Op/Ed: reactions to Cardinals’ buzz on social media, Part II: the players

Buzz about the Cardinals’ players

Idea #2: What the list of Top 10 players for the Cardinals needs to look like in 2026.

Here is Johhny Venerable’s and Bo Brack’s prediction:

While it is very difficult to imagine that Marvin Harrison Jr. in year two, will emerge as the Cardinals’ top player on the entire roster, I can understand why fans who were so certain about the prospect in 2023 the Cardinals’ “Tanking for Marv” would be lusting to feel vindicated, especially after the struggles at times that Marv and Kyler had in creating their timing.

The other major reason it is a stretch to believe that Marv “needs” to be the team’s #1 player is the team’s offensive philosophy under Drew Petzing. For Drew Petzing’s heavy 12 and 13 personnel offense to dominate, the top playmakers on offense really need to be RB James Conner and TE Trey McBride. Petzing would also likely tell you himself that at least two of his offensive linemen need to be on the list of the team’s top 10 players.

Josh Shapiro of Betonline,ag recently sent me these 2025 regular season odds on QBs and receivers.

Most Passing Yards Regular Season Odds

NFL Player Performance Futures – Quarterbacks Props, Betting Odds & Lines at Betonline.ag

• Joe Burrow 11/2
• Dak Prescott 9/1
• Jared Goff 10/1
• Patrick Mahomes 10/1
• Baker Mayfield 11/1
• Brock Purdy 12/1
• C.J. Stroud 12/1
• Michael Penix 12/1
• Josh Allen 14/1
• Matthew Stafford 18/1
• Trevor Lawrence 18/1
• Justin Herbert 20/1
• Jordan Love 22/1
• Geno Smith 25/1
• J.J. McCarthy 28/1
• Tua Tagovailoa 28/1
• Caleb Williams 33/1
• Lamar Jackson 40/1
• Sam Darnold 40/1
• Bo Nix 50/1
• Drake Maye 50/1
• Jayden Daniels 50/1
• Kyler Murray 66/1
• Russell Wilson 80/1
• Bryce Young 100/1
• Cameron Ward 100/1
• Jalen Hurts 100/1

Most Receiving Yards Regular Season Odds

NFL Player Performance Futures – Wide Receivers Props, Betting Odds & Lines at Betonline.ag

• Ja’Marr Chase 9/2
• Justin Jefferson 15/2
• Nico Collins 15/2
• Brian Thomas Jr. 10/1
• CeeDee Lamb 10/1
• Malik Nabers 10/1
• Puka Nacua 14/1
• Tyreek Hill 20/1
• A.J. Brown 25/1
• Amon-Ra St Brown 25/1
• Drake London 25/1
• Brandon Aiyuk 33/1
• Garrett Wilson 33/1
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba 33/1
• Davante Adams 40/1
• Tee Higgins 40/1
• Terry McLaurin 40/1
• Brock Bowers 50/1
• Chis Godwin 50/1
• D.J. Moore 50/1
• Ladd McConkey 50/1
• Marvin Harrison Jr 50/1
• Rashee Rice 50/1
• Stefon Diggs 50/1

The conclusion that makes the most sense is for fans not to put so much pressure on Kyler and Marv to be the top two players on the entire roster —- because they do not need to be top two in order for the Cardinals to win.

Increasing the fans’ already sky-high expectations on the Kyler to Marv connection is likely...