The Cardinals allowed 346 yards and 22 points during the Week 16 loss to the Colts and play the Cowboys on Sunday.

Analysis: It wasn't a bad on-field performance from the Arizona D/ST, but it offered minimal fantasy production with two sacks and zero takeaways. It outlook doesn't improve much this weekend, as Dallas is coming off a 56-point performance last week. QB Dak Prescott has has his full complement of weapons, making the Cardinals D/ST a poor option for Week 17.

The Cardinals allowed 338 yards and 30 points during the Week 15 loss to the Lions and play the Colts on Sunday.

Analysis: The Arizona D/ST had one takeaway and two sacks, as Detroit surprisingly outplayed the Cards by a significant margin on both sides of the ball. The unit now has only one takeaway over the past two games and struggles against the run (4.6 YPC), which is significant when going up against RB Jonathan Taylor. The Cardinals D/ST should play better after hitting rock bottom last week but is a subpar option for Week 16.

The Cardinals allowed 356 yards and 30 points during the Week 14 loss to the Rams and play the Lions on Sunday.

Analysis: The Arizona D/ST didn't help itself much with zero takeaways and three sacks, as QB Matthew Stafford and Los Angeles' wideouts routinely burned the secondary. Fortunes change quickly though, as Detroit is up next after getting steamrolled by Denver last week. The Cardinals D/ST is one of the top fantasy options for Week 15.

The Cardinals allowed 329 yards and 22 points during the Week 13 win over the Bears and play the Rams on Monday.

Analysis: The Arizona D/ST had three sacks and four takeaway while holding Chicago to 4.6 yards per play. QB Matthew Stafford settled in last week against the Jags after throwing three pick-sixes over the previous month, and Cooper Kupp continues to lead the league in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. The Cardinals D/ST has been a strong unit this season but is a below-average option for Week 14.

The Cardinals enter Sunday's matchup against the Bears ranked fifth in total defense (317.8 PPG) and fourth in scoring (18.4 PPG).

Analysis: Arizona held Seattle to 13 points to head into the Week 12 bye on a high note, and it has a favorable matchup with Chicago this weekend. QB Justin Fields (ribs) may be able to return after missing last week's game, but that doesn't necessarily make it any less favorable of a matchup for the Cardinals. The Arizona D/ST is one of the top fantasy options for Week 13.

The Cardinals allowed 341 yards and 34 points during the Week 10 loss to the Panthers and play the Seahawks on Sunday.

Analysis: Arizona had a solid matchup with P.J. Walker and a newly-signed Cam Newton at quarterback for Carolina, but it was a day to forget in the desert. QB Russell Wilson got shut out in his return for the Seahawks and certainly didn't look fully himself. Seattle's offense should return to form as Wilson gets more conformable, but the outlook for immediate future should be a bit diminished. The Cardinals D/ST has been a strong unit this season and should be an above-average choice for Week 11.

The Cardinals allowed 337 yards and 17 points during the Week 9 win over the 49ers and play the Panthers on Sunday.

Analysis: The Arizona D/ST played well and recorded two sacks and three takeaways to rebound from a stinker against Green Bay in Week 8. QB Sam Darnold (shoulder) is now out for Carolina, leaving an unproven P.J. Walker to take over as the signal-caller. The Panthers struggled immensely in recent weeks with Darnold under center, and it seems unlikely Walker is going to solve those issues. Still, RB Christian McCaffrey is now healthy and should provide a strong complement to top wideout D.J. Moore.…read more

The Cardinals allowed 335 yards and 24 points during the Week 8 loss to the Packers and play the 49ers on Sunday.

Analysis: The Arizona D/ST had one zero-yard sack and no takeaways, as QB Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay dominated the ball. The Cards allowed only 4.8 yards per pass with WR Davante Adams (illness) out, but RBs Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon found success on the ground. RB Elijah Mitchell figures to be a focus for San Francisco (244 rushing yards the past two weeks), and QB Jimmy Garoppolo is coming off a solid performance in Chicago. Still, it's a solid matchup for a strong Cardinals D/ST, making it a…read more

The Cardinals allowed 160 yards and three offensive points during the Week 7 win over the Texans and play the Packers on Thursday.

Analysis: It was an impressive showing for Arizona, which gave up only 3.3 yards per play while recording two sacks and one takeaway. QB Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay are averaging 24.0 PPG and are tied-fifth in giveaways (six), but WRs Davante Adams (illness) and Allen Lazard (close contact) are set to be sidelined by the COVID-19 protocols. The Packers haven't reproduced the top-ranked offense they had last season, it they're unlikely to rediscover that form Thursday with two of its top wideouts…read more

The Cardinals gave up 290 yards and 14 points during the Week 6 win over the Browns and play the Texans on Sunday.

