Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2021 record: 11-6

Notable coaching and system changes

Despite dropping five of their final six games, including a lopsided loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs, the Cardinals will run it back with the trio of Kliff Kingsbury, Vance Joseph and Sean Kugler filling the top three spots — Arizona doesn’t employ an offensive coordinator with Kingsbury calling plays, but running game coordinator Kugler is the de facto OC. This remains Kingsbury’s vision offensively.

Key free-agent additions

• WR Marquise Brown (acquired from Baltimore Ravens)

Key free-agent departures

• WR Christian Kirk (Jacksonville Jaguars)
• RB Chase Edmonds (Miami Dolphins)

Key draft additions

• TE Trey McBride (Round 2)
• RB Keaontay Ingram (Round 6)

Quarterback preview

With so many high-profile quarterback moves this offseason, the contract drama surrounding Kyler Murray has flown under the radar. Suffice to say that all is not well in the desert, though the idea of Murray not starting Week 1 seems like an extreme long shot.

On the field, Murray is an enigma. He’s proven capable of high-end, dual-threat production, but he’s also dealt with injuries that have led to diminishing returns in the season’s later months (read: fantasy playoff time). Murray’s play style and diminutive size make him a somewhat risky QB1.

Running back preview

For a while last season, Arizona had one of the NFL’s top backfields with Chase Edmonds and James Conner. After Edmonds suffered an ankle injury in early November, however, Conner slid into the primary role. He’ll be penciled into that slot again now that Edmonds has taken his talents to South Beach. Whether Conner can handle the rigors of a heavy load remains to be seen; he’s never stayed healthy enough to play a full slate in five NFL seasons.

For now, Eno Benjamin is the top reserve. He’s shown little since being drafted in 2020 and will face camp challenges from all sides, perhaps most notably sixth-round pick Keaontay Ingram, who has good size (6-foot, 221 pounds) and decent quickness.

Conner’s proven goal-line abilities make him a solid RB2, though his medical history suggests whoever emerges as his primary backup holds some late-round or handcuff appeal.

Wide receiver preview

Even with last year’s leading receiver Christian Kirk (77-982-5) gone, the Cardinals still feature a talented group, ostensibly led by DeAndre Hopkins, who is coming off a campaign marred by injuries — a pulled hamstring in October and torn MCL in December. Considering Hopkins missed two games combined over his first eight seasons durability isn’t a real concern. The news that he’ll be suspended for six games after testing positive for PEDs, however, undercuts his value significantly. He’s best viewed as a WR3.

Arizona swung a draft-day deal with the Baltimore Ravens for Marquise Brown, who served as their No. 1 receiver in 2021, compiling a 91-1,008-6 line. Brown and Murray have history from their time together at Oklahoma, and the speedy wideout should hit the ground running, especially with Hopkins out until October. Pencil Hollywood in as a WR3 with some upside.

Undersized Rondale Moore turned 72 combined touches into 511 yards as a rookie and is someone to keep an eye on as his role could expand in Year 2. He’d be an interesting late-round flier. Veteran A.J. Green was re-signed following a solid first season with the Cardinals, but, at best, he could serve as low-ceiling depth.

Tight end preview

On paper, the Cardinals appear deep here with Zach Ertz, second-round pick Trey McBride and Maxx Williams all in the mix. The reality may be different. Ertz is entering his age-32 season, McBride will be making the tough transition from college, and Williams is coming off another serious knee injury.

Ertz is the steadiest option, though he’s a stretch as more than a matchup play once Hopkins returns. Williams had a great three-week run last September that came to a screeching halt with a torn ACL. McBride could redshirt this season, making him a target exclusively in keeper leagues.

Sleeper/breakout candidates

It’s mostly established options in Arizona’s offense, but one that could develop is Moore, whose route tree as a rookie was more of a sapling. With a year to learn the system, and several key contributors from last year suspended, gone, or getting older, Moore could see more opportunities.

Bust potential/overvalued players

While many will blame Hopkins’ down year on injuries, Nuk was scuffling (other than TDs) even before getting hurt — his 17-game pace was 71 receptions and 973 yards, and he hasn’t topped 100 yards in a game since Dec. 20, 2020. Plus, he’s guaranteed to miss six games.

