The Arizona Cardinals, on paper, look to be great fantasy football options.
But that’s it, that’s the point. For those who play fantasy football, relying on a ton of Arizona Cardinals players is not the move. Why would that be?
First off, let’s start off with potentially the biggest issue. The Arizona Cardinals could monumentally collapse for the third straight season. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray only eclipsed 300 passing yards three different times last year, with only one of those coming in the last ten games of the regular season.
This would create a problem for those fantasy managers hoping to cash in on either Rondale Moore, A.J. Green, or Marquise “Hollywood” Brown’s potentially increased role due to DeAndre Hopkins’ suspension.
If fantasy managers want to draft any of these players for the first six weeks, then feel free. But they shouldn’t be relying upon Arizona to help them win their matchups down the road.
The Arizona Cardinals should really be avoided in fantasy football this year.
The only Cardinals player worth getting is Murray, as he will dictate his success. Murray lost the most targeted player on the team last year in Christian Kirk (103 targets), and it’s unknown where those targets will be dispersed.
Additionally, the unknown status of Rodney Hudson creates a situation where Justin Pugh, who’s spent his whole career playing guard, could be moved to center after being lured out of retirement by a big contract.
Fantasy managers remember when Hudson was out in 2021- the Cardinals’ offense was downright atrocious. Murray had no time, especially since Aaron Donald is continuing his upward ascent as one of the best defensive tackles to ever play the game.
Another reason is that the Cardinals have the second-toughest schedule in the NFL, including some incredibly tough matchups down the stretch. Just take a look at this:
- Week 10: at Los Angeles Rams
- Week 11: San Francisco (in Mexico City)
- Week 12: vs. LA Chargers (12th-ranked passing defense in 2021)
- Week 14: vs. New England (2nd-least passing yards allowed in 2021)
- Week 15: at Denver (cold-weather, high elevation game late in the season)
- Week 16: vs. Tampa Bay
This is one heck of a gauntlet that creates a ton of uncertainty for reliable production. Let’s not forget Murray locks onto one wide receiver more than spreading the ball around. Don’t believe me? Go look at his distribution in 2019 and 2020.
It’s time to stay away from the Cardinals this season unless it’s Murray himself. His wide receivers could see highly sporadic games. So unless you’re desperate for a flyer, you’re better off finding a more reliable option in your lineup as the fantasy playoffs get closer.