The 2024 NFL Season is rapidly approaching. The season kicks off on Thursday, September 5 and every day through Monday, September 2 we’ll be going team-by-team as we preview the new season. Be sure to come back here every afternoon as we look at a new team and get your ready for the 2024 season. We’ll cover off-season changes, the fantasy prospects, and the prediction for how the team will fare this season.

It was a struggle for the Cardinals in 2023 as Jonathan Gannon began his tenure at Head Coach. The Cardinals struggled on offense with quarterback Kyler Murray missing half the season recovering from a serious knee injury. But when Murray returned, the team looked stronger. The Cardinals still finished just 4-13 but they showed signs of optimism. After a strong off-season and a good draft, the squad is looking to take a step in 2024. Let’s preview this new year’s squad.

Off-Season Changes

The Cardinals bid farewell to receivers Marquise Brown, who signed with the Chiefs, and Rondale Moore, who was traded to the Falcons. That trade yielded a new backup quarterback as the team brought in former Falcons’ starter Desmond Ridder to provide depth and insurance behind Murray. The Cardinals also added a few veteran pieces highlighted by linebacker Mack Wilson, who came over from the Patriots, and receiver Zay Jones, who was with the Jaguars in 2023.

In the draft, the team made its big strike. With the No. 4 overall pick, the Cardinals snagged former Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison, Jr. He caught 144 passes for nearly 2,500 yards and 28 touchdowns the last two seasons, giving the Cardinals a strong WR1. The team grabbed edge Darius Robinson and cornerback Max Melton, then snagged a running back in Trey Benson. Benson ran for 1,896 yards and 23 touchdowns in the last two years with Florida State. He’s likely the future at running back for the Cardinals.

Fantasy Prospects

Murray is back and healthy, which is good news for the Cardinals. He finished as QB26 overall in 2023 despite only starting eight games. In that eight-game stretch, he was QB9. I like him between QB10-15, which is a little lower than his current QB7 ADP. He could reach that level, but I like him better a touch lower. Ridder is little more than an insurance policy.

In the backfield, the team still have veteran James Conner as well as Emari Demarcado, Michael Carter, and Benson. That is an interesting group. Conner was RB18 but has frequently missed time in his career. I like him to be the starter at the outset of the season, but I think Benson will take on the larger role by season’s end. Both of them have RB3 value for me in 2024. Demarcado and Carter feel more like role players.

Among receivers, the Cardinals have Harrison, second-year man Michael Wilson, Jones, and veteran Greg Dorch. I suspect Harrison will be the team’s top option, posting WR2 numbers. But don’t sleep on Wilson. He was WR60 in 2023 despite missing games and limited targets. He could finish as a WR4/5. Jones feels more like a role-player to me. Meanwhile the other top target for the Cardinals is tight end Trey McBride, who finished as TE7 in 2023. I like him as a Top 5 tight end this season.

Prediction

The Cardinals were a fun team at times in 2023 but not a good team. I think they might be closer to being both in 2024. I like the Cardinals to take a step forward, winning between eight and 10 games and be in the running for the post-season. I’m not sure they get there in 2024, but this is a team trending in the right direction.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.