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2021 record: 12-5

Notable coaching and system changes

Following in the footsteps of Zac Taylor and Brandon Staley, Kevin O’Connell turned a coordinator job under Sean McVay into a head coaching gig elsewhere. Taking O’Connell’s place is Liam Coen, who spent three years on LA’s coaching staff before serving as Kentucky’s offensive coordinator in 2021. McVay is the architect, however, so don’t expect many changes. Defensively, Raheem Morris returns for his second season on the job.

Key free-agent additions

• WR Allen Robinson (Chicago Bears)

Key free-agent departures

• WR Robert Woods (traded to Tennessee Titans)
• RB Sony Michel (Miami Dolphins)
• WR Odell Beckham Jr. (free agent)

Key draft additions

• RB Kyren Williams (Round 5)

Quarterback preview

After losing in the 2020 Divisional Round, McVay and GM Les Snead decided that Jared Goff was holding them back, so they traded for Matthew Stafford before the playoffs had even concluded. The move paid huge dividends.

Stafford threw for 4,886 yards and 41 TDs, although his league-high 17 INTs suggest there were still some growing pains after a decade-plus in Motown. With a full season under his belt and surrounded by weapons, Stafford could be even better in 2022. Still, a lack of running ability limits him to low-end QB1 status.

Running back preview

When Cam Akers tore his Achilles last July it was assumed he wouldn’t be seen again until the 2022 season. Instead, Akers returned in Week 18 and served as the primary back during LA’s playoff run. The numbers weren’t very good (67 carries, 172 yards, 0 TDs), but it bordered on miraculous that he was able to play. With a full offseason to get right, the third-year pro should be the lead back this season. Akers played well down the stretch in 2020, and he could offer midrange RB2 appeal for the upcoming campaign.

Last year’s leading rusher Sony Michel recently signed with the Miami Dolphins, so Darrell Henderson should fill the No. 2 spot on the depth chart. Henderson has run effectively the past two years, averaging 4.5 YPC, but injuries have become a real issue, including an MCL sprain last December that all but ended his season. He could hold appeal as a fourth or fifth fantasy back this year.

If the injury bug bites Akers or Henderson again, Kyren Williams and/or Jake Funk could hold some value as waiver additions.

Wide receiver preview

Cooper Kupp led the NFL in receptions (145), yards (1,947) and touchdowns (16) last season en route to being named Offensive Player of the Year. Teams simply didn’t have an answer for the Stafford-to-Kupp connection. Perhaps an offseason to study film will provide hope for opposing defensive coordinators, but Kupp’s high-volume usage makes him an ideal choice as the first receiver off the board in most fantasy drafts.

After that, it gets trickier. Gone is Robert Woods, traded once the team lured Allen Robinson from the Chicago Bears in free agency. A-Rob never meshed with Justin Fields, but bear in mind Robinson averaged 100 receptions and nearly 1,200 yards in his previous two years with Mitch Trubisky. Consider Robinson a WR3/WR4 with upside.

Odell Beckham Jr. (knee) remains unsigned, and whether he returns to LA or not, he’s likely to miss much of the season after tearing his ACL in February’s Super Bowl. Van Jefferson has flashed and possesses tangible upside, but it’s unclear how much he’ll receive in the way of opportunities, making him more of a speculative late-round target that could offer a nice return on investment. Further down the depth chart, Tutu Atwell is a name to know.

Tight end preview

Fantasy owners still look back fondly on Tyler Higbee‘s December 2019 performance when he topped 100 yards in four of the final five games. While he’s never approached those lofty heights again, Higbee has emerged as a solid piece for the Rams, topping 500 yards and scoring five times in each of the past two seasons. He’s a potential streaming option or TE2 in deeper formats.

Sleeper/breakout candidates

Although Kupp will deservedly get most of the attention heading into 2022, don’t dismiss the possibility that Jefferson could outproduce Robinson, who is more of a possession target in the vein of Robert Woods. Jefferson can stretch the field vertically, offering the Rams a different element offensively.

Bust potential/overvalued players

At this stage it’s difficult to consider Henderson as more than a complementary option, regardless of whether Akers is healthy or not. Handed the top job last year, he broke down and finished the year with 59 fewer carries than Michel. As such, Henderson’s upside is modest.

Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

2021 record: 10-7

Notable coaching and system changes

With Mike McDaniel taking over as the Miami Dolphins head coach after one season as offensive coordinator, the 49ers will again leave that title vacant in 2022. Like McVay and Kingsbury, Kyle Shanahan is effectively both head coach and OC with the duo of Chris Foerster and Bobby Slowik holding the titles of running and passing game coordinator, respectively. DeMeco Ryans will guide the defense for a second consecutive season.

