ARIZONA CARDINALS (4-13)
EXPECTATIONS: The Cardinals and second-year coach Jonathan Gannon hope to take a big step forward in 2024, contending for a playoff spot after last year’s 4-13 record. Quarterback Kyler Murray is healthy after missing parts of the past two seasons with a torn ACL that caused him to miss roughly 11 months. He returned midway through last season and the Cardinals were much more competitive with a 3-5 record. Arizona beefed up its roster in the draft, adding Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the No. 4 overall pick and defensive lineman Darius Robinson at No. 27. Veteran running back James Conner returns following his first 1,000-yard rushing season and second-year offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. makes the move to left tackle after starting all 17 games at right tackle during his rookie season. The defense is a work in progress, but has two accomplished safeties in Budda Baker and Jalen Thompson. The Cardinals recently signed Zaven Collins to an extension, hoping the 2021 first-round pick can improve his sack numbers while still being excellent against the run.
NEW FACES: Harrison, Robinson, RT Jonah Williams, LG Evan Brown, RB Trey Benson, WR Chris Moore, DL Justin Jones, DL Bilal Nichols, CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, LB Mack Wilson Sr., DL Khyiris Tonga, S Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, OL Isaiah Adams, TE Tip Reiman, P Blake Gillikin, WR Zay Jones.
KEY LOSSES: LT D.J. Humphries, WR Hollywood Brown, DL Leki Fotu, WR Rondale Moore, OL Dennis Daley, CB Antonio Hamilton.
STRENGTHS: Murray should be in the prime of his career. The sixth-year QB just turned 27 and the two-time Pro Bowl selection hopes to take another step forward under Gannon after a promising eight-game stretch after his return from injury. Murray should have plenty of playmakers, including Harrison, second-year receiver Michael Wilson and tight end Trey McBride. Conner had the best season of his career in 2023 and even at age 29, it appears he’s still got plenty of speed and power. The defense will lean on Baker as the team’s defensive leader.
WEAKNESSES: The defense has been among the NFL’s worst over the past two seasons. Arizona signed Bilal Nichols and Justin Jones during the offseason, hoping to beef up its defensive line. The Cardinals had just 33 sacks in 2023 and struggled to stop the run, giving up the most rushing yards in the league last season. If the franchise really wants to return to the playoffs for just the second time in nine seasons, this side of the ball has to improve markedly.
CAMP DEVELOPMENT: LB BJ Ojulari suffered a season-ending knee injury, raising more questions about the team’s ability to get sacks. The linebacker had a promising rookie season after being a second-round pick out of LSU, finishing with four sacks. In a more positive development, Harrison has impressed and should be the team’s top receiver in Week 1.
FANTASY PLAYER TO WATCH: Harrison’s going to get a lot of attention in fantasy leagues, and rightfully so, but the Cardinals have plenty of other pass-catching options. Wilson caught 38 passes for 535 yards last season as a rookie despite battling injuries and McBride looked like a potential star once Murray returned, with 538 yards receiving over the final eight weeks, including two 100-yard games.
BetMGM Sportsbook: Win Super Bowl: 125-1. Over/under wins: 6 1/2.
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