Arizona Cardinals News

NFC WEST

James Conner • RB • Cardinals

James Conner Is A Solid RB1 In Week 16

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner is a must-start RB1 in Week 16 when the Cardinals face the Carolina Panthers on the road. Conner will look to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards for a second straight season, entering this game with 973 yards. He has been a workhorse all year, posting ten games with 20 or more touches. The Cardinals have no margin for error if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive, and the offense has relied on Conner to carry the load. Since signing his contract extension, Conner has put together back-to-back games with 90 or more rushing yards. The vibes are high with Conner and the Cardinals' rushing attack, and fantasy managers should trust him in this matchup.

7 hours ago

Kyler Murray • QB • Cardinals

Kyler Murray Is A Top-Five Quarterback Play In Week 16

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is a top-five quarterback play when the Cardinals travel to Carolina to take on the Panthers. Murray hasn't lit up the box score in recent weeks, but his Week 15 performance against the Patriots was a step toward returning to his usual output. He kept the ball clean last week, ending his streak of three games with a turnover. The Panthers' defense ranks 27th in points allowed to opposing quarterbacks in fantasy. It will be a colder game in Carolina, which could be an adjustment for the Cardinals' offense, but Murray has played well in cold games throughout his career. The matchup with the Panthers' defense and Murray's rushing ability make him a desirable start in fantasy in Week 16.

8 hours ago

Paris Johnson Jr. • OT • Cardinals

Paris Johnson Jr. Out For Cardinals In Week 16

Arizona Cardinals left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. (knee) has been ruled out for the team's Week 16 contest this Sunday at the Carolina Panthers, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon. With Johnson sidelined, offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum will slide into the starting left tackle spot and protect quarterback Kyler Murray's blind side this weekend. Johnson, the sixth overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft out of Ohio State, started all 17 games in his rookie campaign last year and had started all 14 games this year before injuring his knee in the Week 15 win over the New England Patriots. Fantasy managers should still be starting Murray in the fantasy playoffs in a plus matchup, but Johnson being out is definitely a downgrade for the Cardinals' offense overall in Week 16.

13 hours ago

DeeJay Dallas • RB • Cardinals

DeeJay Dallas Questionable For Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (undisclosed) was added to the final injury report on Friday for Week 16 action and is considered questionable to play on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. Rookie Trey Benson (ankle) has already been ruled out, and Emari Demercado (back) was placed on Injured Reserve, so starter James Conner is now the only healthy RB on the team's roster at the moment. At this point, it would be a surprise if Arizona didn't promote both Michael Carter and Tony Jones from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster for the weekend. The 26-year-old Dallas had a season-high four carries for 15 yards in last week's win over the New England Patriots with Benson getting injured. Even if Dallas manages to get the green light to play on Sunday in Carolina, he will not have any standalone fantasy appeal.

15 hours ago

Trey Benson • RB • Cardinals

Trey Benson Ruled Out For Week 16

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers, according to ESPN's Josh Weinfuss. Benson, a rookie, has consistently operated as the Cardinals' No. 2 running back behind James Conner, totaling 291 rushing yards, 59 receiving yards, and one touchdown this year. With Benson sidelined and Emari Demercado (back) on injured reserve, the Cardinals will call upon DeeJay Dallas to back up Conner in Week 16. For fantasy purposes, Conner, who was the overall RB1 last week, is the only Arizona running back worth rostering and starting on Sunday.

19 hours ago

Trey Benson • RB • Cardinals

Trey Benson Not Practicing Wednesday

Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Trey Benson (ankle) was labeled as a non-participant for the team's first practice ahead of Week 16. The rookie picked up the injury in last Sunday's 30-17 win over the New England Patriots late in the fourth quarter and did not return to the contest. It's not the best start to the week for Benson. He'll have another two opportunities to upgrade his practice status before the Cardinals take on the Carolina Panthers in a road tilt this weekend. With teammate Emari Demercado (back) on Injured Reserve, Arizona would be down to just James Conner and DeeJay Dallas manning the backfield if Benson was not healthy enough to suit up against Carolina. Conner would likely absorb more touches than usual if that's the case.

2 days ago

Tony Jones • RB • Cardinals

Tony Jones Added To Cardinals Practice Squad

The Arizona Cardinals signed veteran free-agent running back Tony Jones to the practice squad on Wednesday, according to NFL.com. The 27-year-old was on the team's preseason roster but was released just ahead of the regular season. With Emari Demercado (back) on Injured Reserve and Trey Benson (ankle) dealing with an ankle injury, the Cardinals running back rook behind James Conner is beginning to get thin. DeeJay Dallas would likely operate as the RB2 behind Conner against the Carolina Panthers this weekend if Benson can't play, but Jones could be elevated to the active roster and back him up. Jones has rushed 93 times for 274 yards and two touchdowns in 25 career games with the Saints, Seahawks, and Cardinals.

