Trey McBride's NFL season has become one for the record books, but not necessarily for the right reasons. Currently, the Arizona Cardinals tight end is experiencing one of the most remarkable scoring droughts ever recorded, going through 89 catches without finding the end zone. This streak is not just unfortunate, it’s historic; McBride now holds the record for the most receptions without scoring during a single season. With just three games left on the calendar, fans are left wondering if he can finally overcome this unusual hurdle.
The Cardinals are set to face the Carolina Panthers on December 24, 2023, a matchup which brings renewed hope for McBride’s scoring prospects. Adding optimism is the fact no team has allowed more touchdowns to tight ends than the Panthers this season, having surrendered 10 touchdowns so far. This weekend could be the pivotal moment McBride needs to finally break his drought.
Kyler Murray, the Cardinals' quarterback, is fully aware of McBride’s predicament and expressed his support, stating, "85 will touchdown the end zone soon, I promise." Such encouragement from his quarterback could be just the boost McBride needs as the Cardinals prepare for a matchup against the struggling Panthers defense.
Reflecting on his season, the stats tell a compelling story. McBride has excelled as one of the top tight ends, posting four consecutive top-five finishes and achieving 10 top-10 performances overall. These accomplishments are noteworthy, especially considering the often unpredictable nature of tight end production within fantasy football. He consistently attracts heavy utilization, with at least seven receptions and 10 targets across his last four games. This ranks him among the few active players to achieve such consistency early on in their careers, alongside notable stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Justin Jefferson.
Despite the Cardinals’ struggles this season (they have been inconsistent, scoring 17.3 points per game outside of their victories against AFC East teams), McBride’s reliable offensive presence has made him valuable for fantasy managers. His expected fantasy points projection for Week 16 stands at 15.5, projecting him to catch approximately 7 passes for 71.8 yards and perhaps, finally, his first touchdown. This potential makes him both a tempting start and resourceful asset for fantasy lineups, especially during the playoffs.
Looking at the state of the Panthers’ defense, it has been abysmal all year. Although they exhibited some improvement earlier this season, recent performances indicate they've regressed back to their old ways. The past two games highlighted their inability to defend against tight ends adequately, adding to McBride’s favorable odds of scoring this weekend. Data shows their overall grading on defense has been poor, with metrics indicating they rank last in EPA per rush and third down conversions. Such offensive struggles may provide McBride with the opportunities needed to capitalize on the Panthers’ weaknesses come game day.
Given the current conditions, many analysts suggest starting McBride for both standard and PPR leagues this week. His matchup is too favorable to ignore, especially as the Cardinals will likely have to rely on passing plays. If he cannot score against Carolina, the spotlight will only intensify, placing the accountability on the coaching staff and Murray for failing to involve their tight end efficiently.
With all these elements at play, the upcoming game against Carolina carries significant weight—not just for the team but for McBride personally and for fantasy players relying on his output. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this unique streak breaks and allows McBride to finally add his name to the list of players who have successfully navigated the tight end position's challenges this year.
