The Arizona Cardinals leaned on a healthier, powerful up-front to topple Carolina 27-22, and Kyler Murray fed off improved protection to post a clean, efficient day (92.1 QBR) as the offense clicked. The line’s performance unlocked a more balanced attack that supported both Murray and the run game.

James Conner remains a steady workload back at age 30, while Trey Benson showed versatility by contributing in the passing game and as a ground option. Defensively, the front flashed when healthy, led by Calais Campbell’s veteran impact, but the secondary yielded big plays and could push for a proven corner by the trade deadline. If health and a corner upgrade arrive, Arizona could trend toward favorable fantasy returns.

Bottom line: a healthier, more cohesive Cardinals unit produced a more reliable fantasy floor, but attention will turn to defensive upgrades and schedule-driven optimism as the season progresses.

Arizona faces Carolina with a plan built around run-stopping discipline and explosive back-end play. Budda Baker must anchor coverage while also thriving as a run defender, and Calais Campbell provides the interior heft to slow Carolina’s power rushing attack. Marvin Harrison Jr. adds a versatile weapon to stress Jaycee Horn and the Panthers secondary, helping Arizona sustain drives and keep the Panthers from dictating the pace.

The micro matchup matters: if Baker and Campbell control the front, Harrison Jr can create the required space for the offense and tilt field position in Arizona’s favor. This one is a defensive chess match with fantasy implications for multiple Cardinals and Panthers players alike.

Chase Young and Trevor Penning are ruled out for Week 1 as New Orleans hosts Arizona, reshaping the Saints' edge and left-guard rotation. Jordan Howden is listed as questionable with an oblique, while Khristian Boyd and Alontae Taylor carry limited designations; Taylor is on track to play. For Arizona, Will Hernandez is out, Calais Campbell rests, with several other Cardinals players carrying no designation. These updates tilt some Week 1 expectations on both sides and create fantasy-adjusted risk around pass rush and pass protection.

With Young and Penning sidelined, Saints' defense and offensive line faces a thinner edge presence and guard depth, while Arizona’s offensive front may benefit from an improved matchup on the Saints’ rush lanes. Fantasy implications center on QBs and pass-catchers who could see more time or time to throw, plus potential changes in defensive performance and game tempo.