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In the dynamic world of the NFL, few players have captured the imagination of fantasy football enthusiasts quite like Kyler Murray, the Arizona Cardinals' electric quarterback. Since bursting onto the scene in 2019, Murray has consistently proven his worth as a fantasy darling. Having said that, his performance during the 2022 NFL season has left much to be desired. Right now, he is clearly not among the league's top-tier quarterbacks. As the 2023 NFL season approaches, we delve into Kyler Murray's fantasy football outlook. We try to see what lies ahead for the gifted signal-caller.
A Glance Back at the 2022 NFL Season
The 2022 NFL season proved to be a rollercoaster ride for Kyler Murray. It left both fans and fantasy football enthusiasts on a mixed note. While he continued to demonstrate his versatility as a dual-threat quarterback, the season was marred by injuries and performance inconsistencies. These led to a somewhat underwhelming outcome.
The season commenced with high hopes for Murray and the Arizona Cardinals. However, as fate would have it, Murray's campaign was cut short due to an unfortunate injury. In the span of just 11 games, he faced setbacks that limited his playing time and affected his overall performance. The impact of these injuries was evident in his career-low passer rating of 87.2. That was a sharp contrast to his previous years of impressive displays.
In those 11 games, Murray managed to tally 2,368 passing yards and 14 touchdowns. These highlighted his proficiency as a quarterback. Nonetheless, the numbers were noticeably down from his previous season's achievements. Of course, this left both Murray and his fans yearning for more.
Kyler Murray picks up speed towards the end zone for a Cardinals touchdown 🔥pic.twitter.com/GLXTsFsflG
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 2, 2022
On the ground, Murray's rushing statistics also suffered a dip. A total of 418 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns were recorded during the 2022 season. This signaled a decline in his ground game contributions. This reduction in rushing output can be partially attributed to the lingering effects of his injuries, which impacted his mobility and playmaking ability.
As a result of these ups and downs, Murray's performance in fantasy football mirrored his on-field challenges. In leagues that rely heavily on quarterback production, his fluctuating performance rendered him less of a prized asset compared to previous years. The inconsistency in both passing and rushing numbers made him a riskier pick. Consequently, this dampened his fantasy football ranking.
Comparing Murray to His Peers
When it comes to drafting a fantasy quarterback, Kyler Murray just no longer stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the business. We just cannot put him in the same tier as guys like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Jalen Hurts. Once selected in the first round of fantasy drafts, Murray now ranks among the bottom tier of starting QBs. He shares the same space as quarterbacks like Kenny Pickett, Jordan Love, and Derek Carr. On the flip side, what sets Murray apart, at least on paper, is his uncanny ability to produce RB1-like numbers. He surely seems much more gifted on the ground than any of those players. Despite this low ranking, we've seen him at his best before. His unique skill set makes him an enticing if risky prospect for fantasy managers who seek a potential game-changer at the quarterback position.
Team Outlook for the 2023-24 NFL Season
As anticipation builds for the 2023 NFL season, the Arizona Cardinals face a challenging landscape. The team is undergoing a period of transition with a new head coach and general manager at the helm. Furthermore, lingering off-field issues have added to the uncertainties surrounding the team's performance. Key player injuries, most notably Kyler Murray's recovery from a torn ACL, have further complicated the situation. Of course, they also no longer have star wideout DeAndre Hopkins on the roster.
Amidst these challenges, the Cardinals still boast some intriguing names on their roster like Zach Ertz, James Conner, and Marquise Brown, who could potentially buoy Murray's fantasy fortunes. However, the team's overall struggles might place additional burdens on Murray's shoulders. Of course, this could affect his fantasy production. The 2023-24 NFL season's success hinges on how effectively the Cardinals overcome these obstacles and establish a winning culture under new leadership.
The 2023 Fantasy Football Outlook
Looking ahead to the 2023 NFL season, Kyler Murray's prospects remain quite troubling. Entering his fourth season, so much hinges on how healthy he will be and how he can rise to the challenges facing his team. In addition, a new head coach introduces an element of uncertainty surrounding offensive strategies. Still, Murray's dual-threat proficiency renders him valuable in any system.
Given his injury and the impending rebuild, fantasy managers must exercise caution when drafting Murray for one-QB leagues. He should only be considered as a backup QB, and ideally, not before the double-digit rounds. It's also uncertain if he will be ready for Week 1. The absence of his primary target, DeAndre Hopkins, will also surely impact his passing game. Additionally, the injury may temper his rushing output.
Nevertheless, when healthy, Murray boasts a top-five upside and remains an attractive asset in dynasty leagues. For teams looking to rebuild, he presents an excellent buy candidate. This is given his long-term potential and ability to deliver elite fantasy performances.
Looking Ahead
Kyler Murray's ascendancy to NFL stardom has been nothing short of spectacular. His disappointing 2022 season, however, put a damper on that. Right now, his fantasy football outlook for the 2023 NFL season doesn't seem promising. As we said, uncertainties surrounding his health and team dynamics warrant careful consideration. However, there's no denying that Murray can be a game-changer for fantasy football teams when he is at his best. If he's healthy and focused, he could rise from the ashes. With the right strategy and prudent management, fantasy managers can harness Murray's talent to elevate their fantasy football fortunes in the 2023 NFL season and beyond.
