The NFL season is almost here. You know what that means. It's fantasy football time. Which players should you draft? Who should you stay from? All 32 teams have guys you need to target for your team this upcoming season. So, we'll cover all of them before the start of the season. Up next are the Arizona Cardinals.
*statistics from ESPN*
Players You Need To Target
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 25: Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. poses for portraits after being selected fourth overall in the first round by the Arizona Cardinals during the 2024 NFL draft on April 25, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
WR Marvin Harrison Jr (projected 228.34 fantasy points)
Arguably the most pro-ready receiver in the draft, the former Ohio State product was drafted by the Cardinals at fourth overall. The expectations are clear, as he looks to be the team's WR1 from the start. It makes sense, considering the depth behind him (Zay Jones, Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch) aren't "top-wideout material".
But, Harrison is ready for the challenge. He was sensational in his last two years at Ohio State, catching 144 balls for 2,474 yards and 28 touchdowns. Productivity will continue in the pros, as Kyler Murray will look to target him early and often.
Consider this: DeAndre Hopkins ranked in the top 15 of all wide receivers in terms of fantasy points during his three years in Arizona. It should be to no one's surprise if Harrison has the same fate. Look to target him in the second or third round of your fantasy draft. Otherwise, he is as good as gone.
QB Kyler Murray (projected 263.41 fantasy points)
Take this as you wish: Murray missed the first nine weeks of the season last year recovering from an ACL injury he suffered in 2022. But, he still finished with 146.36 points in 2023. Not bad, right?
In Murray's eight starts, five of them saw him record at least 17 fantasy points. He was a solid choice for managers in the playoffs to start, with 23.68 points in week 17 and 17.78 points in week 18.
He may have been inefficient as a passer, completing just 65.7% of his passes (lowest since rookie season). His QBR was at 47.2, which was the lowest it's ever been in his career.
But, things have changed. Despite an underwhelming receiver corps, he found a dependable weapon in tight end Trey McBride. Not only that, the front office grabbed a WR1 in rookie Marvin Harrison Jr in the 2024 draft.
With those two guys, along with his scrambling ability, he is a QB1 for fantasy managers in 2024. As long as he stays healthy, he's one of the top dual-threat signal-callers in the league.
Other Names To Consider From The Arizona Cardinals
- RB James Conner: Missed four games with a knee injury. But, shined in the last five games of the season (four performances of at least 22 fantasy points). Arizona drafting RB Trey Benson may eat into his carries, so keep that in mind.
- TE Trey McBride: Led all Cardinals pass-catchers in receptions and yards in 2023. Built rapport with Murray and looks to be second-best weapon behind Harrison Jr.
Players To Avoid Drafting
NASHVILLE, TN - JANUARY 07: Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones (7) runs past Tennessee Titans cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (0) during the NFL game between the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars on January 7, 2024, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. (Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WR Zay Jones (projected 121.8 fantasy points)
We tend to forget Jones had the 17th-most catches out of all wideouts in 2022, and finished as WR26. Not too bad, considering he was behind guys like Christian Kirk and Marvin Jones Jr. on the depth chart. It shows what he can do if given the opportunity.
But, he may not get that in Arizona. He'll have to battle with Harrison Jr. and McBride for Murray's consistent attention. Not only that, but second-year wideout Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch will also battle it out for the WR2 spot.
With that uncertainty, Jones isn't anything more to me than a late-round pick. It's not the end of the world passing on him.
A Rookie To Target
RB Trey Benson (projected 109.09 fantasy points)
The 6'0", 223-pound rookie out of Florida State is ready for the pros. Big and fast, he has all the looks to become a three-down back in the league.
In 2023, Benson ran for 905 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Seminoles. Talk about productivity. No wonder the Arizona Cardinals drafted him.
Of course, he'll begin as the primary backup behind James Conner. But, consider Conner's injury history plus his age, Benson is an insurance policy worth taking in the late rounds. If anything happens to the veteran, Benson will be a RB2 that will be in starting fantasy lineups. Better to get ahead of the competition.
Thank you for reading! We have a lot more fantasy content for you in store, so make sure to check back soon for more team breakdowns in the coming days and weeks! Visit us at Belly Up Fantasy Sports so you don't miss out! Also, check out me and my co-host Brian Germinaro on the Third and Ten Podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts!
Featured Image: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
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