Trey McBride Positioned to Break Records as Cardinals Navigate Injury Crisis
The Arizona Cardinals are grappling with a wave of injuries that have ravaged their offensive lineup, particularly among skill positions. This challenging scenario presents a unique opportunity for daily fantasy sports (DFS) players, as it creates both potential value and uncertainty. With a depleted roster, several secondary players are poised to step into more prominent roles, increasing their fantasy relevance in both DFS and traditional formats.
Backfield Dynamics
Bam Knight (RB) $4,900 DK / $5,600 FD
Stepping into the lead-back role in the absence of Trey Benson, who is sidelined for the season, Bam Knight is becoming an essential part of the Cardinals’ offense. Though not a traditional bell-cow running back, Knight’s recent performance—highlighted by a season-high target count in Week 14—indicates that he will be the primary runner and a key check-down option for the team as they face the Texans.
Emari Demercado (RB) $4,400 DK / $4,800 FD
Demercado is listed as questionable but has shown a reliable presence when healthy, particularly as a pass-catching back on third downs. Given the likelihood of the Cardinals trailing in this matchup, his involvement in the receiving game could enhance his value in PPR formats.
Passing Game Outlook
Jacoby Brissett (QB) $5,500 DK / $7,400 FD
In relief of Kyler Murray, Jacoby Brissett has proven to be a serviceable option, although his fantasy appeal remains somewhat limited. His ability to move the ball with his legs gives him an edge over traditional pocket passers. If you find yourself needing a mid-tier quarterback option, he could be worth the gamble, especially considering his consistent fantasy output across formats.
Trey McBride (TE) $7,400 DK / $8,000 FD
Trey McBride has emerged as the linchpin of the Cardinals’ passing attack, demonstrating remarkable consistency as the team’s primary target. He is on the verge of breaking up to six standing NFL records, with several likely to fall in the upcoming game. Players looking to capitalize on prop bets should consider McBride for over five receptions, as he aims to surpass Travis Kelce’s reception streak this week.
Michael Wilson (WR) $6,600 DK / $7,000 FD
With Marvin Harrison Jr. likely unavailable for Week 15, Michael Wilson steps into the WR1 role. Wilson has made a habit of turning opportunities into significant production, evidenced by multiple 100-yard performances earlier this season. If he maintains his current pace, he could also secure his place in the record books. His potential is undeniable, making him a strong option across all fantasy formats.
Strategies and Stacks
With injuries decimating the Cardinals’ offense and a backup quarterback at the helm, the focus for DFS players should shift toward maximizing price efficiency and volume potential rather than solely chasing high ceilings.
Core DFS Plays (Cardinals)
Trey McBride (TE): A target magnet and scoring threat.
Michael Wilson (WR): The top receiver, particularly with Harrison Jr. out.
Jacoby Brissett (QB): Offers a rushing floor and potential for sneaky yardage.
Bam Knight (RB): A value play with potential goal-line duties.
Stacking Ideas
Brissett + McBride + Wilson: A balanced, volume-driven stack.
Brissett + McBride + Demercado: Focused on cash plays with a solid target floor.
Brissett + Knight + Cardinals DST: A contrarian DFS stack that leverages the offense’s unpredictability.
In this week of injuries and evolving player roles, the Cardinals present a landscape of controlled chaos ripe for exploitation by DFS enthusiasts. The volume of plays is consolidating around key players like McBride, Wilson, and whichever running back emerges from the Knight-Demercado competition. Meanwhile, Brissett can facilitate an affordable stack that allows for investment in higher-priced talent elsewhere. In the world of fantasy football, sometimes the most unpredictable teams can yield the greatest DFS rewards.