2 days ago

Matt Prater • K • Cardinals

Matt Prater Returns To Practice On Wednesday

The Arizona Cardinals are opening kicker Matt Prater's (knee) 21-day practice window to return from Injured Reserve on Wednesday, according to head coach Jonathan Gannon. Prater had surgery in October to fix the meniscus in his left knee and will be back on the practice field for the first time since Week 6. Given the 40-year-old veteran's long absence, there's no guarantee that he will return to game action this Sunday in Carolina versus the Panthers. If the Cardinals like what they see from Prater in practice this week, though, they'll have to activate him from IR by Saturday if they want him as their placekicker this weekend. Chad Ryland has filled in for Prater the last 10 games and has made 22 of his 26 field-goal attempts and all 18 of his extra-point tries. Prater will be a risky fantasy play if he returns, while Ryland should be considered a streaming option in deeper leagues if Prater is held out.

2 days ago

Budda Baker • S • Cardinals

Cardinals Agree With Budda Baker On Three-Year Extension

The Arizona Cardinals and All-Pro safety Budda Baker reached an agreement on a three-year, $54 million contract extension on Tuesday that includes $30 million in guarantees. The $18 million average per year is the biggest third contract for a safety in NFL history. The deal was negotiated by David Mulugheta of Athletes First. The 28-year-old defensive back was taken by Arizona in the second round in 2017 out of Washington and has played all eight of his NFL seasons with the Cardinals, picking up six Pro Bowl nods and three All-Pro honors. He's the only safety in the league to be a Pro Bowler in each of the last five seasons. Since entering the league in 2017, Baker leads all NFL DBs in total tackles (861) and solo tackles (600). He ranks second in the NFL this year with 142 tackles and is a weekly starting option in IDP fantasy leagues.

3 days ago

Trey McBride • TE • Cardinals

Trey McBride Leads The Team In Receiving Yards In Week 15

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride set the record for most catches (87) in a single season without catching a receiving touchdown in the Week 15 win over the New England Patriots. McBride had another great performance, catching nine passes for 87 yards despite still not finding the end zone. McBride's record-setting catch came at the one-yard line, coming so close to ending the drought. Despite not being able to find the end zone through the air, McBride has still had a stellar fantasy season, ranking as a top-three tight end in fantasy football at the moment. It's hard to pinpoint one reason why McBride hasn't caught a touchdown pass this season, but with three weeks remaining in the season, there's still time to break through. The Cardinals will face the Carolina Panthers in Week 16, and McBride will, once again, be a lock in the starting tight end spot for fantasy managers.

4 days ago

Michael Wilson • WR • Cardinals

Michael Wilson Quiet In The Week 15 Win

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson had a very quiet day in the Cardinals' 30-17 win over the New England Patriots. The wide receiver involvement in the Arizona Cardinals offense has been inconsistent all season, and the Cardinals' wide receivers have become touchdown-reliant from a fantasy football perspective. Wilson finished the game with just two catches for 9 yards on two targets. The Patriots' cornerbacks did a good job limiting the Cardinals' receivers from creating separation, and with the Cardinals taking an early lead, they shifted to a run-first approach and found success moving the ball that way. Wilson has become boom-or-bust all season, and this week, he happened to bust. Heading into Week 16, given the favorable matchup for the Cardinals against the Carolina Panthers, Wilson could receive streaming consideration at the flex spot, although it would be a risky play.

4 days ago

Marvin Harrison Jr. • WR • Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr. Catches Two Passes In The 30-17 Win

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was held to just two catches in the 30-17 win over the New England Patriots. Despite a 23-yard catch-and-run on the game's first possession, Murray and Harrison Jr. could only connect one more time. The Cardinals did include Harrison Jr. in their game plan; however, Murray and Harrison Jr. just couldn't connect more than twice on the six targets Harrison Jr. received. Two of those targets came in the red zone, with shots to the end zone that New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez defended well. Now, heading into Week 16, it still appears that Murray and Harrison Jr. cannot find a way to get on the same page. Harrison Jr.'s touchdown upside, especially against the struggling Carolina Panthers, still keeps him in the conversation for a starting spot heading for fantasy football.

4 days ago

James Conner • RB • Cardinals

James Conner Scores Two Touchdowns In The Week 16 Win

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner delivered another massive performance in the 30-17 win over the New England Patriots. It is no secret that the Cardinals' offense goes as James Conner goes, and in this matchup, the Cardinals' rushing attack was firing on all cylinders. Conner's official stat line was 16 carries for 110 yards, two touchdowns, and five catches for 28 yards. He is the workhorse of the Cardinals' offense, adding another 20+ touch game to his total for the season. Backup running back Trey Benson (ankle) left the game with an injury, increasing Conner's already high workload. As the Cardinals continue their playoff push, they will continue to rely on Conner, who will have a rushing advantage when the team travels to Carolina in Week 16.