Analysis: Cleveland continues to deal with a litany of injuries, with QB Baker Mayfield and RB Kareem Hunt going down with issues for an offense already without workhorse RB Nick Chubb. The Arizona D/ST certainly took advantage with three takeaways and five sacks while allowing only two scores. Meanwhile, Houston mustered only three points on the Colts last week and has scored only 34 points across the past four games. QB Davis Mills has largely struggled in play of the injured Tyrod Taylor, leaving the…read more

The Cardinals gave up 338 yards and 10 points during the Week 5 win over the 49ers and play the Browns on Sunday.

Analysis: The Vikings put up 33 points in Week 2, but otherwise the Cards have been stifling on defense (15.5 PPG) while also racking up 11 sacks and 10 takeaways. The Browns have scored 14 and 42 points in each of the past two weeks, with RB Nick Chubb continuing to power the offense with 261 rushing yards in those games. Arizona ranks 31st in the league in rushing yards/attempt (5.4), so this isn't exactly an ideal matchup. The Cardinals D/ST has performed well enough overall to earn some benefit of…read more

The Cardinals allowed 401 yards and 20 points during the Week 4 win over the Rams and play the 49ers on Sunday.

Analysis: A garbage-time touchdown from Los Angeles hurt the final line, but it was a strong performance from the Arizona D/ST with two takeaways and zero sacks. It ended up as lackluster fantasy output, but it was still a good showing in a tough matchup. Rookie QB Trey Lance could end up making his first NFL start this weekend, as Jimmy Garoppolo (calf) hasn't been practicing. The San Francisco offense hasn't exactly been formidable regardless so far in 2021, but the potential of facing a rookie QB…read more

The Cardinals allowed 361 yards and 19 points during the Week 3 win over the Jaguars and play the Rams on Sunday.

Analysis: Arizona recorded three sacks and four takeaways, including a pick-six from CB Byron Murphy to give the unit a huge afternoon. The Cardinals also put up a ton of fantasy points in the season opener before laying a dud Week 2, and it seems likely that pattern will repeat heading into the matchup with the Rams. QB Matthew Stafford has immediately meshed with his new team, and WR Cooper Kupp has quickly become his favorite target while Robert Woods remains a strong outside weapon. The Cardinals…read more

The Cardinals gave up 419 yards and 33 points during the Week 2 win over the Vikings and play the Jaguars on Sunday.

Analysis: The Vikings averaged 7.0 yards per play (including 6.6 yards on the ground), as the Cardinals recorded only one sack and zero takeaways. It was a far cry from Arizona's three-takeaway, six-sack showing in the season opener, but there's a perfect opportunity for a rebound in Week 3. Rookie QB Trevor Lawrence has struggled through his first two games, and Jacksonville is tied for the league lead in giveaways (five) and has scored only 27 offensive points. It's a lot to expect the Cardinals D/ST…read more

The Cardinals gave up 13 points and 248 yards during the Week 1 win over the Titans and play the Vikings on Sunday.

Analysis: Arizona not only provided stifling defense with only 3.9 yards allowed per play, but it also had plenty of big plays with three takeaways and six sacks, including five from OLB Chandler Jones. RB Derrick Henry was limited to a 3.4 YPC on 17 carries, and another top RB is up this week in Dalvin Cook. WRs Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen are also elite options on the outside for QB Kirk Cousins. The Cardinals D/ST will be a popular play Week 2 coming off the dominant season opener and has a…read more

DE Jordan Phillips (undisclosed) is on injured reserve and will miss Sunday's season opener against the Titans.

Analysis: The Arizona D/ST made major strides under DC Vance Joseph in 2020, but it will open this season with a tough matchup against the Titans. RB Derrick Henry remains the figurehead of the offense, but the addition of WR Julio Jones brings another elite outside threat opposite WR A.J. Brown, while QB Ryan Tannehill has shown to be the perfect fit for the offense. The retirement of CB Malcolm Butler late in camp leaves the Cardinals a bit thin in the secondary, and it could be a trial by fire in Week…read more

CB Malcolm Butler was placed on the reserve/retired list Aug. 31.

Analysis: Butler signed in March as the replacement for Patrick Peterson at cornerback, but Butler decided to retire with Week 1 less than two weeks away. The Cardinals are left with a ton of inexperience at cornerback, and rookies Marco Wilson (fourth round) and Tay Gowan (sixth round) may be pressed into significant roles. Arizona could opt to bring in a veteran free agent or two, but as it currently stands the team is facing significant questions in the secondary.

Chandler Jones reported to training camp Tuesday, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Jones sat out June minicamp while seeking an extension and reportedly requested a trade during the offseason, but he's on the field for the start of camp. He'll receive help up front this season following the addition of J.J. Watt, who played in all 16 games last year for only the second time since 2015. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph saw significant improvements during his second season in 2020, and Arizona could continue on an upward trajectory in 2021.

