Arizona Cardinals 26.8 PPG, Sacks 33, 29th

The Arizona Cardinals were expected to have tough times without Kyler Murray and with a rookie Head Coach, and they did. They finished with the second worst defense in the league, and the fourth fewest sacks. The NFC West is a tough division, and it will be again this year, but the Cardinals could have the upper hand.

Of course improving on 26.8 points per game allowed should be easy to do, as well as improving on just 33 sacks. 2023 was a rough learning lesson for the entire franchise, but Arizona has stayed true to their vision, and for the most part their roster. There are some great IDPs on this team but also some questionable starters.

2024 Projections: 29th

The Arizona Cardinals are projected to move up a few spots in 2024 with improved veteran play. The organization also addressed some issues via the 2024 NFL draft with second, fourth, and fifth round selections. Second round pick Max Melton is in the starting lineup, joining an excellent secondary. The Cardinals could very well finish much higher than 29th, but it will take all three phases to improve.

The Cardinals should be better on offense as well, it seems a bit odd for a WR to be the hero of an organization… but Arizona has seen it before. It took time Larry Fitzgerald, and could take time again this time too, hence the lower projections. The front seven of Arizona is not the best, and teams could take advantage with long, sustaining drives. 

BEST FF IDPs: In Order of Ranking

DB – Budda Baker
LB – Kyzir White
DB – Jalen Thompson

Budda Baker leads all IDPS for the Cardinals, as he has done in years past. The six time Pro Bowl member has a chance to lead the team in tackles once again. In 2019 he led the league in solo tackles with 104, and Baker has recorded 100 or more tackles in four of his seven seasons.

Baker also has 34 career passes defended and 7 interceptions, paired with 7.5 sacks. He could add to those totals while eclipsing the 100 tackle mark which almost guarantees a defensive back to be in the top 12 for fantasy purposes. 

The former Washington Husky is on pace to be one of the greatest Cardinals of all time, but he does not have a playoff win on his resume. Meanwhile he has helped several fantasy football IDP general managers win playoff games and championships. He should be drafted with confidence and amongst the top ten defensive backs.

Kyzir White only played 11 games but was well on pace to shatter all of his personal best records. In those 11 games he recorded 90 combined tackles, 9 quarterback hits (career high), 3 passes defended, 2.5 sacks (career high), and 1 interception. Simply put, he was doing everything for the Cardinals defense.

Now healthy and in control of Jonathan Gannon’s defense, White should be a valuable IDP. He is going much later than top tier linebackers and could be the steal of the 2024 fantasy football season. He should be available late in standard leagues, with his value going up in leagues which require two or more linebackers.

Jalen Thompson has over 300 tackles in his last three seasons, all with the Cardinals. He also has 28 passes defended and 9 interceptions in his five year career. He is a versatile defensive back who is capable of making big plays when needed. Together with Budda Baker, they are one of the elite safety pairings in the NFL.

Thompson could see more passes if the Cardinals can play with more positive game scripts, which would boost his best three statistics; tackling, defending the pass, and interceptions. If he does those three things he will be worthy of roster spots in larger IDP leagues. In standard leagues there might be better defensive backs to look at, and in leagues with deeper benches he is worth a stash.

Tomorrow the Washington Commanders.
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Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy

All statistics come from pro-football-reference and Sleeperbot.