5 days ago

Kyler Murray • QB • Cardinals

Kyler Murray Finishes Game After Exiting In The Third Quarter

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray finished the game after leaving in the third quarter due to a hit to the head in the 30-17 win over the New England Patriots. Murray had a solid day in the win, but he did not record a touchdown, which limited his fantasy output. Murray's official stat line was 23-for-30 for 224 passing yards and he added five carries for 11 rushing yards. The Cardinals offense got a much-needed bounce-back win, scoring 30 points in the Week 15 triumph. However, all those touchdowns came on the ground. The Cardinals' passing attack is still working out the kinks after the bye week, but Sunday's performance was a step in the right direction. The Cardinals will travel to Carolina to take on the Panthers in Week 16, where Murray should be able to move the ball through the air.

5 days ago

Trey Benson • RB • Cardinals

Trey Benson Efficient Before Exiting With Injury

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (ankle) exited Sunday's 30-17 win over the New England Patriots with an ankle injury and did not return. The rookie would finish his day with 22 yards on five carries. Benson seemingly sustained the injury midway through the fourth quarter. The severity of the ailment is unknown at this time, though running backs and ankle issues never mesh well. It's unfortunate news for the 22-year-old, who has rushed to the tune of 4.62 yards per carry in his first taste of big-league action. While his workload has been spotty behind trustworthy lead-back James Conner, Benson has done damage with his touches and has been a nice change of pace for the team. Backfield mate Emari Demercado (back) was recently placed on IR with issues of his own, so if the former Florida State Seminole can't suit up in Week 16, DeeJay Dallas would be the backup to Conner. Arizona will square off against the Carolina Panthers on the road next Sunday.

5 days ago

Chad Ryland • K • Cardinals

Chad Ryland A Risky Choice For Week 15

Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland was quiet during last week's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The 25-year-old made one-of-two field goal attempts and connected on his lone extra point try in the loss. Ryland has been decent this season as he knocked down 19-of-23 field goal attempts heading into the Week 15 matchup against the New England Patriots. It's worth noting that Ryland could lose his kicking job with Matt Prater (knee) nearing a return. Outside of his five field goal game in Week 13, Ryland has been fairly quiet this season. Fantasy managers should be able to find a better streaming option ahead of this game.

5 days ago

Emari Demercado • RB • Cardinals

Emari Demercado Lands On IR

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (back) has been placed on the injured reserve. Demercado has 24 rushes for 223 yards and a rushing touchdown this season and has added 16 catches for 104 receiving yards. Demercado's absence will likely open the door for more involvement for backup running back Trey Benson behind starter James Conner. Benson has some sneaky speculative pickup value with Demercado out and Conner himself being pretty injury-prone.

6 days ago

Trey Benson • RB • Cardinals

Trey Benson Not A Viable Option In Week 15

Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Trey Benson doesn't provide much fantasy value in the Week 15 matchup against the New England Patriots. The former Florida State standout hasn't had many opportunities this season, despite showing flashes of explosive runs. Benson has carried the ball just nine times over his last four games. With Conner fully healthy, there isn't a high projected workload for Benson, making him not a viable fantasy option in Week 15.

6 days ago

Michael Wilson • WR • Cardinals

Michael Wilson Is A Risky Flex Option In Week 15

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson is a risky flex streaming option in Week 15 when the Cardinals host the New England Patriots. Wilson has delivered multiple double-digit fantasy performances this season; however, these performances have come at an inconsistent rate. He has caught four touchdowns and remains involved in the offense near the red zone. However, since the bye week, the Cardinals' offense has struggled to put up points. With it being fantasy football playoff season, the risk of playing Wilson is simply too high in Week 15.

6 days ago

Michael Wilson • WR • Cardinals

Michael Wilson Looks To Extend Impressive Stretch

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson has put together an impressive stretch of performances over the last three weeks, and he'll look to remain heavily involved and productive against the New England Patriots in Week 15. In each of his last three contests, Wilson has played at least 82 percent of the snaps. During that three-game span, he has nine catches for 166 yards and one touchdown. While the 25-year-old doesn't possess the same flashiness as Marvin Harrison Jr., he has still shown his value within the Cardinals' offense by delivering consistent production and demonstrating some deep-threat ability. Managers can justify starting him as a WR3/FLEX option, especially against a Patriots defense allowing the 11th-most catches to wide receivers in 2024.

6 days ago

Arizona Cardinals News

LEGEND