The Cardinals finished 2020 ranked 13th in total defense (351.9 YPG), 12th in scoring (22.9 PPG) and tied-fourth in sacks (48).

Analysis:

The Cardinals allowed 398 yards and 20 points during the Week 16 loss to the 49ers and play the Rams on Sunday.

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The Cardinals gave up 422 yards and 26 points during the Week 15 win over the Eagles and play the 49ers on Saturday.

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The Cardinals gave up 159 yards and seven points during the Week 14 win over the Giants and play the Eagles on Sunday.

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The Cardinals gave up 31 offensive points and 463 yards during the Week 13 loss to the Rams and play the Giants on Sunday.

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The Cardinals allowed 179 yards and 20 points during the Week 12 loss to the Patriots and play the Rams on Sunday.

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The Cardinals allowed 347 yards and 26 offensive points during the Week 11 loss to the Seahawks and play the Patriots on Sunday.

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The Cardinals allowed 369 yards and 30 points during the Week 10 win over the Bills and play the Seahawks on Thursday.

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The Cardinals gave up 27 points and 312 yards during the Week 9 loss to the Dolphins and play the Bills on Sunday.

Analysis: Rookie QB Tua Tagovailoa totaled 283 yards and three touchdowns as Arizona was unable to rattle him coming out of its bye week. Things don't get much easier in Week 10, as QB Josh Allen and the Bills torched the Seahawks for 44 points last week. Buffalo has endured some offensive consistency this season, but Allen has flashed his MVP potential and Arizona also hasn't provided much defensive stability. The Cardinals D/ST is a risky option this weekend with the Bills coming off their best…read more

The Cardinals come out of their bye week ranked tied-22nd in total defense and ninth in scoring (22.9 PPG), and they will play the Dolphins on Sunday.

Analysis: Arizona surrendered 34 points to Seattle prior to the bye week but had two sacks and three interceptions to salvage some fantasy value. It has been a solid defensive unit most of the season and ranks tied-10th in sacks (19) and tied-12th in takeaways (10). Rookie QB Tua Tagovailoa received the first start of his career last week for the Dolphins and managed only 93 passing yards on 22 attempts, so this should be a strong matchup for the Cardinals. Top RB Myles Gaskin (knee) is also out, so…read more

The Cardinals allowed 344 yards and 10 points during the Week 6 win over the Cowboys and play the Seahawks on Sunday.

Analysis: It was an absolutley dominating performance from Arizona, as it had four takeaways and three sacks. It's quite the turnaround in the turnover battle, as the Cardinals entered the contest with only three takeaways through five games. QB Russell Wilson is the early favorite for MVP as the Seahawks have the highest-scoring offense (33.8 PPG) in the league. In addition, Seattle will be as healthy as possible and have extra prep time while coming off its bye week. The Cardinals D/ST just delivered…read more

The Cardinals allowed 285 yards and 10 points during the Week 5 win over the Jets and play the Cowboys on Monday.

Analysis: Arizona had three sacks and were unable to force any turnovers, but it held New York in check with 4.5 yards per play. The injury to QB Dak Prescott (ankle) certainly diminishes the outlook for Dallas' offense, but Andy Dalton is arguably the best backup in the league and should be a solid replacement option. Dalton is unlikely to keep up with the team's current offensive production (32.6 PPG and 488 YPG), but he's hardly a dream matchup for fantasy defenses like most backup QBs. The Cardinals…read more

The Cardinals allowed 31 points and 444 yards during the Week 4 loss to the Panthers and play the Jets on Sunday.

Analysis: QB Teddy Bridgewater averaged 7.5 yards per pass, added 32 yards on the ground and totaled three touchdowns as Arizona allowed Carolina to completely control the game. The Jets are averaging 16.3 points and 278 yards and has five giveaways through four games, so Week 5 is a prime opportunity for a rebound performance from the Cardinals D/ST.

The Cardinals allowed 26 points and 322 yards during the Week 3 loss to the Lions and play the Panthers on Sunday.

Analysis: Arizona had four sacks but was unable to forced any turnovers, while its offense had three giveaways. The Cardinals have only two takeaways through three games, but they do rank near the top of the league in sacks (11). The Arizona D/ST is a strong matchup in Week 4 since the Panthers remain without top-offensive weapon Christian McCaffrey (ankle).

Arizona gave up 316 yards and 15 points to Washington on Sunday and play Detroit in Week 3.

Analysis: The Cardinals had four sacks and two takeaways while holding the Football Team to three points through three quarters, though it did manage a pair of late touchdowns. It's a strong start to the season for Arizona with only 35 points allowed through two weeks, and Detroit hasn't exactly been a juggernaut offensively so far. QB Matthew Stafford can still put up points with the best of them, but the health of top-wideout Kenny Golladay (hamstring) should be a significant factor in valuing the…read more

Arizona gave up 366 yards and 20 points the San Francisco in Week 1 and play Washington on Sunday.

