Arizona Cardinals DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune will start the team's preseason game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, indicating that he has a lead over Desmond Ridder for the backup QB spot behind Kyler Murray. Ridder was dealt to the Cardinals in March in exchange for wide receiver Rondale Moore, but he's fighting for a roster spot if the team does not keep three quarterbacks. Tune, a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, threw for 62 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions in one start last year. Fantasy managers in Superflex or two-QB leagues should monitor the backup competitions around the league, as any QB2 could become a starter and enter the fantasy football radar if injuries take place.

New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said that both quarterbacks Drake Maye and Jacoby Brissett will play in Thursday night's preseason finale against the Washington Commanders as they continue their QB battle. Brissett entered training camp as the favorite to win the starting job under center to kick off the 2024 season, but he has struggled in two preseason games, while Maye looked much better last week. How each QB fares this weekend against Washington figures to decide the competition. Brissett has more experience in the NFL, but Maye, the third overall pick in this year's NFL draft, is much more mobile and has a stronger arm for downfield throws. Even if Maye doesn't win the starting job heading into Week 1, the 21-year-old figures to be starting games for New England sooner than later in 2024.

New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has yet to decide on his starting quarterback for Week 1, stating, "When I know, I'll let you know." The competition remains tight between rookie first-round pick Drake Maye and veteran Jacoby Brissett. Brissett, who has been taking most of the first-team reps in training camp, brings experience with 48 career starts across five teams in his eight-season career. Meanwhile, Maye, the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has steadily improved. He led the Patriots' offense to 10 points, including a rushing touchdown, during 25 snaps against the Philadelphia Eagles in preseason action. Mayo has praised Maye's commitment and progress since joining the team. The upcoming preseason finale against the Commanders will be crucial for the coaching staff to evaluate the quarterbacks in a game-like scenario. Regardless of who secures the starting role, neither quarterback is expected to have a significant fantasy impact.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said that quarterback Kyler Murray is "leaps and bounds ahead" of last year. Murray was forced to miss the first half of the 2023 season while recovering from a torn ACL. The Cardinals went 1-8 without him and 3-5 in games he started. This summer has been smooth sailing for Murray, and Gannon said this week that the ability to focus on football is a good thing for the quarterback. Fortunately for the Murray believers out there, he showcased no significant ill side-effects of the ACL injury regarding his efficiency as a ball-carrier. His 5.55 yards per carry over his eight games last season aligns with his career average of 5.8. The emergence of tight end Trey McBride as a plus-level pass-catching option and the offseason acquisition of rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. to Arizona's offense should provide Murray with two competent go-to choices in the passing game. Between the belief in the coaching staff and a pair of high-level playmakers, Murray is an intelligent middle-round target to aim for to fill your QB roster spot.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Andre Baccellia led the Cardinals in targets with four and tied for the team lead in receptions (2) and receiving yards (27) in their matchup with the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday evening. Baccellia played in the second quarter and was still on the field into the middle of the fourth quarter where he earned his final target playing with both Clayton Tune and Desmond Ridder on the night. Trying to make the Cardinals as a depth receiver, Baccellia has a long way to go despite being with the organization since 2021. Baccellia is still a ways away on the depth chart, so you won't need to worry about Baccellia on draft day for fantasy purposes.