational option with limited standalone upside.

2024 Summary

Wilson Rarely Proved Startable

Wilson totaled 47 receptions for 548 yards and 4 TDs on 71 targets, finishing with 126.5 PPR points (WR59) and just 7.9 points per game (WR79). 

He had no top-24 finishes, just two top-30 weeks, and 12 games outside the top 36, making him largely unusable in most fantasy formats.

He Served as Complement, Not Target Earner

Wilson played primarily on the perimeter (74.1% wide) and held a low-volume role with a 16.3% first-read target share (77th). 

He was deployed as a field stretcher with a 14.2-yard average depth of target (11th highest), but his role was mostly as a complementary downfield piece behind more established targets like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride.

Wilson’s 2024 efficiency metrics were underwhelming:

• 1.63 yards per route (49th)
• 77.2 PFF receiving grade (28th)
• 2.4 yards after catch per reception (77th)
• 1.6% drop rate 

Despite better hands and a slightly improved route profile, he remained inefficient after the catch and did not demand targets consistently.

No Volume Growth Despite Scheme Shift

Arizona’s offense became more aggressive post-Week 11, shifting from a -5.1% pass rate over expected to +6.7%. But Wilson’s usage did not scale with the change. 

He operated in a system that ranked 2nd in yards per attempt, yet he wasn’t a primary target in the vertical game, even with Kyler Murray pushing the ball more downfield late in the year.

After an injury-shortened rookie season in 2023, Wilson’s 2024 showed durability but confirmed his limited fantasy role.

Although he has flashed as a deep threat, he has yet to command significant volume or deliver spike weeks, and his usage profile has plateaued.

No Worrisome Injury History

Last year, Wilson only missed the season finale with a hamstring injury.

He missed four games in 2023 due to neck and shoulder injuries.

2025 Expectations

Clear WR2, Clear Fantasy Afterthought

Wilson returns in 2025 as the No. 2 WR behind Marvin Harrison Jr., but also remains behind TE Trey McBride in terms of targets. 

He does sit safely ahead of fellow WRs Zay Jones and Greg Dortch.

His outside role keeps him on the field, but Wilson is far down the pecking order for QB Kyler Murray.

QB's Growth Could Lift the Offense

Murray leads the group of returning skill players looking to take the next step. The offense increased in pass rate late in the season as Murray showed progression in that area. 

Murray had the lowest rush rate of his career. If that continues into 2025, it should mean more passes to his top weapons.

All five OL starters return in OTs Paris Johnson Jr. and Jonah Williams and interior linemen Evan Brown, Hjalte Froholdt, and Isaiah Adams.

Last year, the OL had a 60% pass block win rate (16th) and 72% run blocking win rate (11th).

Trey McBride

Bottom Line: You'll Have to Pay Up, But McBride Looks Elite for Position

McBride broke out as an elite TE in 2024, ranking second in every major volume metric at the position and leading all TEs in target share and first-read usage. Despite scoring just two TDs, he was a weekly difference-maker and enters 2025 as a locked-in top-2 fantasy TE with room for positive TD regression.

2024 Summary

McBride Didn't Need TDs to Be Weekly Hammer

McBride finished the season with 147 targets (second among TEs), 111 catches (second), and 1,146 receiving yards (second). 

Though he only scored 2 TDs (T-25th), he still posted 243.8 PPR points (TE2) and 15.2 points per game (TE3). 

He delivered 12 top-12 finishes, nine top-5 finishes, and only two games outside the top 20, providing elite consistency at a volatile position.

No TE Earned More Volume

McBride was the focal point of Arizona’s passing game, leading all TEs with a 28.2% target share and 33.6% first-read rate. 

He ran routes 51.9% from the slot and 39.9% in-line, giving him WR-like deployment. 

He also averaged 9.2 targets and 6.9 receptions per game, both tops among TEs.

Here's Why They Kept Giving Him the Ball

McBride’s usage was elite, and his efficiency backed it up:

• 2.14 yards per route (third among TEs)
• 86.8 PFF receiving grade (second)
• 4.7 yards after catch per reception (25th)

His 34 red-zone targets (first) and nine end-zone targets (T-fourth) show massive scoring opportunity, even if his actual 1-of-9 conversion rate on end-zone targets (11.1%) lagged well behind the league average.

McBride Thrived No Matter the Script

Arizona finished 12th in total plays and operated with increasing pass rate post-bye, shifting from minus-5.1% in pass rate vs. expectation to 6.7% pass rate over expected. McBride thrived through both phases, benefiting from Arizona’s top-10 pass-blocking line and a Kyler Murray-led offense that emphasizes quick reads and mismatches. 

The system routinely prioritized McBride in the short to intermediate range, particularly on third downs. 

With more red zone work, McBride’s usage in the offense becomes elite.

And He Brings No Injury Concerns

McBride suffered a concussion early in the season, but he did not miss any games.

He has never missed an NFL game due to injury.

2025 Expectations

Minimal Changes Mean Maximum Volume

McBride enters 2025 as the Cardinals’ top pass-catcher, even with WR Marvin Harrison Jr. onboard. 

Behind him is TE Tip Reiman, whose role mostly centers around blocking, and Elijah Higgins as the backup receiving TE option.

The Cardinals made no significant additions to the WR room with Michael Wilson and Zay Jones returning. 

Unchanged Offense Relies on QB Improvement

QB Kyler Murray leads the group of returning skill players looking to take the next step. The offense increased in pass rate late in the season as Murray showed progression in that area. 

Murray had the lowest rush rate of his career. If that continues into 2025, it should mean more passes to his top weapons.

All five OL starters return in OTs Paris Johnson Jr. and Jonah Williams and interior linemen Evan Brown, Hjalte Froholdt, and Isaiah Adams.

Last year, the OL had a 60% pass block win rate (16th) and 72% run blocking win rate (11th).

How Do Cardinals Fit in the Rankings?

Does Marvin Harrison Jr. make sense as a draft target? Only one way to find out.

Check the fantasy football rankings for your format now to see if we like him as much as you do.

Matt and Jared break down the Cardinals -- and the rest of the NFC West -- in this video ... 

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Will Liam Coen's Departure Sink The Buccaneers?

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Shane Hallam, Writer

Shane has over 20 years of experience creating content and playing every fantasy football format, including redraft, dynasty, devy, C2C, IDP, CFF, and more. He is a multi-year winner of $500 dynasty leagues on the FFPC and a King's Classic Champion. Shane utilizes deep film and scheme study to enhance his fantasy performance. He led the industry in 2024 preseason Kicker Rankings and ranked second in preseason QB Rankings. He also ranked eighth in preseason IDP rankings.