Is Kyler Murray playing has been the question on the lips of many fantasy football managers heading into Week 10. With the Arizona Cardinals QB being absent from the walkthrough on Wednesday, the concern has been bubbling ever since. Let’s take look at the latest news regarding Murray and the fantasy implications of his status this week.
Update: Kyler Murray is inactive for the Cardinals in Week 10.
Is Kyler Murray Playing Today?
There was some hope that Murray would be able to suit up in Week 10 after he was a limited participant in practice both Thursday and Friday. However, he was listed as questionable, and there was always some concern as he dealt with this hamstring injury. On Saturday night, Jeremy Fowler reported that there was skepticism about his availability for Week 10.
We got further details from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. In his report, he stated that Murray was “still moving very gingerly,” and that the Cardinals were going into the pregame workout with the view it was unlikely he would play. Therefore, the signs are pointing towards us seeing Colt McCoy under center for the Cardinals in Week 10.
Even if he had suited up, Murray would be a less-than-ideal fantasy option, whether it’s in season-long leagues, Underdog Fantasy Best Ball leagues, or DFS contests. This hamstring injury would have limited Murray’s mobility. For a player that averages 5.3 fantasy points per game with his legs, that would potentially be a significant loss.
Additionally, Murray being limited when it comes to his movement would have a knock-on impact on the passing game as those plays he can make when things break down. Therefore, it might actually end up being beneficial to the fantasy options around Murray if he is inactive and we see McCoy under center.
Fantasy Implications for Colt McCoy, James Conner, DeAndre Hopkins, Zach Ertz, and More
It’s hard to view McCoy as anything more than a Superflex and deep-league fantasy starter in Week 10. He had a mixed output in the three games he started in place of Murray last year. In Week 9, he had 249 passing yards, a passing touchdown, and 23 rushing yards for 16.26 fantasy points.
Then, in Week 10, he struggled with just 107 passing yards, an interception, and minus one rushing yard for 3.18 fantasy points. McCoy bounced back, however, for 328 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and 18 rushing yards for a total of 22.9 fantasy points.
Those three games emphasize the range of outcomes here for McCoy. He has the potential and talent to produce, but in his first game of the season, it’s tough to count on him to provide starter-level value in 1QB leagues.
Last season, we saw James Conner benefit somewhat with McCoy under center. The timing somewhat coincided with Conner taking a bigger role in the offense as Chase Edmonds dealt with an injury, so that is a consideration. However, in those three games, Conner averaged close to 10 fantasy points more per game with McCoy than he did with Murray.
MORE: Is Matthew Stafford Playing Today vs. Cardinals?
Conner averaged 0.42 more rushing touchdowns and 20 more rushing yards per game with McCoy. He also took on a bigger role in the passing game, but that was very much linked to Edmonds’ absence. The big key for the running game comes in the red zone. Murray is a huge threat close to the goal line, while McCoy is nowhere near the same level.
For the wide receivers, McCoy was a less efficient passer than Murray on average across their games last year. The Cardinals’ offense had around 25 fewer passing yards with McCoy than Murray. The passing touchdowns also dropped by 0.7 per game, further limiting the receivers’ upside in terms of fantasy output.
Last year, we saw Zach Ertz have a slight increase in fantasy output with McCoy, Rondale Moore see a similar value, and the other receivers see a slight drop off. However, DeAndre Hopkins did not play in those games. So while we have data for Christian Kirk and A.J. Green, Hopkins is a different player.
Hopkins and Ertz remain starting considerations in 12-team leagues, with Moore seeing more value in 14-team formats. Conner is a Flex consideration for 12-team leagues as he continues to return from his injury concerns.