11 months agoThe Cleveland Browns will rest quarterback Joe Flacco for the Week 18 regular season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday with the team already locked into the No. 5 seed in the AFC for the playoffs. With the Browns resting Flacco, Jeff Driskel will make the start and P.J. Walker will back him up. The 30-year-old Driskel will only be worth looking at for fantasy managers that are in a bind in two-QB superflex leagues this weekend. He'll be playing for the first time this season. Driskel spent the 2022 season with the Houston Texans and played in seven games (two starts), going 14-for-20 for 108 yards passing, one touchdown and no interceptions. It's likely the Browns will rest other key starters on offense like receiver Amari Cooper (heel), too, so make sure to check back for updates this week.Source: ESPN Cleveland - Jake Trotter
11 months agoArizona Cardinals offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (knee) suffered a torn ACL in the team's Week 17 upset win over the Philadelphia Eagles. It's a tough blow for the veteran and the team with just one week remaining in the regular season. The 2015 first-round selection out of the University of Florida has started 98 games for the organization and has been an above-average tackle for most of his career. The team has a potential out in his contract after this season, and the injury could play a factor in that decision. Kelvin Beachum will be in charge of protecting Kyler Murray's blindside against Seattle in Week 18.Source: NFL.com
11 months agoArizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said that there is "no doubt" that quarterback Kyler Murray will open the 2024 season later this year as the Cardinals' starting QB. "'Number 1' is our franchise quarterback," Gannon said. Since Murray made his 2023 season debut in Week 10, the Cardinals are 3-4 and just upset the Philadelphia Eagles 35-31 on Sunday. There had been questions as to whether the Cardinals would even play Murray for much of the year while he was rehabbing a torn ACL he suffered late in the 2022 season. Arizona will be looking to build around Murray in this year's draft instead of replacing him under center. With a normal offseason upcoming for Murray, he'll be a midrange QB1 target for fantasy managers in drafts this fall.Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban
11 months agoIn Sunday's 35-31 triumph over the Eagles, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson redeemed himself with an impactful performance, catching 4-of-6 targets for 35 yards and a crucial five-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to tie the game. After a two-game catchless streak, Wilson showcased his resilience, reconnecting with quarterback Kyler Murray for a pivotal score. Although Wilson's efficiency was modest at 5.8 yards per target, the 23-year-old wideout proved instrumental in the Cardinals' comeback win. Looking ahead to Week 18 against the Seahawks and 2024, fantasy managers can find reassurance in Wilson's ability to rebound, envisioning him as a potential cornerstone of the Cardinal's passing attack for years to come.Source: ESPN.COM
11 months agoIn the Cardinals' Week 17 triumph over the Eagles, Arizona tight end Trey McBride showcased his consistency as a fantasy asset, securing six of seven targets for 48 yards. This performance followed a notable six-catch game in Week 16, reaffirming his status as a reliable option in the passing game. Despite registering less than 50 receiving yards for the second consecutive week, McBride remains a standout choice at the tight end position—a barren wasteland in most fantasy leagues. As the Cardinals prepare to face Seattle in Week 18, McBride is poised to continue his dependable contributions, solidifying his standing as a top fantasy option in this challenging position. Fantasy managers can confidently look to McBride as a key asset, anticipating continued success into the 2024 season.Source: ESPN.COM
11 months agoArizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch delivered a solid fantasy performance in the Cardinals' Week 17 win over the Eagles, catching all seven of his targets for 82 yards. Leading the team in receptions and yards, Dortch proved to be a reliable target for quarterback Kyler Murray. With teammate Marquise Brown sidelined due to a heel injury, Dortch stepped into a more prominent role, showcasing his ability to contribute significantly to the passing attack. His seven receptions and 82 yards were not only team highs but also outshone receivers from both squads. As Arizona heads into Week 18 without Brown, Dortch is poised to maintain a key role in the passing game, making him a WR4 in those leagues with a Week 18 championship on the line.Source: ESPN.COM
11 months agoArizona Cardinals running back James Conner delivered a stellar performance in the Cardinals' Week 17 victory over the Eagles, amassing 128 rushing yards and a touchdown on 26 carries. He also showcased his versatility, catching a short pass from quarterback Kyler Murray for another touchdown. Conner's late-game heroics included a two-yard rushing score that secured the upset win with less than a minute remaining. The bruising tailback has been on a scoring streak lately, finding the end zone in the last four games. With an impressive 4.9 yards per carry average against the Eagles, Conner remains a vital asset for fantasy managers heading into the final game of the regular season against the Seahawks in Week 18.Source: ESPN.COM
11 months agoArizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray engineered a stunning comeback in Week 17, completing 25 of 31 passes for 232 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in the Cardinals' dramatic 35-31 triumph over the Eagles. Murray's three touchdown strikes found Michael Wilson, Michael Carter, and James Conner, showcasing his precision and playmaking prowess. While his rushing output was more subdued at 24 yards on five carries, Murray's masterful accuracy on his throws was instrumental in erasing a halftime deficit. This game marked a notable improvement in Murray's passing, reflecting positively on his health and overall performance. As the Cardinals look ahead to Week 18 against the Seahawks, Murray's resurgence bodes well for fantasy managers concluding the season.Source: ESPN.COM
