Arizona Cardinals
Team Overview
The Arizona Cardinals are flying into 2025 with cautious optimism, aiming to break a three-year playoff drought. After an 8-9 finish in 2024, Kyler Murray’s dual-threat wizardry and a revamped defense under Jonathan Gannon signal potential. For survivor pool players, the Cardinals offer sneaky value in softer matchups, but their inconsistent road performance and tough NFC West slate demand careful navigation. This analysis breaks down their roster, schedule, and strategic fit for your pool.
Team Roster Review
Offense
- Quarterback: Kyler Murray (3,978 passing yards, 26 TDs, 10 INTs in 2024; 698 rushing yards, 5 TDs). Murray’s mobility and arm talent make him a top-10 QB when healthy, but his decision-making under pressure remains a question.
- Running Backs: James Conner (1,104 yards, 7 TDs in 2024), Trey Benson (rookie), Emari Demercado, DeeJay Dallas. Conner’s bruising style pairs well with Benson’s speed, giving Arizona a balanced backfield. Depth is thin if injuries hit.
- Wide Receivers: Marvin Harrison Jr. (1,234 yards, 9 TDs in 2024, rookie standout), Greg Dortch, Zay Jones, Robbie Chosen, Tetairoa McMillan (rookie). Harrison Jr. is a budding superstar, and Dortch’s slot work adds versatility. McMillan could emerge as a deep threat.
- Tight Ends: Trey McBride (1,017 yards, 4 TDs in 2024), Evan Engram (acquired via trade). McBride’s breakout cemented him as a top-tier TE, and Engram’s route-running bolsters the passing game.
- Offensive Line: LT Paris Johnson Jr., LG Evan Brown, C Hjalte Froholdt, RG Will Hernandez, RT Jonah Williams. The line’s run-blocking (4.6 yards per carry in 2024) is solid, but pass protection (38 sacks allowed) needs work. Johnson’s shift back to LT should help.
Defense
- Defensive Line: Edge: Josh Sweat (acquired via trade, 8.5 sacks in 2024), Zaven Collins, Dennis Gardeck, Baron Browning (trade acquisition). Interior: Dante Stills, Roy Lopez, L.J. Collier. Sweat’s addition brings elite pass-rush juice, but interior depth is a concern.
- Linebackers: Mack Wilson Sr. (4.5 sacks, 2 INTs in 2024), Kyzir White, Owen Pappoe. Wilson’s versatility and White’s tackling anchor a scrappy unit, though coverage skills lag against elite TEs.
- Secondary: CBs: Will Johnson (rookie), Sean Murphy-Bunting, Max Melton. Safeties: Budda Baker, Jalen Thompson. Baker’s All-Pro instincts and Johnson’s potential make this group dynamic, but inexperience at CB could be exploited early.
- Special Teams: K Matt Prater (27/30 FGs in 2024), P Blake Gillikin (45.2-yard average). Prater’s reliability is a plus, but kick coverage struggled (25.8 yards per return allowed).
2025 Draft Class
- Round 1, Pick 12: CB Will Johnson (Michigan) – 4 INTs in 2024, elite size and speed. Immediate starter opposite Murphy-Bunting.
- Round 2, Pick 44: WR Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona) – 1,402 college yards, 10 TDs. Local star with big-play potential.
- Round 3, Pick 76: EDGE Landon Jackson (Arkansas) – 6.5 sacks in 2024. Rotational pass-rusher with upside.
- Round 4, Pick 108: G Hayden Conner (Florida) – Versatile lineman, adds depth and future starter potential.
- Round 5, Pick 140: DT T.J. Sanders (South Carolina) – 4.0 sacks in 2024, bolsters interior run defense.
- Round 6, Pick 172: LB Curtis Jacobs (Penn State) – Coverage specialist, special teams contributor.
- Round 7, Pick 204: S Malachi Moore (Alabama) – Depth safety with strong instincts.
Note: Trade details (e.g., Browning, sixth-round pick to Denver)
Team Offense and Defense Metrics (2024 Season)
Offense
- Points Per Game: 23.8 (15th in NFL)
- Total Yards Per Game: 346.7 (12th)
- Passing Yards Per Game: 224.3 (14th)
- Rushing Yards Per Game: 122.4 (10th)
- Turnovers: 18 (T-11th lowest)
Defense
- Points Allowed Per Game: 24.1 (20th)
- Total Yards Allowed Per Game: 351.2 (22nd)
- Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 231.6 (24th)
- Rushing Yards Allowed Per Game: 119.6 (16th)
- Takeaways: 21 (T-14th)
2025 Outlook: Offense should improve with Harrison Jr.’s growth and McMillan’s addition, but pass protection and road consistency are concerns. Defense, bolstered by Sweat and Johnson, could climb into the top 15 if young players gel.
