The 2025 NFL Season is here. To get you ready for the action, we’ll be previewing each of the 32 NFL Teams as well as offering predictions for year-end award winners and playoff participants. Check back here each day through September 3 for another installment of the 2025 NFL Preview series.

The Cardinals made a step forward in 2024. The team managed to win eight games and show flashes of growth in the second season under Jonathan Gannon. With another full off-season under their belt, can the offense and the team take another step forward in 2025? Can they be a surprise playoff contender? Let’s dive in.

Off-Season Changes

It was a quiet off-season for the Cardinals, who didn’t make any big changes to their major skill positions on offense. Among those who departed were receiver Zach Pascal. Edge rushers Julian Okwara and Dennis Gardeck also left in free agency.

But the Cardinals re-loaded, too. The team brought in veteran Jacoby Brissett to solidify the backup quarterback position. The team also added veteran defensive linemen Josh Sweat and Calais Campbell to the defense. In the draft, the Cardinals spent their first five picks—and six of seven overall picks—to improve the defense. That included First Round selection Walter Nolen on the defensive line and Second Round selection Will Johnson at cornerback.

Fantasy Impact

The Cardinals are led by Kyler Murray. He has yet to hit 4,000 passing yards, but his rushing upside helps for fantasy. He’s got QB1 upside, but I have him as a high-end QB2. In the backfield, veteran James Conner is back along with second-year pro Trey Benson. The rumors from camp indicate a bigger role for Benson, but that remains to be seen. For now, Conner is my top pick, and an RB2.

In the passing game, the team has a narrow funnel focused on its two stars, tight end Trey McBride and receiver Marvin Harrison, Jr. I like both for fantasy. McBride is a high-end TE1, with the potential to be THE TE1 thanks to his upside. Harrison had a solid rookie year. I think he’ll build on that as a WR2. Michael Wilson is the only other Cardinals’ pass catcher to consider, but he’s more of a WR5/Flex option for me.

The Bottom Line

The Cardinals have been slowly re-building. They have the core of a decent offense intact and back in 2025. Can they take that next step forward? It’s possible, but I still think they end up in the seven-to-eight-win range and end up short of the playoffs.

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.