As part of the Sharp Football Draft Kit, Raymond Summerlin is posting a fantasy football preview for all 32 NFL teams.
This preview includes advanced stats, the fantasy football outlook for Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr, Trey McBride, James Conner, Trey Benson, and every other notable Cardinal as well as in-depth analysis of the coaching staff, passing game, and rushing attack.
Find a link to every team preview in our Draft Kit Hub.
- After Kyler Murray returned in Week 10, the Cardinals were 10th in yards per play and ninth in points per drive.
- Murray completed 42.5% of his targets of more than 20 air yards and averaged 14.8 yards per attempt on those throws in his first three seasons. Over the last two years, he has completed just 27.3% of those attempts with a 7.6 yards per attempt average.
- Among 68 qualified running backs, James Conner finished seventh in yards per carry (5.0), sixth in explosive run rate (14.9%), and second in yards after contact per rush (3.93) last season.
2023 Cardinals Stats (NFL Rank):
- Points: 330 (24th)
- Total Offense: 5,509 (19th)
- Plays: 1,068 (18th)
- Yards Per Play: 5.2 (14th)
- Offensive TDs: 35 (21st)
- Points Per Drive: 1.79 (21st)
- Situation Neutral Pace: 28.5 (20th)
2024 Cardinals Coaching Staff:
- Head Coach: Jonathan Gannon
- Offensive Coordinator: Drew Petzing
Given Kyler Murray missed the beginning of the season, when projecting forward with OC Drew Petzing, it makes sense to look at what the Cardinals did after Murray returned rather than the season-long stats.
Murray returned in Week 10, playing eight full games to close out the season.
Over that span, the Cardinals were 10th in yards per play and ninth in points per drive.
Their neutral pass rate went up from 42.4% over the first nine weeks, which was dead last by a considerable distance, to 50.2% over the final nine weeks.
That late-season rate was still 22nd in the league over that span, so they did not turn into a pass-heavy team in the context of the league, but that was also with Murray just returning from injury and the team lacking quality targets outside of Trey McBride.
This team likely ends up being a little more pass heavy than last season with a healthy Murray, McBride, and Marvin Harrison Jr. in the fold, but Petzing also deserves credit for getting the running game moving last year.
Without much of a passing attack for most of the year, Petzing coordinated an RB running game that finished fourth in yards per carry and third in EPA per rush.
We have to see what things look like with a healthy Murray and (hopefully) an alpha WR1, but the early returns from Petzing are promising.
If those early returns turn into the baseline expectations, Arizona’s offense could be a source of excellent fantasy value.
Don't miss out on the best fantasy football coverage in the business
Like the NFL, fantasy football never sleeps.
Best ball season is in full swing, and traditional drafts are right around the corner.
Sharp Football has everything you need to prepare for both in our Fantasy Football Draft Kit, powered by premier fantasy football analyst Rich Hribar.
Save more by bundling the Draft Kit with our in-season fantasy package that features Rich's comprehensive “Worksheet” preview of every game, every week of the NFL season.
Click here for more information about our fantasy coverage!
2023 Cardinals Passing Stats:
- Dropbacks: 629 (22nd)
- Neutral Pass Rate: 46.2% (31st)
- Pass Rate Over Expected: -6.5% (31st)
- Pressure Rate Allowed: 35% (13th)
- ESPN Pass Block Win Rate: 57% (19th)
2024 Cardinals Passing Game Preview:
To continue reading this article
and gain access to all of Rich Hribar's industry leading content both before and during the season, click below to purchase our fantasy football bundle.
Learn More
