Arizona and Denver will sit starters in Saturday's preseason clash, with a handful of exceptions possible. After a joint practice in Denver, coaches confirmed no starter reps for either side, a stance aligned with Jonathan Gannon’s approach since he arrived. Kyler Murray played in last weekend's opener but is expected to watch the remainder of the exhibition season. If no starters take the field, the finale vs Las Vegas looms as the true last chance for depth-chart moves. The 9:30 p.m. ET kickoff from Empower Field in Denver becomes a proving ground for backups and fantasy sleepers, not for the usual star-driven script.

For fantasy observers, the absence of top-line players shifts focus to depth pieces who could leap into meaningful roles if injuries or performance shuffles occur. Broncos reserve QBs, and Cardinals complementary receivers could surface as late-round targets, while the lack of top weapons lowers the floor for usual starters. This tune-up is about upside paths and roster battles, making it a valuable data point for late-season bets and dynasty rosters.

Arizona opened preseason by letting Kyler Murray operate with a mix of starters and reserve units, while two healthy defensive staples sat out, signaling a measured approach to the exhibition slate. Calais Campbell and Josh Sweat were scratches, Campbell aging into a long career and Sweat not sidelined by injury but by rotation decisions. Kelvin Beachum also sat, with a handful of players nursing or managing minor bumps (Gaines, Jones, Fehoko). The setup feeds fantasy interest in how the Cardinals will balance rest and reps ahead of Week 1, especially on the edge and in protection schemes. The Chiefs presented the opponent, offering a real test for depth players and the emergent playmaking around Murray, with coach Jonathan Gannon signaling a purposeful early-season ramp. Cards Wire coverage from Jess Root and team voices keeps the pulse on the evolving roster and fantasy-sharp prospects.

Entering the 2025 NFL season, head coach Jonathan Gannon of the Arizona Cardinals finds himself ranked 20th among the league's 32 head coaches. The Cardinals will face a mixture of seasoned coaches and newcomers throughout the season, including five who are either unranked or in their second year.

Key matchups feature well-regarded coaches like Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers, ranked 6th, and Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams, holding the 2nd spot. With a blend of first-year and veteran coaches, Arizona's path will test Gannon's strategic acumen, particularly against formidable divisional rivals. Gannon’s ability to outmaneuver these established minds could prove pivotal for the Cardinals’ success in the upcoming season.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon's ranking places him in the bottom half of the latest Pro Football Network head coaching rankings, at No. 20, despite a season of notable improvement. Under Gannon's leadership, the Cardinals transitioned from a disappointing four-win team in 2022 to a more competitive eight-win team last season. With significant progress on offense, highlighted by a fifth-place finish in Offense+ metrics, and a respectable leap in defensive performance, Gannon has shown potential. However, lingering questions about player performances, particularly concerning quarterback Kyler Murray and rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., keep the Cardinals' future uncertain.

Despite an overall record of 12-22, Gannon has stabilized a team that faced challenges. While the defense struggled to crack the top half of the league, ranking 15th in points allowed this season was a marked improvement from its previous 31st place finish. As the team moves forward, fans hope to see continued progress, but Gannon's ranking reflects skepticism regarding his ability to elevate the Cardinals to a playoff-caliber team.