Kyler Murray

Week 13 at Chicago Bears

Kyler Murray is expected to return this week after missing the past three games with injury. He returns to a Cardinals team that sits at 9-2 and has gone 2-1 in his absence. Murray has accounted for multiple touchdowns in all but two games this season, and his efficiency – 72.7% completion percentage – has helped him to QB1 numbers in most of his starts, even though he hasn’t been running as effectively over his past four games.

This week, Murray faces a Bears defense that ranks 28th in aFPA to opposing quarterbacks. With a good matchup, a clean bill of health, and the likely return of DeAndre Hopkins to the lineup as well, fantasy managers should feel good about putting Murray back into their lineups. We have him ranked just outside our top-five quarterbacks this week and he should be active in all leagues.

Week 9 at San Francisco 49ers

Kyler Murray had a rough outing in a tough loss against the Packers last week, throwing for 274 yards and a pair of interceptions. He also added 21 yards on the ground. The Cardinals scored three touchdowns, but all were in the run game. Still, Murray and the Arizona offense are worth betting on. Even if his rushing production doesn’t return to where it started the season, he’s still averaging 284.5 yards and 2.13 touchdowns per game through the air.

This week, he’ll face a 49ers defense that ranks 31st in aFPA to opposing quarterbacks. The 49ers added some defensive line help at the trade deadline, but I would still expect the Cardinals to be able to move the ball, Murray’s production this season makes him worth starting in any matchup, and with how the 49ers have struggled, he should have success this week. Start him.

Update: Murray may give it a go, but it doesn't sound like the team is optimistic. Be sure to pivot to another option.

Week 7 vs. Houston Texans

Kyler Murray decimated a tough Browns defense last week with four touchdown passes in a lopsided victory. He had only six rushing yards and 229 passing yards, but the touchdowns more than made up for his limited yardage. It’s a little concerning that Murray has been limited to single-digit rushing yards two weeks in a row. Still, he remains a dual-threat option and his 17 total touchdowns this season mitigate most of those “concerns.”

This week, Murray has a great matchup against a Texans defense that ranks 24th in aFPA to opposing quarterbacks. Expect the Cardinals to deliver another thrashing this week, and for Murray to provide multiple touchdowns again. We have him ranked as an elite option once again, and he’s a must-start each week.