2025 Schedule Analysis
Below is the Cardinals’ 2025 schedule with survivor pool fit, based on opponent strength, location, and 2025 win probability (estimated using 2024 records, roster changes, and schedule context).
| Week | Date | Opponent | Home/Away | Time/Network | Win Probability | Survivor Pool Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sun, 9/7 | New Orleans Saints | Away | 1:00 PM ET, CBS | 60% | Streamable: Saints are rebuilding, with QB uncertainty (possibly Tyler Shough). Cards’ fast start could capitalize, but road games are dicey. |
| 2 | Sun, 9/14 | Carolina Panthers | Home | 1:00 PM ET, CBS | 75% | Top-Tier Anchor: Panthers struggled in 2024 (6-11), and Bryce Young lacks weapons. Home opener at State Farm Stadium is a prime spot. |
| 3 | Sun, 9/21 | San Francisco 49ers | Away | 4:25 PM ET, FOX | 45% | Avoid: 49ers, despite a down 2024 (6-10), remain a divisional threat. Cards swept them last year but face a tougher road test here. |
| 4 | Thu, 9/25 | Seattle Seahawks | Home | 8:15 PM ET, PRIME | 55% | Poor: Thursday night divisional games are unpredictable. Cards have lost all three TNF matchups vs. Seattle since 2013. |
| 5 | Sun, 10/5 | Tennessee Titans | Home | 4:05 PM ET, CBS | 70% | Top-Tier Anchor: Titans’ rookie QB Cam Ward faces a steep learning curve. Cards’ defense should feast at home. |
| 6 | Sun, 10/12 | Indianapolis Colts | Away | 1:00 PM ET, FOX | 50% | Poor: Colts (10-7 in 2024) are a playoff contender. Anthony Richardson’s dual-threat style could exploit Cards’ road defense. |
| 7 | Sun, 10/19 | Green Bay Packers | Home | 4:25 PM ET, FOX | 55% | Streamable: Packers (11-6 in 2024) are tough, but Cards’ home-field edge and Murray’s playmaking keep this winnable. |
| 8 | - | BYE | - | - | - | - |
| 9 | Mon, 11/3 | Dallas Cowboys | Away | 8:15 PM ET, ESPN/ABC | 40% | Avoid: Cowboys (12-5 in 2024) are a powerhouse, and MNF road games are brutal. Murray’s Texas homecoming adds intrigue but not safety. |
| 10 | Sun, 11/9 | Seattle Seahawks | Away | 4:05 PM ET, CBS | 45% | Avoid: Seattle’s home-field advantage (Lumen Field) and divisional familiarity make this a trap. Cards struggle in Seattle. |
| 11 | Sun, 11/16 | San Francisco 49ers | Home | 4:05 PM ET, FOX | 60% | Streamable: Cards swept the 49ers in 2024, and home advantage helps. San Francisco’s cap issues weaken their roster. |
| 12 | Sun, 11/23 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Home | 4:05 PM ET, CBS | 65% | Streamable: Jags (9-8 in 2024) are inconsistent on the road. Trevor Lawrence vs. Murray is a toss-up, but home edge tilts to Cards. |
| 13 | Sun, 11/30 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Away | 1:00 PM ET, FOX | 50% | Poor: Bucs (10-7 in 2024) are battle-tested. Raymond James Stadium and Baker Mayfield’s grit make this a risky road pick. |
| 14 | Sun, 12/7 | Los Angeles Rams | Home | 4:25 PM ET, FOX | 55% | Poor: Rams (10-7 in 2024) are a divisional juggernaut with Stafford and Adams. Divisional home games are too volatile. |
| 15 | Sun, 12/14 | Houston Texans | Away | 1:00 PM ET, FOX | 45% | Avoid: Texans (10-7 in 2024) are AFC South champs. C.J. Stroud at home is a nightmare for Cards’ secondary. |
| 16 | Sun, 12/21 | Atlanta Falcons | Away | 4:05 PM ET, FOX | 60% | Streamable: Falcons (8-9 in 2024) rely on Michael Penix Jr., who may struggle vs. Cards’ pass rush at State Farm Stadium. |
| 17 | Sun, 12/28 | Cincinnati Bengals | Away | 1:00 PM ET, TBD | 40% | Avoid: Bengals (10-7 in 2024) have Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. Paycor Stadium is a tough venue for an upset. |
| 18 | Sat, 1/4 | Los Angeles Rams | Away | 1:00 PM ET, TBD | 45% | Avoid: Rams at SoFi Stadium in Week 18 could be a playoff tune-up. Divisional road games are survivor poison. |
Notes on Key Stats from 2024
- Home/Road Splits: Cardinals went 6-3 at home (State Farm Stadium) but 2-6 on the road, highlighting their reliance on home-field energy.
- Divisional Dominance: Swept the 49ers (2-0) and split with Rams and Seahawks, showing they can hang in the NFC West.
- Turnover Margin: +3 (21 takeaways, 18 giveaways), solid but not elite. Murray’s 10 INTs were a slight regression.