Key free-agent additions

• WR Ray-Ray McCloud (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Key free-agent departures

• RB Raheem Mostert (Miami Dolphins)
• OL Laken Tomlinson (New York Jets)

Key draft additions

• RB Tyrion Davis-Price (Round 3)
• WR Danny Gray (Round 3)

Quarterback preview

As of now, Jimmy Garoppolo (shoulder) is still a 49er. The prevailing belief remains that the team will turn things over to Trey Lance, however, after he spent most of his rookie season watching and learning. There’s little doubt that Lance’s ceiling is higher, but if they can’t move Jimmy G will they really bench someone that’s helped them reach a Super Bowl and NFC Championship Game in the last three years?

Assuming Lance is the guy, his dual-threat potential makes him an intriguing QB2. Garoppolo, meanwhile, is a known commodity as a game manager and holds nominal fantasy appeal.

Running back preview

Despite being drafted three rounds later, Elijah Mitchell (1,100 total yards) emerged as the top back ahead of fellow rookie Trey Sermon (193) last season and is penciled in as the team’s No. 1 back, especially now that speedy but oft-injured Raheem Mostert has signed with Miami.

As effective as Mitchell was, he’s not without risk after he suffered through shoulder, finger, and knee injuries that collectively cost him a half-dozen games. The team didn’t shy away from heavy utilization when he was active, though, with Mitchell topping 20 carries in six of his final eight outings. The second-year back is a low-end RB2.

Sermon floundered as a rookie, carrying the ball just 41 times before an ankle injury mercifully ended his year in early December. For now, the former Buckeye doesn’t have an obvious role, and he’ll likely open camp behind Jeff Wilson Jr. — a veteran that’s just one season removed from a 126-600-7 effort — and perhaps Tyrion Davis-Price, a third-round pick this year, on the depth chart.

Preseason will determine who holds value behind Mitchell in one of the NFL’s most prolific rushing offenses, so keep an eye on Niners camp this August.

Wide receiver preview

A true NFL unicorn, Deebo Samuel gained 1,405 yards through the air and another 365 on the ground while scoring 14 total touchdowns to earn first-team All-Pro honors. He’s the centerpiece of San Francisco’s offense. The only problem is he doesn’t want to be there, requesting a trade in April. General manager John Lynch indicated he “can’t ever imagine” wanting to deal Samuel, but if players like Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill can get traded then nothing is off the table. Whether the team hashes things out with Samuel or moves him in a deal, the emerging superstar is a clear WR1. He loses a little luster if Lance indeed starts.

We know Samuel will deliver value wherever he plays, so any fallout would be felt down the depth chart. If Samuel returns, Brandon Aiyuk (56-826-5) remains little more than a late-round curiosity, even though he performed well down the stretch to erase a miserable first couple of months. Without Samuel, Aiyuk would jump to easy WR3 status and perhaps higher.

Jauan Jennings would also become worth a watch, but this system will struggle to consistently support more than two receiving options. Elsewhere, newcomer Ray-Ray McCloud seems like someone Shanahan will find a role for, and rookie Danny Gray has legit vertical speed.

Tight end preview

When he’s on the field, George Kittle is on the short list for the NFL’s best tight end. He has missed 11 of 33 games over the last two seasons, however, and his production has become less consistent. In 2021, he finished with fewer than 35 yards receiving six times in 14 games. He’s been an outspoken advocate of Lance’s ability, comparing him to Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen, so perhaps Lance’s expected insertion into the lineup will elevate Kittle back to the top of the position. For now, he’s a borderline top-five fantasy tight end.

Sleeper/breakout candidates

A popular breakout candidate in 2021, Aiyuk could fill that role again. Of course, that’s only possible because he didn’t deliver on last season’s hype. He closed strong, though, and the passing game could be more dynamic with Lance in charge. Perhaps we were simply a year early.

Bust potential/overvalued players

Here’s a fun fact: the 49ers have had a different leading rusher in each of the last five seasons with RB Carlos Hyde being the last player to pace the club in back-to-back campaigns. Mitchell unquestionably deserves to be the first Niners back selected, just don’t overreach.

