Fantasy Preview: Cardinals' Core Four on Offense All Have Big Upside

By Jack Dougherty

The Arizona Cardinals are 12-22 in two seasons under head coach Jonathan Gannon, but there are higher expectations heading into 2025 with the offensive core of Kyler Murray, James Conner, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride back in action. Arizona has a win total of 8.5 and a make-the-playoffs price of +126, proving that oddsmakers believe this could be the most successful season in the Gannon era. 

The Cardinals focused their offseason efforts on improving the defense, as they signed defensive linemen Josh Sweat and Dalvin Tomlinson in free agency, brought back veteran Calais Campbell and took a swing on Michigan cornerback Will Johnson in the draft. This should be a much-improved defensive unit, but Arizona won’t reach its ceiling unless Murray takes a big step forward. 

Odds to Make Playoffs: +126

Quarterback: Kyler Murray

• 2024-25 stats: 17 games, 372-541, 68.8% completion, 3,851 yards, 7.1 yards per attempt, 93.5 passer rating, 21 touchdowns, 11 interceptions

• Murray has his flaws on the football field, but he’s been an incredibly consistent fantasy weapon who’s ranked 12th or better in points per game in each of the last five seasons. If you miss out on the elite quarterbacks in your draft, Murray is a great mid-round option due to his rushing floor and immense upside. 

Running Back: James Conner 

• 2024-25 stats: 16 games, 236 carries, 1,094 yards, 4.6 average, 84 touchdowns, 68.4 yards/game, 1 fumble lost

• Conner is always a great value in drafts because fantasy owners don’t love his upside. Since joining the Cardinals in 2021, the veteran has averaged 78.0 rushing yards per game and scored 44 touchdowns. Conner is a solid RB2 option again.

Wide Receiver: Marvin Harrison Jr.

• 2024-25 stats: 17 games, 62 receptions, 116 targets, 885 yards, 14.3 average, 8 touchdowns, 52.1 yards/game, 148 yards after catch

• Harrison averaged only 11.6 fantasy points per game as a rookie, but he showed a ton of promise as a deep threat and big-play generator. If he can improve his consistency and get better quarterback play from Murray, Harrison has the upside to finish as a top-20 WR in 2025. 

Tight End: Trey McBride 

• 2024-25 stats: 16 games, 111 receptions, 147 targets, 1,146 yards, 10.3 average, 2 touchdowns, 71.6  yards/game, 513 yards after catch

• McBride ranked second among tight ends in total fantasy points last season despite scoring only two touchdowns. He’s a clear top-three tight end worth a second-round pick due to how aggressively the position drops off after the top tier. 

Defense

• 2024-25 stats: 22.3 points allowed per game, 43.75% 3rd down, 58.33% 4th down, 9 interceptions, 41 sacks, 17 fumbles caused, 8 fumbles recovered, 2 touchdowns

• The Cardinals have an underrated fantasy defense heading into the 2025 season due to the upgrades they made on the defensive line. Arizona also plays the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers to start the year, so this unit is poised to get off to a hot start.