• Head Coach: Jonathan Gannon (third season)
• PFF projected win total: 8.7
• 2024 Record: 8-9 (3rd in NFC West)

Biggest strength: Rushing Attack

With their use of multiple tight end sets, a powerful offensive line and a stable of dynamic ball carriers, the Cardinals’ rushing attack remains the foundation of their offense. James Conner was outstanding once again last season, earning a 90.6 rushing grade that ranked sixth in the NFL. Kyler Murray added a spark of his own, ranking second among qualified quarterbacks in yards per carry (7.3). Arizona also retained the majority of a blocking unit that finished 14th in run-blocking grade last year.

Biggest weakness: Linebackers

Arizona focused much of its offseason on upgrading the defensive line, but the secondary remains a work in progress, and the linebacker unit stands out as the defense’s biggest question mark. That group ranked 28th in PFF grade last season and lacks a proven anchor. Veterans Mack Wilson Sr., Akeem Davis-Gaither and Mykal Walker offer experience, but none have consistently performed at a starting-caliber level. Fourth-round rookie Cody Simon could also see early-down reps as the Cardinals look to solidify the position.

Quarterback spotlight: Kyler Murray

• 2024 PFF Grade: 82.1
• Key Stat: 21 big-time throws from clean pockets, tied for the most in the NFL during the regular season.

There were plenty of positives to take from Kyler Murray’s 2024 season. He started every game for the first time since 2020 and ranked among the top 12 quarterbacks in both passing and rushing grade. On the whole, Murray remains an above-average starter, but consistency is still his biggest hurdle. He posted a passing grade of at least 73.0 in six games last season, five of which Arizona won. In the 11 games where he fell short of that mark, the Cardinals lost eight. If Murray can deliver steadier production through the air, Arizona has a legitimate shot at returning to the postseason.

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Offensive spotlight: HB James Conner

James Conner may be entering his age-30 season, but he’s shown no signs of slowing down. Since the start of 2023, his 92.2 rushing grade and 128 missed tackles forced both rank second in the NFL, behind only Derrick Henry. Among running backs with at least 100 carries during that span, his 3.6 yards after contact per attempt ranks fourth. Conner also recorded the second-most receptions and receiving yards of his career last season. Simply put, he remains the engine of Arizona’s offense.

Defensive spotlight: CB Garrett Williams

Garrett Williams emerged as one of the NFL’s premier slot cornerbacks in 2024. His 82.0 PFF grade ranked third among all qualified corners, trailing only fellow slot standout Cooper DeJean and Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II. Williams led all Cardinals defenders in pass breakups (6) and allowed more than 50 receiving yards in a game just once all season.

Rookie spotlight: CB Will Johnson

Will Johnson was a top-20 talent in the 2024 draft who slipped to the second round due to medical concerns. Still, he brings elite credentials to Arizona, having earned a 91.3 coverage grade over three seasons at Michigan. With Starling Thomas V — the Cardinals’ snap leader at cornerback last season — out for the year with a season-ending injury, Johnson could be called upon to play a significant role early in his rookie campaign.

Fantasy spotlight: TE Trey McBride

Trey McBride took over as the Cardinals’ primary tight end midway through the 2023 season and has been an elite fantasy option ever since. He averaged at least 15 PPR points per game in both seasons as a starter. In 2024, McBride led all tight ends in receptions per game (6.9) and receptions per route (0.21), while ranking second in both yards per game (71.6) and targets per game (8.7). With Arizona retaining its offensive coaching staff and core personnel, McBride is set up for continued success. If anything, positive regression in the touchdown column could make him even more valuable this season.

Best bet: Arizona Cardinals to make the playoffs

The Cardinals made notable improvements to their offense in 2024, and it resulted in top-10 marks in PFF overall grade (81.0) and EPA per play (0.056). It was the defense that fell well short, leading Arizona to make significant investments in that side of the ball this offseason. Headlined free-agent signing Josh Sweat, who flourished under Jonathan Gannon in Philadelphia, and first-round draft pick Walter Nolen, Arizona’s front is geared up for 2025.

The Cardinals endured a grueling start to 2024, facing off with five eventual playoff contenders in the first six weeks before regaining their footing heading into their Week 11 bye. The team fell flat down the stretch, though, posting a 2-5 record from Week 12 on. By the season’s end, Arizona had played one of the five hardest schedules in the NFL.

In 2025, the team has the 10th-easiest strength of schedule heading into the year, slated to face off with just four playoff teams from 2024, though that doesn’t include teams expected to bounce back, such as the 49ers. 

Oddsmakers have Arizona’s win total line set at 8.5, in line with PFF’s projection of 8.7. With a 44% projected chance of making the playoffs, the Cardinals rank seventh among NFC teams in postseason probability.

Bottom line

Arizona could be on the cusp of playoff contention if Kyler Murray finds more week-to-week consistency and the team’s defensive additions deliver as hoped.