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2021 record: 7-10

Notable coaching and system changes

Although Shane Waldron is back for a second season as offensive coordinator under 70-year-old head coach Pete Carroll, the end of the Russell Wilson era in Seattle creates plenty of questions as to how the Seahawks will move forward offensively. Based on the draft and their current personnel, a run-heavy approach appears likely.

On defense, Ken Norton Jr. was dismissed with Clint Hurtt being elevated from defensive line coach to coordinator.

Key free-agent additions

• QB Drew Lock (acquired from Denver Broncos)
• TE Noah Fant (acquired from Denver)

Key free-agent departures

• QB Russell Wilson (traded to Denver)
• TE Gerald Everett (Los Angeles Chargers)

Key draft additions

• RB Kenneth Walker III (Round 2)

Quarterback preview

For the first time since 2011, Russell Wilson won’t be Seattle’s quarterback. Drew Lock, acquired from the Denver Broncos, is the clear favorite to replace him. While Denver’s willingness to start a compromised Teddy Bridgewater over Lock engenders little confidence, the Seahawks made no move to scoop up a QB in the draft, even when top prospects began to tumble. They believe a change of scenery will jump-start Lock’s career. If not, Carroll could always turn to Geno Smith, who did a convincing Bridgewater impression filling in for an injured Wilson last year. Lock can be monitored, but that’s it.

Running back preview

One of fantasy’s hottest topics leading into the 2022 campaign might be how much weight should be given to Rashaad Penny‘s final five games last season when he compiled 671 yards and six TDs on 92 carries. Did the light finally come on for the oft-injured former first-rounder? Or was it simply a confluence of fresh legs and a closing schedule that featured lightweights Houston, Chicago, and Detroit? Put bluntly, you can’t overreact to such a small sample size after three and a half seasons of meh. Penny is a risk-reward RB3/RB4.

Chris Carson (neck) also is a mystery after he missed all but four games in 2021 due to a neck injury that required surgery in November. Updates have been scarce, but after some initial optimism, Carson’s future is murky. Keep an eye on his status in camp.

With so much uncertainty atop the predraft depth chart it’s easy to understand why Seattle drafted Kenneth Walker III 41st overall. At least initially, Walker projects as an early-down back with an enticing blend of speed and toughness. He has limited experience as a receiver, however, and is considered questionable in pass protection. He’s a fringe RB3, albeit one with considerable upside.

Wide receiver preview

DK Metcalf (75-967-12) and Tyler Lockett (73-1,175-8) have been the subject of trade rumors since the team dealt Wilson, though we’re through the draft and neither one has been moved. While that could change between now and September, the fact that nothing happened prior to the draft makes it seem more likely both will return. Barring new developments at the quarterback position, however, both players figure to take a hit statistically — a quick glance at Denver’s roster shows options like Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, and Jerry Jeudy, so it’s not as though Lock was surrounded by stiffs when he was under center.

Of the two, Metcalf is more capable of meeting or exceeding his 2021 production based on his physicality and ability to work effectively anywhere on the field. Lockett was always a hit-or-miss option from week to week based on whether he could get deep on defenses; that figures to continue, though likely with more misses and fewer hits.

Metcalf should still be a viable WR2, while Lockett belongs in WR3 territory. Dee Eskridge, a second-round pick last year, did little as a rookie but could still be added to watch lists.

Tight end preview

Acquired in the Wilson trade, Noah Fant (68-670-4 in DEN) slides into the starting role vacated by Gerald Everett, who left in free agency. Fant has been durable, steady, and unspectacular in three years since being drafted as a first-round pick. He received a raw deal at the quarterback position since joining the NFL, though. Given Lock followed in the same trade, that appears unlikely to change in 2022. Fant could be a fringe TE1 candidate, though it’s tough to argue for much upside beyond familiarity with Lock.

Sleeper/breakout candidates

In the instant gratification world of fantasy football, it’s easy for players to be written off too quickly. Such could be the case for Eskridge, the 56th overall pick last year and a natural fit for the slot. Perhaps a more structured passing attack will generate increased opportunities.

Lock could emerge thanks to a change of scenery and a wealth of weapons available. That said, his coming of age would likely include more turnovers than desired, and he’ll be on a short leash. As mentioned, he’s not worth drafting but could surprise in a relative sense.

Bust potential/overvalued players

Can it be anyone other than Penny? As of Dec. 5, 2021, the SDSU product was an all-caps BUST. Then he ran wild on three clubs that won a combined 13 games and a Cardinals squad that went 1-5 over its final six. Penny still has much to prove.