11 months agoArizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (illness) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Murray had missed back-to-back practices before returning in a limited capacity on Friday, but he was trending in the right direction prior to kickoff. Indeed, as head coach Jonathan Gannon suggested on Friday, Murray is feeling better and will play. The young quarterback has impressed over the course of six games this season, accruing 1,305 passing yards, six passing touchdowns, and four interceptions while adding an additional 187 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. He'll rank as a fringe QB1 in most fantasy leagues this week.Source: Arizona Cardinals
11 months agoArizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (illness) is expected to play in Week 17 despite being listed as questionable, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Murray had missed back-to-back practices before returning in a limited capacity on Friday, though head coach Jonathan Gannon was clearly optimistic about his quarterback's availability for the Cardinals' penultimate regular-season contest. Murray has impressed over the course of six games this season, accruing 1,305 passing yards, six passing touchdowns, and four interceptions while adding an additional 187 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. He'll rank as a fringe QB1 in most fantasy leagues this week.Source: Ian Rapoport
11 months agoAs Week 17 approaches, Arizona Cardinals backup quarterback Clayton Tune looms as a potential starter if Kyler Murray is sidelined due to illness. However, facing a formidable Eagles defense, Tune doesn't project as a reliable fantasy option. For fantasy managers deliberating whether to wait for Murray's status or pivot to Tune, the decision hinges on the urgency of securing a starting quarterback. If the waiver wire offers more favorable options, the risk of Tune's uncertain performance may outweigh the potential reward. With a challenging matchup against the Eagles defense, fantasy managers may be better served exploring alternative quarterback options for Week 17. With Murray expected to play, fantasy managers rostering him should keep a close eye on his health updates leading up to kickoff to make an informed decision regarding Tune's fantasy viability.Source: ESPN.COM
11 months agoAs the Arizona Cardinals prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17, veteran kicker Matt Prater emerges as a reliable fantasy option. In the recent matchup against the Bears, Prater showcased his long-range prowess by converting a 55-yard field goal, setting an NFL record with six such makes this season. Despite a relatively quiet game, Prater's ability to contribute from deep distances has been a crucial asset for the Cardinals. With two more makes from 50-plus yards, he could tie another league record. As the Cardinals gear up for a crucial clash with the Eagles, fantasy managers can anticipate Prater to be a valuable asset, potentially capitalizing on additional opportunities to add to his impressive long-range record. In addition, there is a real possibility Arizona may have difficulty moving the football consistently, potentially giving Prater more opportunities. For those in need of help at the kicking position, Prater is worth the start.Source: ESPN.COM
11 months agoAs the Arizona Cardinals defense prepares to face the Philadelphia Eagles in a crucial Week 17 matchup, fantasy managers should approach this cautiously. The Cardinals' defensive unit, with only 33 sacks on the season, ranks among the lower echelons of the league in terms of quarterback pressure. Their pass defense stands at a mediocre 16th, while their run defense languishes at the 29th position, hinting at vulnerability against the rush. The Eagles, with the seventh-highest points scored in the league, pose a formidable offensive challenge. Furthermore, D'Andre Swift and the Eagles' potent run game could exploit the Cardinals' run defense weaknesses. Fantasy managers relying on the Cardinals' defense should explore alternative options for Week 17, given their potential challenges against a dynamic Eagles offense. As such, the Arizona defense shouldn't be a viable starting option in fantasy championships.Source: ESPN.COM
11 months agoAs we gear up for the pivotal Week 17 of the fantasy season, Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride emerges as a must-start option against the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite a quieter showing in the recent loss to the Bears, McBride has been on fire since quarterback Kyler Murray's return. Over the last five contests, he boasts an impressive 38-425-1 line on 45 targets, cementing his role as a crucial target in the Cardinals' passing game. With Murray leading the charge, McBride has been nothing short of exceptional, leading all tight ends with a remarkable 25.6% target share. He also ranks second in yards per route run (YPRR) at 2.36, first in first-read share (31.2%), and first in fantasy points per game at 15.9. Facing an Eagles defense that has allowed the eighth-highest catch rate (75.3 percent) to opposing tight ends, McBride is poised for a resounding rebound in Week 17. Fantasy managers heading into championship week are strongly advised to start McBride, as he remains a set-it-and-forget-it TE1.Source: ESPN.COM
11 months agoArizona Cardinals third-year receiver Rondale Moore faces off against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17, a team that currently ranks 12th against the pass. In the Cardinals' recent loss to the Bears, Moore showed his big-play potential with a 22-yard gain on two receptions, though he totaled only 30 yards. With teammate Marquise Brown now on Injured Reserve due to a heel issue, Moore becomes an intriguing fantasy stash. While he remains a big-play-dependent WR4, the increased opportunities stemming from Brown's absence could elevate Moore's role in the passing game. However, with Week 17 being championship week in most leagues, there are most likely better starting options available for those playing in the title game. As such, Moore remains nothing more than a Week 17 bench stash.Source: ESPN.COM