Fantasy: 2019 Projections - How high is Murray's ceiling with Cardinals?

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With training camps approaching, theScore's Justin Boone is releasing his player projections for all 32 teams, including his thoughts on every fantasy-relevant player.

Projections are based on the following point values in PPR leagues:

• Passing Yards: 1 point per 25 yards
• Passing TDs: 4 points
• Interceptions: -2 points
• Rushing Yards: 1 point per 10 yards
• Rushing TDs: 6 points
• Receptions: 1 point
• Receiving Yards: 1 point per 10 yards
• Receiving TDs: 6 points
• Fumbles Lost: -2 points
• Two-point Conversions: 2 points

2019 Fantasy Projections

AFC East
NE | BUF | NYJ | MIA
NFC West
LAR | SF | SEA | ARI
AFC North
BAL | CIN
NFC South
ATL

Arizona CardinalsKyler Murray, QB

Fantasy Points	283.54
Attempts	562
Completions	356
Pass Yards	3986
Pass TDs	23
INTs	15
Carries	99
Rush Yards	561
Rush TDs	2
Fumbles Lost	3
2PT	0

It's hard to hold Murray's projection down when considering new head coach Kliff Kingsbury is implementing a high-volume attack based around the dual-threat talent. Even as a rookie, Murray will have the potential to be the No. 1 overall fantasy quarterback if everything goes right. Imagine Russell Wilson with Michael Vick-like rushing abilities. Murray has moved into the top 12 in my rankings and will be one of the most fun players to watch in 2019.

Quarterback depth: The Cardinals' new system is a house of cards built on Murray. Brett Hundley is an average backup, but an injury to the first overall pick would cause the fantasy value of the entire offense to crumble.

David Johnson, RB

Fantasy Points	297.3
Carries	283
Rush Yards	1189
Rush TDs	7
Fumbles Lost	2
Targets	94
Receptions	62
Rec. Yards	584
Rec. TDs	3
2PT	1

Fantasy managers who called Johnson a bust in 2018 were overreacting to their personal disappointment that he didn't return value on a top-three pick. Johnson still finished as a top-10 fantasy back in all formats despite playing in a struggling offense that ran the second-fewest plays in the league. Kingsbury will help correct the pace issues and deploy Johnson as the versatile weapon he's already proven himself to be. A bounce-back season is coming in the desert.

Chase Edmonds, RB

Fantasy Points	86.8
Carries	79
Rush Yards	293
Rush TDs	2
Fumbles Lost	1
Targets	32
Receptions	26
Rec. Yards	155
Rec. TDs	1
2PT	0

Kingsbury recently told Katherine Fitzgerald of the Arizona Republic that he was impressed with Edmonds and envisions a "really nice role" for him in the offense. Though Edmonds is unlikely to get too many of Johnson's touches, the second-year back is one of the better No. 2 options in the NFL and would have RB1 upside in fantasy if DJ is ever sidelined.

Running back depth: For as good of a handcuff as Edmonds is, there's very little on the depth chart behind him. If a wave of injuries struck the backfield, the Cardinals would look outside the organization for help.

Christian Kirk, WR

Fantasy Points	187.7
Targets	111
Receptions	67
Rec. Yards	907
Rec. TDs	5
Carries	0
Rush Yards	0
Rush TDs	0
Fumbles Lost	0
2PT	0

Kirk had a very underrated rookie season, which could have been even better if an injury hadn't cost him the final month. Prior to that, Kirk posted 50 yards and/or a touchdown in seven of his 12 games. In the new pass-heavy scheme, Kirk is in a position to break out as he becomes the Cardinals' No. 1 receiver. This projection would make him a top-35 fantasy wideout with plenty of upside.

Larry Fitzgerald, WR

Fantasy Points	177.6
Targets	113
Receptions	74
Rec. Yards	756
Rec. TDs	5
Carries	0
Rush Yards	0
Rush TDs	0
Fumbles Lost	0
2PT	0

Don't count out Fitzgerald yet. The 11-time Pro Bowler's diminishing athleticism will be at least partially offset by the infusion of talent and creativity to the offense. The 35-year-old is a reliable weapon in the middle of the field and benefits from the team's lack of a difference-making tight end. Assuming he stays healthy, this will be Fitzgerald's 16th straight season with at least 100 targets, which should keep him in fantasy lineups as a flex play.

Andy Isabella, WR

Fantasy Points	98.8
Targets	58
Receptions	34
Rec. Yards	468
Rec. TDs	3
Carries	0
Rush Yards	0
Rush TDs	0
Fumbles Lost	0
2PT	0

The camp battle between rookies Isabella, Hakeem Butler, and KeeSean Johnson will be one to monitor. Isabella has draft capital on his side and Kingsbury has already spoken about the immediate impact the speedy wideout can have in his system. But with Kirk and Fitzgerald soaking up targets, the rookie will have a difficult time putting up consistent fantasy numbers.

Receiver depth: Butler was one of my favorite prospects in this year's draft class and still has a solid long-term fantasy outlook once Fitzgerald retires. Butler and Johnson will likely compete for snaps in four-receiver sets in 2019.

Ricky Seals-Jones, TE

Fantasy Points	60.9
Targets	43
Receptions	24
Rec. Yards	249
Rec. TDs	2
Carries	0
Rush Yards	0
Rush TDs	0
Fumbles Lost	0
2PT	0

Seals-Jones has failed to deliver for fantasy owners, and the Cardinals may be inching closer to replacing him as the starting tight end. Arizona brought in Charles Clay and Maxx Williams, either of whom could usurp RSJ before the season starts. Seals-Jones has potential but isn't worth the trouble until we see him produce.

Tight end depth: At 30 years old, Clay's body appeared to be breaking down near the end of his time with the Bills. If he can stay on the field, he might emerge as the Week 1 starter, but he won't be worth consideration for fantasy. Williams was never able to carve out a significant role in Baltimore and will be fighting for a roster spot.

2019 Fantasy Projections

AFC East
NE | BUF | NYJ | MIA
NFC West
LAR | SF | SEA | ARI
AFC North
BAL | CIN
NFC South
ATL

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