The Arizona Cardinals enter Week 5 desperate to turn close losses into victories, and this matchup against the struggling Tennessee Titans could finally be their breakthrough. Kyler Murray has shown flashes of his old dynamic self, but Arizona needs to finish drives and capitalize against a Titans defense that has looked vulnerable through the air.
For the Titans, inconsistency on offense continues to plague them, and their passing attack remains limited. This could be the perfect opportunity for Murray and company to pad stats and build confidence while fantasy managers reap the benefits.
🔥 Start ‘Em: A must-win for Arizona’s momentum
🔥 Kyler Murray (QB, Cardinals)
This has “get right” game written all over it. Murray has been steady but hasn’t yet had that signature fantasy explosion. That changes this week. Expect him to air it out against a Titans defense that’s been torched for over 1,000 passing yards and eight touchdowns already this season.
🧾 Projected Stats: 304 passing yards, 2 TDs, 41 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD
💪 Trey McBride (TE, Cardinals)
McBride continues to look like one of Murray’s most trusted weapons, especially in the middle of the field. Expect Arizona to design plays around him early and often to open up the passing lanes. McBride has top-5 TE upside this week in PPR formats.
🧾 Projected Stats: 6 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD
💪 Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Cardinals)
Murray and MHJ finally connected on a touchdown last week, and that momentum should carry over. Harrison’s elite route running and big-play ability make him a strong flex with WR2 upside this week against a soft secondary. Expect more chemistry to develop between these two stars.
🧾 Projected Stats: 5 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD
💪 Tony Pollard (RB, Titans)
Pollard has been a steady contributor but hasn’t found the end zone yet this year. The Cardinals’ defense gives up big plays on the ground, so this could be his breakout week. Expect a solid workload and a chance to finally cross the goal line.
🧾 Projected Stats: 97 total yards, 1 TD, 3 receptions
🌙 Sleeper Picks
🌙 Elic Ayomanor (WR, Titans)
Ayoma has quietly become a red-zone weapon, averaging 3 catches per game and 2 TDs on the season. He’s building chemistry with Will Levis and could once again sneak into the end zone. A solid deep-league flex option.
🧾 Projected Stats: 4 catches, 48 yards, 1 TD
🌙 Emari Demercado (RB, Cardinals)
With Trey Benson sidelined, Demercado should see an expanded role: not just as a third-down back but in early downs as well. He’s an underrated dual threat who could find pay dirt this week. Strong sleeper flex play in PPR.
🧾 Projected Stats: 68 total yards, 1 TD, 4 receptions
🌙 Michael Carter (RB, Cardinals)
With James Conner and Trey Benson both banged up, Michael Carter could quietly emerge as a valuable plug-and-play option this week. The Cardinals have shown trust in his pass-catching ability, and he’s likely to see expanded snaps in both early downs and two-minute situations. If Arizona falls behind, Carter’s role in the passing game could make him a sneaky PPR flex play. NFLtraderumnors.com says Carter has been preparing as the starter
Projected Stats: 8-10 touches, 65 total yards, 3 receptions,
❄️ Sit ‘Em
❄️ Calvin Ridley (WR, Titans)
It’s been a nightmare start for Ridley. He’s struggled with drops and injuries, and he’s questionable coming into the week. Even if he plays, the Titans’ inconsistent passing game makes him a risky start. Let him ride the bench until he proves otherwise.
🧾 Projected Stats: 3 catches, 39 yards
❄️ Chigoziem Okonkwo (TE, Titans)
Okonkwo’s stat line this season — 13 receptions and 0 touchdowns — says it all. He hasn’t been able to convert targets into meaningful fantasy production. With limited scoring opportunities in this offense, keep him benched until he finds the end zone.
🧾 Projected Stats: 3 catches, 28 yards
📊 Start Meter
| Player | Confidence | Matchup Rating |
| Kyler Murray | 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 | 9.5/10 |
| Trey McBride | 💪💪💪 | 8/10 |
| Marvin Harrison Jr. | 💪💪💪 | 8.5/10 |
| Tony Pollard | 💪💪 | 7.5/10 |
| Elic Ayoma | 🌙 | 6.5/10 |
| Emari Demercado | 🌙 | 7/10 |
| Calvin Ridley | ❄️❄️ | 3.5/10 |
| Chigoziem Okonkwo | ❄️ | 2.5/10 |
🏁 Wrap-Up
This game has all the makings of a fantasy rebound for Arizona. Kyler Murray should put up big numbers, with McBride and MHJ being his top weapons. On the other side, the Titans’ offense continues to search for consistency, but Pollard offers a glimmer of fantasy hope.
If you’ve been waiting for the Cardinals’ offense to explode, this is the week. Lock in Murray, McBride, and Harrison Jr. and enjoy the fireworks.
