Unlocking the Power of the Arizona Cardinals in Fantasy Football
Hello, fantasy football enthusiasts! Welcome back to our series where we dive deep into the world of fantasy football, helping you make informed decisions for your team. Today, we're going to talk about the Arizona Cardinals and what they bring to the fantasy football table. So, grab a seat, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and arizona cardinals fantasy football.
The Arizona Cardinals: A Team on the Rise
The Arizona Cardinals have been making waves in the NFL, and their presence in fantasy football is no different. Led by the dynamic duo of Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins, the Cardinals have emerged as a team to watch. Let's break down what they offer to your fantasy football team.
Kyler Murray: The Dual-Threat Quarterback
Kyler Murray is not just a quarterback; he's a fantasy football goldmine. The 2019 Heisman Trophy winner has transformed the Cardinals' offense, bringing a unique blend of passing and rushing abilities that few quarterbacks can match. In 2020, Murray threw for 3,971 yards and 26 touchdowns, while also rushing for 819 yards and 11 touchdowns. That's right, folks! Murray is a legitimate rushing threat, making him an RB1 in fantasy terms. If you're lucky enough to snag Murray in your draft, consider yourself fortunate. He's a game-changer.
DeAndre Hopkins: The Elite Wide Receiver
DeAndre Hopkins is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, and his presence in Arizona has only solidified that status. In his first season with the Cardinals, Hopkins caught 115 passes for 1,407 yards and 6 touchdowns. He's a WR1 in every sense of the word, providing consistent production week in and week out. With Murray throwing him the ball, Hopkins' fantasy stock is only going to rise.
The Cardinals' Supporting Cast
The Cardinals' offense doesn't stop at Murray and Hopkins. They have a solid supporting cast that can provide fantasy value as well.
Chase Edmonds: The Underrated Running Back
Chase Edmonds has been a revelation in the Cardinals' backfield. While he shares touches with Kenyan Drake, Edmonds has shown the ability to make the most of his opportunities. In 2020, Edmonds rushed for 448 yards and 3 touchdowns, also catching 53 passes for 402 yards and 1 touchdown. If you're looking for a RB2 or a flex option, Edmonds is a solid choice.
A.J. Green: The Veteran Wide Receiver
A.J. Green may not be the player he once was, but he's still a valuable part of the Cardinals' offense. In his first season in Arizona, Green caught 54 passes for 576 yards and 2 touchdowns. He's a solid WR3 or flex option, especially in deeper leagues.
The Tight Ends: A Committee Approach
The Cardinals don't have a clear-cut starting tight end, but they do have a committee of pass-catchers at the position. Maxx Williams and Dan Arnold both saw significant playing time in 2020, and while neither is a fantasy stud, they could provide streaming value in certain matchups.
The Cardinals' Defense: A Sleeper Unit
The Cardinals' defense may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of fantasy football, but they're a unit to watch. In 2020, the Cardinals' defense finished as a top-10 unit in fantasy points, thanks in large part to their ability to generate turnovers. If you're looking for a streaming option or a defense to stash on your bench, the Cardinals are worth a look.
Draft Strategy: When to Target the Cardinals
So, when should you be targeting the Cardinals in your fantasy football draft? It depends on the format of your league and your draft strategy, but here are some general guidelines:
- Murray: If you're in a superflex or 2QB league, Murray is a must-draft in the first round. In standard leagues, he's a solid second-round pick. - Hopkins: Hopkins is a clear WR1, and you should be targeting him in the first round of your draft. - Edmonds: Edmonds is a valuable RB2 or flex option, and you should consider him in the middle rounds of your draft. - Green: Green is a solid WR3 or flex option, and you can wait to draft him until the later rounds. - The Defense: The Cardinals' defense is a streaming option, so you don't need to draft them until the final rounds, if at all.
Final Thoughts
The Arizona Cardinals are a team to watch in fantasy football. With Murray and Hopkins leading the way, the Cardinals have the potential to score a lot of fantasy points. While their supporting cast may not be as flashy, they still provide valuable fantasy production. So, when you're drafting your team this year, don't sleep on the Cardinals. They could be the key to your fantasy football success.
That's all for today, folks! We hope this guide has helped you understand the fantasy football value of the Arizona Cardinals. Until next time, happy drafting!