- Red Zone Offense: 58.6% TD conversion rate (14th in NFL), boosted by Conner’s goal-line work and McBride’s reliability.
- Third-Down Defense: Allowed 39.8% conversion (18th), a weak spot that Josh Sweat’s pass rush should address.
Survivor Pool Strategy
The Cardinals are a Streamable team for 2025 survivor pools, not a lock like perennial favorites (e.g., Chiefs). Their favorable home schedule and winnable matchups against non-playoff teams early in the season make them a tactical pick in Weeks 2, 5, and 11. However, their road woes (2-6 in 2024) and brutal late-season slate (Texans, Bengals, Rams) scream caution. Use them early to preserve bigger dogs for December.
Best Survivor Picks
- Week 2 vs. Carolina Panthers (Home, 75% Win Prob.): The Panthers’ anemic offense (6-11 in 2024) and Bryce Young’s struggles make this home opener a slam dunk. Arizona’s 6-3 home record and revenge motive (after a 2024 OT loss) seal it.
- Week 5 vs. Tennessee Titans (Home, 70% Win Prob.): Tennessee’s rookie QB Cam Ward faces a steep learning curve, and Arizona’s defense (21 takeaways in 2024) should pounce. State Farm Stadium’s energy gives the edge.
- Week 11 vs. San Francisco 49ers (Home, 60% Win Prob.): Arizona’s 2024 sweep of the 49ers and San Francisco’s cap-driven roster cuts make this a winnable divisional tilt at home.
Weeks to Avoid
- Week 3 @ San Francisco 49ers: Divisional road games are risky, and the 49ers’ home-field advantage at Levi’s Stadium flips the script despite Arizona’s 2024 sweep.
- Week 9 @ Dallas Cowboys: A Monday Night Football road game against a 12-5 juggernaut is a survivor pool death trap, even with Murray’s Texas ties.
- Week 15 @ Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud’s Texans are a playoff lock, and NRG Stadium is a brutal venue for Arizona’s shaky road defense.
- Week 17 @ Cincinnati Bengals: Burrow and Chase in December at Paycor Stadium? No thanks. This is a late-season landmine.
Additional Survivor Pool Considerations
- Bye Week Timing (Week 8): The midseason bye allows Arizona to reset before a tough stretch (Cowboys, Seahawks, 49ers). Avoid picking them in Weeks 9-10, as post-bye road games are unpredictable.
- Primetime Games: Two primetime slots (Week 4 vs. Seahawks, Week 9 @ Cowboys) are high-variance due to national stage pressure and short-week/divisional dynamics. Steer clear.
- Divisional Gauntlet: Four of six NFC West games (Weeks 3, 4, 10, 11, 14, 18) are risky due to familiarity and physicality. Only Week 11 vs. 49ers is a safe bet.
- Weather Factor: Arizona’s dome (State Farm Stadium) neutralizes weather, making home games more predictable. Road games in Seattle (Week 10) or Cincinnati (Week 17) could face rain or cold.
Final Verdict
The Arizona Cardinals are a sleeper pick for 2025 NFL survivor pools, offering high-upside home matchups in Weeks 2, 5, and 11. Their 6-3 home record in 2024 and offensive firepower (Murray, Harrison Jr., Conner) make them a safe bet against weaker opponents like the Panthers and Titans. However, their road struggles and late-season gauntlet (Weeks 15-18) make them a one-and-done pick, best used early to save elite teams for crunch time. Play the Cards smart, and they’ll keep your pool hopes alive.
When is the best week to pick the Arizona Cardinals in a 2025 survivor pool?
Week 2 vs. the Carolina Panthers is the safest bet. Arizona’s home-field advantage (6-3 in 2024) and Carolina’s offensive woes (6-11, limited weapons) give the Cards a 75% win probability. Save them for this spot to maximize value.
Are the Cardinals a good survivor pool pick for road games in 2025?
No. Arizona’s 2-6 road record in 2024 and tough away matchups (49ers, Cowboys, Texans, Bengals) make them a risky road pick. Stick to home games like Weeks 2, 5, or 11 for better odds.
How do the Cardinals’ primetime games affect survivor pool strategy?
Arizona’s two primetime games (Week 4 vs. Seahawks, Week 9 @ Cowboys) are traps. The Thursday night divisional clash with Seattle is unpredictable, and the Monday night road game against Dallas is a mismatch. Avoid both for survivor purposes.
References
- Arizona Cardinals 2025 Schedule: Complete schedule, tickets, and matchup information for 2025 NFL Season.
- 2025 Arizona Cardinals season - Wikipedia.
- Arizona Cardinals 2025 Schedule release tracker: First game, primetime, and more leaks for 2025.
- Cardinals 2025 schedule: When does Arizona play opponents?
- Arizona Cardinals official 2025 schedule.
- @BoBrack, X posts on Arizona Cardinals 2025 schedule leaks.
- @joshweinfuss, X post on Cardinals 2025 regular-season schedule.