Analysis: The Cardinals had a strong performance on the road in the season opener with three sacks, though they did fail to force a turnover. Washington totaled only 239 yards Week 1 and also allowed three sacks, so Arizona has the potential for solid defensive production against a young offense.

The Cardinals will face the 49ers in the season opener Sunday.

Analysis: Arizona won't ease into the schedule in 2020 as it faces the top team from the NFC last season. The Cardinals were able to slow down the 49ers potent rushing attack in their two matchups in 2019, but instead gave up 718 passing yards. The Cards finished last season near the bottom of the league in total defense (402.0 YPG), scoring (27.2 PPG) and takeaways (17), and there isn't much reason to expect a significant improvement in 2020 until the unit proves otherwise.

The Cardinals finished ranked 28th in scoring defense (27.2 PPG), 32nd in total defense (402.0 YPG) and tied-25th in takeaways last season.

Analysis: Arizona has some high-end talent with OLB Chandler Jones, CB Patrick Peterson and S Budda Baker, but the rest of the unit largely struggled in 2019. The additions of No. 8 overall pick LB Isaiah Simmons, DT Jordan Phillips, ILB De'Vondre Campbell and OLB Devon Kennard should balance out the talent level, but with no preseason games it will be difficult to predict just how much of an impact the offseason additions will have on the field. The Cardinals are scheduled to open the season Sept. 13 at…read more

The Cardinals allowed 13 points and 224 yards during the Week 16 win over the Seahawks and play the Rams on Sunday.

Analysis: Arizona had five sacks and one takeaway as QB Russell Wilson was unable to get into a rhythm all game, while injuries to RB Chris Carson (hip) and C.J. Prosise (arm) limited the viability of the run game. The Cardinals haven't provided much fantasy production for most of the season, but the Rams may limit playing time for some banged up starting since they're already eliminated from the playoffs. The Arizona D/ST may have some added upside for Week 17 given the circumstances, but it's not…read more

LB Jordan Hicks is nursing a calf injury as the Cardinals get set to play the Seahawks on Sunday.

Analysis: Arizona played relatively well versus Cleveland in Week 15 with one sack and two takeaways, and it was a garbage-time touchdown away from allowing only 17 points. Still, that performance didn't lead to significant fantasy production, which has been the case for much of the season for Arizona. The Seahawks have a clear offensively identity with their run game that is complemented by QB Russell Wilson's incredible efficiency, leaving the Cardinals D/ST as an avoidable option for Week 16.

The Cardinals allowed 275 yards and 23 points during the Week 14 loss to Steelers and play the Browns on Sunday.

Analysis: Arizona put in a solid defensive performance with three sacks and two takeaways, which is one of its better outings of the season. The Cardinals rank near the bottom of the league in total defense (414.7 YPG), scoring (28.8 PPG) and takeaways (14), and are middle of the pack in sacks (33). Cleveland certainly hasn't enjoyed the offensive season it expected, but Arizona hasn't shown enough defensive to warrant fantasy consideration in Week 15.

The Cardinals surrendered 27 offensive points and 549 yards to the Rams in Week 13 and face the Steelers on Sunday.

Analysis: Los Angeles hadn't exceeded 17 points in their previous three games, but it passed that total by halftime in Arizona. The Cardinals D/ST provided minimal value with one sack and zero takeaways. OLBs Chandler Jones and Terrell Suggs have combined for 18.5 sacks and nine forced fumbles, yet Arizona ranks middle of the pack in sacks (30) and tied-26th in takeaways (12). Pittsburgh seems likely to be without RB James Conner (shoulder) and WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) in addition to having a…read more

The Cardinals come out of their bye week allowing 415.2 YPG and 28.8 PPG and will play the Rams on Sunday.

Analysis: Both marks rank bottom three in the league, while Arizona also struggles to force turnovers (12). OLBs Chandler Jones and Terrell Suggs have combined for 18 sacks and nine forced fumbles, but there's little playmaking to be found elsewhere on the defense. The Rams have only scored 35 points over the last three games, but the Cardinals are too reliant on splash plays from Jones/Suggs to be a reliable fantasy option.

The Cardinals surrendered 457 yards during the 30-27, Week 11 loss to the Buccaneers and will play the 49ers on Sunday.

Analysis: This game went almost exactly to script, as Tampa Bay was consistently able to move the ball despite Arizona posting four sacks and three takeaways. The Cardinals D/ST provided minimal fantasy production in Week 9 against the 49ers (28 points allowed, one sack and zero takeaways), but the potential absences of WR Emmanuel Sanders (ribs) and TE George Kittle (knee) could make this a more favorable matchup. Still, Arizona remains a risky play in Week 11 having allowed 89 points over the last…read more