There’s no denying the potential of Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray in the fantasy football world.
There’s a reason why he’s currently projected as the ninth-ranked signal caller in that department.
But given his inconsistencies in the back end of last year, can he really be trusted to lead your fantasy squad to the promise land?
ESPN’s Liz Lota believes so, ranking him among red flag players worth nabbing in fantasy football drafts this year.
Despite being surrounded by a bevy of dynamic receiving talent, Murray continued to struggle as a passer, averaging 7.1 yards per attempt (QB20) while managing just three completions of 40 or more yards. Those stats could be forgiven had he been on target, but a completion rate below 69% doesn’t spark confidence.
And, yet, here I am in the 10th round of 10-team mocks, clenching my jaw and (pun intended) running it back. That’s because Murray’s legs can’t be discounted. Murray took off an average of nearly five times per game, racking up 572 rushing yards (QB4) and five rushing scores (QB7), which accounted for 29% of his total fantasy points in 2024.
After seeing no more than 67 rushing attempts, 418 yards and three touchdowns in either of 2022 and 2023 due to his torn ACL and recovery after, Murray got back on track in 2024 (albeit behind a career-low 4.6 attempts per game).
Staying healthy was key, as was his continued growth in offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s system. Now heading into Year 3 under the current regime, the quarterback wants to continue to push the envelope on what he can accomplish with the ball in his hands.
It’s a big reason why he and the offense had an added emphasis on off-schedule plays this offseason. Create the mismatches — whether it be on the ground or through the air — and let Murray cook.
Throwing in more designed runs wouldn’t hurt in upping Murray’s totals, but hitting on more of those broken down plays could do wonders for Murray’s 2025 totals.
Other factors leading to Kyler Murray’s fantasy football status
Getting it done on the ground is a massive bonus when it comes to Murray’s fantasy football impact.
Throw in the expected Year 2 leap from Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride’s explosion as one of the league’s top tight ends and a schedule that isn’t as daunting as last season’s, and there’s real potential Murray could be leading not only fantasy football teams but the franchise he actually plays for into the postseason.
Murray enters the season with top-eight positional appeal. Add in improved chemistry with Marvin Harrison Jr. and a strength of schedule upgrade, and Murray could flirt with career-best numbers, emerging as one of the biggest QB values on the board.
The other players that cracked Lota’s red flag list for fantasy football include:
– RB Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
– RB Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys
– WR Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears
– WR Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints
– TE David Njoku, Cleveland Browns