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's 2025 X-Factor is Josh Sweat, a proven late-down edge whose fit with Jonathan Gannon could lift the Cardinals' revamped defense. Sweat's presence on third downs is expected to spark one-on-one matchups and raise the team’s pressure rate, while allowing teammates to flourish in complementary roles.

Alongside Sweat, Walter Nolen III, Will Johnson, and Darius Robinson provide a young, versatile front. Sweat’s floor-raising effect—more protection disruption than gaudy sack totals—should unlock the DL and help Arizona contend for a playoff push.

Preseason stock shifts center on a handful of rookies making the jump toward real-season roles. Isaac TeSlaa exploded for Detroit, hauling in 10 balls for 146 yards with three touchdowns and earning an elite 84.0 PFF receiving grade, signaling regular-season snaps behind a crowded WR corps. Jaxson Dart’s hot preseason pushed him into Week 1 consideration for New York, while Walter Nolen’s calf situation for Arizona echoes last year’s Darius Robinson saga. Dylan Fairchild is rising for Cincinnati as a potential starter, with notable injuries and depth elsewhere shaping how soon these players become fantasy factors.

others such as Maxwell Hairston (Buffalo), Darius Robinson (Arizona), and Lathan Ransom (Carolina) are watched for health and role changes, while Kenneth Grant (Miami) could lock into a front that shapes the defensive line. Tyler Shough’s stock-down note adds a veteran caution flag to the mix. Overall, the preseason produced a clearer path for late-round darts and dynasty stash candidates as rosters settle.

Missouri’s football alumni are turning preseason into a proving ground across the NFL, with Tigers pushing for 53-man spots from Jets to Rams and beyond. Armand Membou in New York looms as a potential Week 1 starter at right tackle, while Brady Cook and Harrison Mevis dive into Jets camp and the board in Green Bay and Chicago alike. Luther Burden III has begun to carve a role with the Bears, and Darius Robinson is chasing a starting defensive-line gig in Arizona. Cody Schrader flashed a touchdown-capable skill set for the Rams, Theo Wease Jr. and Larry Borom joined the Dolphins’ and Dolphins’ depth charts, and Tyler Badie plus several UDFA Missouri grads fill crowded backfields and practice squads. The Tigers’ NFL pipeline remains a steady fantasy/DFS storyline as rosters shake out, with multiple Tigers contributing early in 2025 and many more eyeing breakouts as August cuts loom.