Minnesota Vikings vs. Arizona Cardinals Matchup Preview (9/19/21): Betting Odds, Depth Charts, Live Stream (Watch Online)

Over the offseason, I was adamant that Kyler Murray would become an MVP candidate very shortly. Well, the future may have arrived in Week 1 of his third NFL season. Murray contributed five total touchdowns against the Titans, four passing and one rushing, and he made some eye-popping plays along the way. His ability to extend plays with his legs and then deliver perfectly-placed balls downfield is truly unmatched in the NFL. Yes, I know Patrick Mahomes is quite good at this as well, but Mahomes doesn’t match Murray’s foot speed or deep-ball accuracy. Murray should keep the Minnesota defense on its heels in Week 2, and he’s a big reason I’m confident in Arizona’s ability to win this game.

While Murray did score a touchdown on the ground, Chase Edmonds and James Conner led the way in the ground game. The thunder-and-lightning rushing duo combined for 28 carries for 116 yards rushing. The offseason addition of center Rodney Hudson paid dividends in the ground game. The offensive tackle duo of D.J. Humphries and Kelvin Beachum was excellent in opening rushing lanes on the outside. We will likely also see more of Demetrius Harris moving forward as the tight end was very effective in helping with the team’s rushing game. This offensive line is much improved from last year, and the improved blocking helps foster a more efficient ground game which, in turn, allows Kyler Murray to open up even more in the passing game.

DeAndre Hopkins had an excellent Week 1 performance with six catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns as we finally saw him get some high-value downfield targets following a season full of short-area passes last year. Christian Kirk also had two touchdowns on five catches for 70 yards, including one of Kyler Murray’s best passes of the day on a 26-yard throw under pressure. Rondale Moore showed very well in his rookie debut, with four catches for 68 yards and 15.3 yards per return on three total punt and kick returns. He flashed his athleticism and burst early in this game and should be a real contributor this season. A.J. Green had just two catches for 25 yards and wasn’t the contributor many had hoped, but big games could be coming this season with a talent like Murray throwing him the ball.

While the Arizona offense was genuinely excellent, it was the defense that delivered the massive road win. Chandler Jones earned the NFC Defensive Player of the Year award for a stellar performance that included five sacks, six QB hits, four tackles for a loss, and two forced fumbles. J.J. Watt looked excellent across from his new Pro Bowl teammate while second-year pro-Isaiah Simmons and rookie Zaven Collins formed a formidable duo at linebacker. Byron Murphy played impressively well at cornerback while Buddda Baker helped hold down the fort in the secondary. This secondary is still light on depth, but the front seven was so dominant in Week 1 that it just didn’t matter. The Arizona front seven should put some fear into their opponents all year.

Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart

QB: Kyler Murray
RB1: Chase Edmonds
RB2: James Conner
WR1: DeAndre Hopkins
WR2: Christian Kirk
WR3: A.J. Green
TE1: Maxx Williams
TE2: Demetrius Harris

Minnesota Vikings vs. Arizona Cardinals Daily Fantasy Picks

Kirk Cousins was one of my favorite streamers for Week 1 in fantasy football, and it turned out great for him as he finished with 22 fantasy points and finished as the QB13 overall. The Cardinals provided a more challenging defensive test than the Bengals, primarily due to a loaded front seven. Still, Cousins should take advantage of a questionable Arizona secondary and get the ball to Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. With more enticing quarterback options on the slate, Cousins should see lower ownership as well. I’d be staying away from Dalvin Cook after the Cardinals completely shut down Derrick Henry in Week 1. Alvin Kamara against the Panthers, Nick Chubb against the Texans, and Christian McCaffrey against the Saints are all more enticing if you want to spend up at the running back position.

On the Cardinals’ side, there’s a ton of fantasy value to be had. Kyler Murray finished as the QB1 overall in Week 1 and is very much in play in GPP tournaments and cash games despite his increased price tag. Minnesota allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks last season. I’m less bullish on Chase Edmonds and James Conner due to many enticing low-price running backs available this week, but they are fine contrarian plays in GPP lineups as they will have lower ownership. DeAndre Hopkins scored two touchdowns in Week 1 and should be in for a great game against Minnesota, who allowed the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers last year. However, I wouldn’t chase the points with Christian Kirk, as I’m expecting him to be hot-and-cold this season.