Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.'s underwhelming rookie season will come to an end with Sunday's Week 18 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. The No. 4 pick has 57 catches for 822 yards and seven touchdowns over the course of 16 games, ranking 34th among wide receivers in fantasy points (PPR) this season. These numbers are solid enough to make him a weekly FLEX option, but managers would have expected a bit more production out of Harrison, who was widely viewed as a generational prospect. Unfortunately for him, the Cardinals, and his fantasy managers, Harrison's season could end on a sour note as he takes on a strong 49ers secondary. San Francisco has struggled against slot receivers this season, but they've allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to perimeter receivers in 2024. Harrison primarily plays on the perimeter, taking fewer than one-fifth of his snaps from the slot. As a result, he could have a lower floor in Week 18. Fantasy managers should continue to view him as a mid-to-high WR3 option in most leagues.

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter is expected to start in Week 18 against the San Francisco 49ers after James Conner (knee) and Trey Benson (ankle) were both placed on injured reserve. Conner had a minimal role last weekend due to injury, allowing Carter to handle an impressive 72 percent snap share. He thrived with the increased opportunities, rushing 13 times for 70 yards on the ground while adding two catches for another 11 yards through the air. He now has seven targets, seven catches, and 41 receiving yards over his last two contests. Not only is Carter's role favorable but so is his matchup. The 25-year-old is set to face off against the 49ers, who have allowed the 10th-most rushing yards, fourth-most rushing touchdowns, and seventh-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2024. Carter ranks as a decent RB2 option heading into fantasy football for Week 18.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is a mid-tier WR2 for Week 18 when the Cardinals host the San Francisco 49ers. Harrison Jr. is looking to end his rookie season on a high note after an inconsistent but still productive year. He entered the NFL with very high expectations, which are naturally hard to meet, yet he has still posted over 800 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Harrison Jr. is coming off perhaps one of his best performances, catching six passes for 96 yards against the Rams on Saturday night. Getting quarterback Kyler Murray and Harrison Jr. to build some momentum heading into the offseason will be something the Cardinals will look to do in their regular season finale. Expect Harrison Jr. to be involved early and often in the Cardinals' passing attack.

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride are a must-start TE1 when the Cardinals host the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18. McBride crossed two big milestones last week: breaking 1,000 yards and scoring his first receiving touchdown of the season. However, the game ended on a tough note, with the final pass bouncing off McBride's helmet, resulting in a Los Angeles Rams interception that officially ended the Cardinals' playoff hopes. McBride has had a sensational season and has provided fantasy managers with one of the biggest positional advantages in fantasy football. He is a no-doubt starter in what should be the final week of one of the best tight end seasons in Arizona Cardinals history.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is a low-end starting quarterback in Week 18 when the Cardinals host the San Francisco 49ers. Murray and the Cardinals will look to end their season on a high note after watching their playoff hopes dwindle post-bye week. Murray had a solid performance last week, topping 300 yards despite throwing two interceptions. A strong showing in this matchup will help build momentum for the Cardinals heading into next season. With nothing to play for in terms of playoff implications, we can expect the Cardinals to play more freely and open up the playbook to put an exclamation point on their season. Murray should still be viewed as a starter in Week 18.