Several Arizona Cardinals could be fantasy studs this season
By Jim Koch
Rotisserie football players would be wise to keep the Arizona Cardinals in mind when they assemble their teams this summer
One of the most significant strides made by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019 was on the offensive side of the ball. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury and his “Air Raid” system put the club’s scoring attack back on the map. Monumental steps were taken by the offense, and many prognosticators believe that the group will be even more potent this season.
For that very reason, it would be incredibly wise for fantasy football players across the country to take notice of what Arizona has to offer. Three Cardinals in particular are poised to put up huge numbers for the franchise this coming fall. In fact, each member of the trio has the potential to finish in the top-five of their respective positions in fantasy points accumulated this year.
Perhaps the most explosive component of the threesome was just acquired by the Cards this past March. DeAndre Hopkins, a four-time Pro Bowler from the Houston Texans, happens to be one of the most productive wide receivers in the NFL. The 28-year old is fresh off of a campaign in which he totaled 104 receptions, 1,165 receiving yards and seven touchdowns for the Texans.
Kyler Murray‘s big-league arm and outstanding running ability should make him one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in fantasy football this season. The 5’10, 207 pound dynamo racked up 3,722 yards and 20 scores through the air in ’19, and another 544 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. With a year of professional experience now under his belt, it’s an almost certainty that Murray will top those statistics dramatically in 2020.
Kenyan Drake ran roughshod over opposing defenses in the eight games he appeared in for Arizona last year. The former Miami Dolphins running back tallied 643 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground during his limited time with Big Red. It’s exciting to imagine the type of numbers that Drake should be able to generate in 16 contests for the Cardinals this fall.
There are a couple of other Cards who should warrant consideration from rotisserie participants. Legendary wideout Larry Fitzgerald continues to produce, despite the fact that he”ll turn 37 in August. Zane Gonzalez registered 127 points in ’19, the fourth-highest total among the league’s placekickers in ’19.
Back in 2018, Arizona had the worst offense in the National Football League. Some impressive additions by the organization’s front office over the last two years has turned things around. Anyone who dreams of a fantasy football championship in ’20 should certainly look to the Cardinals for some help in achieving that goal.