“The Cardinals have the pieces to surprise in 2025”
The Arizona Cardinals are entering 2025 after an 8–9 campaign that matched their win total projection of 8.5. This year, the number sits in the same range, but roster upgrades, a favorable early schedule, and key fantasy football pieces could push this team past expectations. In this Cardinals betting preview, we’ll break down offseason changes, fantasy outlooks, and where the betting value lies.
(This is an AI-generated article from a recently published IDP+ Podcast transcript.)
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Offseason Losses and Additions
Last season’s leading tackler, Kaiser White, is gone, leaving a big hole in the linebacker group. Will Hernandez departs from the offensive line, while rotational defensive line contributors have also moved on. Veteran kicker Matt Prater is no longer with the team.
On the addition side, the front seven looks completely different. Josh Sweat arrives from the Eagles, Dalvin Tomlinson joins the interior, and rookie Walter Nolan comes in from Ole Miss. Akeem Davis-Gaither also adds depth and versatility.
In the secondary, rookie Will Johnson from Michigan brings high-end potential despite slipping in the draft due to turf toe and hamstring injuries. Ohio State’s Denzel Burke could work his way up the depth chart, and young corners like Starling Thomas and Garrett Williams have opportunities to earn snaps. The defense should be much improved, especially up front.
Offensive Stability and Injury Concerns
The offense remains largely unchanged. Kyler Murray returns alongside James Conner and rising star tight end Trey McBride. Rookie phenom Marvin Harrison Jr. will lead the receiving corps. Depth behind him is questionable, with Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch failing to inspire confidence.
Offensive line health is a concern. Both starting tackles ended last season on injured reserve. Jonah Williams’ knee injury was particularly worrisome, with repeated setbacks and no public diagnosis. Healthy tackles are critical for keeping Kyler upright and maximizing offensive efficiency.
If Harrison and McBride both take steps forward, this unit could exceed expectations. However, lingering injury issues on the line could derail momentum quickly.
Fantasy Football Targets
James Conner remains one of the most undervalued running backs in fantasy drafts. He has back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons, seven and eight rushing touchdowns in those years, and showed improved receiving production with 400 yards and nearly 50 catches last season. He’s steady RB2 production without the flashy hype.
Trey McBride is a top-tier tight end option. Ranked as the TE2 in preseason fantasy rankings, he runs routes like a wide receiver and commands heavy targets. His main drawback is a low touchdown total, with only three or four over the past two seasons. Increased red-zone usage could push him into TE1 territory.
Marvin Harrison Jr. offers touchdown upside. He scored eight as a rookie, leading the team in receiving scores and tying James Conner for total touchdowns. With limited competition for targets, his ceiling remains high.
Betting Picks and Value Plays
In this Cardinals betting preview, the board offers several intriguing options. The win total of 8.5 is worth targeting on the over at -110, with defensive upgrades and a favorable schedule boosting optimism. Kyler Murray over 3,500 passing yards at +100 is also appealing, as he’s surpassed that mark in every full season he’s played.
The Cardinals to make the playoffs at +130 is a plus-money bet that aligns with expected improvement. Another high-value early-season play is exactly four wins in the first five weeks at +280. Their early schedule includes winnable games against New Orleans, Carolina, Seattle, and Tennessee, with San Francisco as the toughest test.
For player props, Marvin Harrison Jr. over 6.5 receiving touchdowns at +100 is a standout. He’s the primary red-zone weapon, and his eight scores as a rookie show he can deliver.
Could this be the Year?
The Cardinals have the pieces to surprise in 2025. A rebuilt defense, a stable core on offense, and a favorable opening schedule set the stage for a fast start. In fantasy football, James Conner’s consistency, Trey McBride’s ceiling, and Marvin Harrison Jr.’s touchdown potential make Arizona a team to watch every week.
From betting windows to fantasy lineups, this is a season with real upside. If Kyler Murray stays healthy and the new-look defense gels quickly, the Cardinals could not only clear their win total but make noise in the NFC playoff race. Buckle up — this could be one of the most entertaining Arizona teams in years.
Thank you for reading this article by @IDP_Plus. This article was created using IDP+ AI and edited by Derek Bennett. Be sure to check out the video above by The Degen Doc and Professor Locks, which this video is based on, talking about the Arizona Cardinals Betting Preview. Follow @TheDegenDoc and @Prof_Lock2 on X!
