ARIZONA CARDINALS

Photo Credit: Arizona Cardinals

OVERVIEW

The Cardinals enter 2021 after nearly making the playoffs for the first time in the Cliff Kingsbury era. This season, the Cardinal look primed to break into the playoff picture after adding some big name veterans in the offseason. J.J. Watt and first rounder Zavien Collins should provide a big boost on the defensive side of the ball. Arizona also improved their o-line and passing game with the additions of Rodney Hudson, Brian Winters, Rondale Moore, and A.J. Green. On paper, this looks like one of the most talented rosters in the NFC. If the Cardinals weren’t in the same division as the Ram’s, they would likely be the favorite to win the NFC West. Even after seeing the Rams twice per year, Arizona should have enough talent to break into the Wildcard Round.

KYLER MURRAY (BDF Rank: QB3; ADP: QB3)

Kyler Murray was on track to become the first QB in NFL history to record 4,000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards in the same season before succumbing to injury in the final game of 2020. This is a remarkable feat that highlights Murray’s prowess as a true dual threat. Murray should shatter those benchmarks in 2021 with an extra game and we are projecting him to do just that. The Cardinals added A.J. Green and Rondale Moore via free agency and the draft, respectively, giving Murray more weapons than he’s ever had. The additions of Rodney Hudson and Brian Winters on the line should also help keep Kyler on his feet and give him a rushing boost.

BDF Suggestion – FAIR VALUE. There is talk of Murray running less this year. Even with a small decrease on the ground, Kyler would remain an elite dual threat QB.

CHASE EDMONDS (BDF Rank: RB37; ADP: RB26)

There was a lot of hype surrounding Edmonds this offseason when Kenyan Drake left the Cardinals to join the Raiders. The excitement quickly died down once Arizona added former Steeler James Conner to their backfield. Now, Edmonds’ volume is a big question mark. Arizona gave Connor nearly $2 Million in guaranteed money, so we believe they intend to use him as more than a change of pace option. In 2020 Edmonds was primarily used as a receiving specialist and proved a thorn in the side of Drake owners. It’s tough to envision him expanding on that role with James Conner now in town.

BDF Suggestion – FADE. Edmonds has upside if he can take control of this backfield, but there is too much uncertainty surrounding his volume to recommend him at ADP.

JAMES CONNER (BDF Rank: RB27; ADP: RB36)

James Conner comes to Arizona after serving as the Steelers’ bell cow for several years. Conner was successful on the ground in 2020, posting a solid 4.3 YPC despite Pittsburgh’s abysmal offensive line play. Chase Edmonds is probably the best competition for touches Conner has had to face since the latter took over as Pittsburgh’s starter. Conner has been just an average pass catcher the last two years, and Edmonds is a real threat to siphon Conner’s receiving work even further in 2021. However, it’s clear the Cardinals do not trust Edmonds as an every down back, and Conner should get the first look at early down snaps.

BDF Suggestion – BUY. Conner is likely flying under the radar due to the hype surrounding Edmonds. You won’t find many other 200+ carry backs at Conner’s ADP.

DEANDRE HOPKINS (BDF Rank: WR8; ADP: WR4)

Deandre Hopkins has been one of the best and most consistent wide receivers of the past decade. Nuk has failed to amass over 1,100 yards just once in the past seven seasons. Hopkins is also a target hog, coming off his sixth consecutive season with 150+ targets. Nuk is also an iron man, missing just two games in his eight-year career. All of this has translated to tremendous fantasy success for Hopkins. Nuk has finished as a top five PPR WR in five of the last six seasons. Hopkins’ consistency is also prevalent on a week to week basis as well. Over the past two seasons, Nuk has just one game with fewer than seven targets.

BDF Suggestion – Fair Value. We are a bit lower than the market when it comes to Nuk, but three of the seven receivers we have ranked ahead of Hopkins are being drafted well after him. Nuk’s consistency and high-level production make him a fine pick at his ADP.

CHRISTIAN KIRK / RONDALE MOORE / A.J. GREEN (BDF Rank: WR51/WR69/WR113; ADP: WR72/WR78/WR66)

Kirk, Moore, and Green will compete for secondary looks behind target hog Deandre Hopkins. All three should see the field, as the Cardinals run a fair amount of 4 WR sets. Fans have been patiently waiting on a Kirk breakout for a while, but there’s no reason to think it will come this year with increased competition. Moore is a fun gadget player, but may not see enough volume to be fantasy relevant in his rookie year. Green’s best days are very clearly behind him based on his woeful efficiency numbers from last season.

BDF Suggestion – FAIR VALUE. Kirk and Moore can be fun late round picks in deep standard leagues. Otherwise, all three players can be left on waivers.

MAXX WILLIAMS (BDF Rank: TE40; ADP: N/A)

We’ll keep this one short. The tight end position is essentially non-existent in Cliff Kingsbury’s offense. There’s no reason to think that changes in 2021, especially with the additions of A.J. Green and Rondale Moore.

BDF Suggestion – FAIR VALUE. Leave Williams on waivers in favor of late round TEs with more upside.