Arizona

Cardinals

Wilson has now been held below 50 yards in back-to-back games after previously clearing that mark in three straight. Of course, he hasn’t reached 60 since Week 5. Wilson won’t be relevant to Week 17 lineup decisions.

It wasn’t a great day for the No. 4 overall pick, as he lost a few jump balls and drew constructive criticism from FOX analyst Mark Schlereth for not coming out of his breaks properly. MHJ has now been held below 50 yards receiving in three straight games and 4-of-5. He hasn’t hit 70 since before Halloween. He’s hanging around the WR30-36 range, but if you have endured Harrison’s ongoing struggles, there’s a chance he could end up on your Week 17 bench.

Scoreless-wonder McBride is now up to 92 receptions without a touchdown this season, while today’s 3/20 effort was his least productive PPR box score of the entire year. The Cardinals were eliminated from playoff contention this afternoon, while James Conner was knocked out with a knee injury. It would appear one of the only things they have to play for in Weeks 17 and 18 is getting McBride his long-overdue TD. The Rams are a plus matchup next Sunday.

With Trey Benson (ankle) sidelined, Carter stepped in as the Cardinals’ lead back after James Conner suffered a third quarter knee injury. Conner spent a lot of time trying to get stretched out but never appeared particularly close to returning. With the Cardinals now eliminated from playoff contention, Carter could suddenly be the lead back for Week 17 against the Rams if Benson remains sidelined. Benson failed to log a single practice rep this week, so Carter’s odds of starting are probably better than 50-50, especially since Arizona has no incentive to risk anyone’s future health in Weeks 17 and 18,

Fantasy managers will take it, but it was another dispiriting “real life” effort from the sixth-year starter as the Cardinals were eliminated from playoff contention. Murray’s fourth quarter interception down 30-27 at the 3:20 mark was probably the worst throw of his entire career, as he ranged past the line of scrimmage before throwing the ball directly to Demani Richardson. It was a baffling, inscrutable decision that somehow didn’t cost the Cardinals the game. Murray, nevertheless, got outplayed in the extra period by star-crossed Bryce Young. Incapable of finding Trey McBride for touchdowns or Marvin Harrison Jr. for anything at all, Murray remains plateaued. Now with nothing to play for, the Cardinals face a Rams team with everything to play for in Week 17.

Conner twisted up on a third quarter tackle attempt. He spent several minutes trying to stretch it out on the sideline but could be seen grimacing. He was then declared questionable. Conner is still walking around but is sans helmet. It is sadly looking like his afternoon is through after he took the rock 15 times for 117 yards and a score. He also added four receptions for 49 yards. Fantasy managers will take it, but it could have been so much more. Michael Carter appears to be the next man up with Trey Benson and Emari Demercado sidelined.

Benson and Johnson were both ruled out before the weekend, meaning DeeJay Dallas will likely serve as the RB2 behind James Conner. There’s no fantasy upside in this backfield outside of Conner, who profiles as a solid RB1 for the week.

Players typically played through illness-related questionable tags, but Froholdt was obviously added to the injury report very late. The Cardinals are already without left tackle Paris Johnson while left guard Evan Brown is listed as questionable with a neck injury. Arizona could be down three starting linemen for their matchup with Carolina if Brown and Froholdt both sit.

Prater will remain on injured reserve for at least one more week. Chad Ryland will continue to kick for the Cardinals. Facing a Carolina defense that should allow Arizona to move the ball with ease, Ryland is a solid streaming option this week.

Johnson suffered an MCL injury in Week 15 and could be out for more than just this game against the Panthers. Kelvin Beachum should take his spot in the lineup this week. Beachum started at right tackle earlier this season while Jonah Williams was injured and has years of experience at left tackle under his belt.