Kyler Murray entered the NFL in 2019 with high expectations as the No. 1 overall pick. He brought a unique dual-threat skillset to the Arizona Cardinals. From electrifying scrambles to clutch throws, Murray’s style has made him one of the league’s most exciting players. But beyond the highlights and fantasy points, how does he perform when it matters most against winning teams?
At SportsAndFitnessDigest.com, we define “winning teams” as those that finished the regular season .500 or better. This provides a consistent and meaningful benchmark for evaluating quarterbacks against quality opponents.
Let’s take a closer look at Kyler Murray’s regular season record against winning teams.
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Kyler Murray’s Record vs Winning Teams
As of the end of the 2024 NFL regular season, Kyler Murray holds a career record of 9–21 (.300) against teams that finished the season at .500 or better. Only games where Murray was the starting quarterback are included.
Year-by-Year Breakdown
| Season | Record | Notable Wins | Notable Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1–5 | Seahawks | 49ers (2x), Ravens, Saints |
| 2020 | 3–4 | Bills, Seahawks, 49ers | Dolphins, Patriots, Rams |
| 2021 | 4–2 | Titans, Rams, 49ers, Browns | Packers, Colts |
| 2022 | 0–4 | — | Eagles, Chiefs, Vikings, 49ers |
| 2023 | 0–3 | — | Browns, 49ers, Seahawks |
| 2024 | 1–3 | Steelers | Rams, 49ers, Texans |
Career Total: 9 Wins – 21 Losses (.300)
Murray’s best year against winning teams came in 2021, when he led Arizona to a 4–2 record in such games and helped them secure a playoff berth. Since then, his production and availability have declined, especially following injuries and coaching changes.
In fact, he has not won consecutive games since the 2021 NFL season.
Chart: Kyler Murray vs .500+ Teams
Analyzing Murray’s Strengths and Struggles
Murray’s performance against winning teams has been inconsistent. While he’s shown flashes of elite ability—like his Hail Murray against Buffalo in 2020 and his road win over the Rams in 2021—those moments have not translated into sustained success.
His 2021 campaign showed promise with a more balanced offense, strong receiver play from DeAndre Hopkins, and a healthy stretch of games. That year, he went 4–2 against winning teams, a rare bright spot in his record.
In contrast, the seasons surrounding 2021 have been marked by inconsistency, injuries, and a lack of offensive rhythm. In 2022 and 2023, he failed to win a single game against a .500 or better opponent.
For context, here’s how Murray compares to other notable quarterbacks:
- Patrick Mahomes: 41–20 (.672)
- Josh Allen: 21–23 (.477)
- Russell Wilson: 34–45 (.430)
- Kirk Cousins: 23–38 (.377)
- Jared Goff: 24–37 (.393)
- Kyler Murray: 9–21 (.300)
- Dak Prescott: 19–38 (.333)
- Matthew Stafford: 33–84 (.282)
- Justin Herbert: 10–26 (.278)
Murray’s .300 win percentage puts him near the lower end of this group, but not at the bottom. His youth and upside still offer potential if he can stay healthy and Arizona stabilizes.
Why This Matters
Beating the league’s best is a true litmus test for NFL quarterbacks. These opponents are well-coached, often playoff-bound, and tough to beat. Murray’s ability to rise to the occasion has been hit-or-miss, and his record reflects that.
As the Cardinals rebuild around him, Murray’s future as a franchise quarterback will hinge on whether he can string together more wins against top-tier competition.
Final Thoughts
Kyler Murray’s record against winning teams reveals a quarterback with high potential but inconsistent execution. His 2021 season showed what’s possible when everything clicks. However, injuries and instability have derailed that momentum in recent years.
With a new coaching regime and young talent around him, 2025 may offer the reset Murray needs. If he can improve his play in big matchups, he’ll not only boost Arizona’s outlook but also reshape his legacy.
Until then, his .300 mark in these games remains an important, if not defining, part of his story.
