Ranking Arizona’s 5 Best Fantasy Football Players

3. Cardinals Defense:

May 14, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) and defensive tackle Ricky Lumpkin (95) huddle with teammates during organized team activities at the Cardinals Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

There has been plenty of speculation about the Cardinals’ defense in the offseason. Fans continue to wonder if the defense will continue to play at a high level, as it did for most of 2013. Well in fantasy football the only thing that matters is stats like interceptions, forced fumbles, sacks, and special team scores.

What we do know is that the Cardinals will be agressive on defense and most likely allow both Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell loose against apposing offenses. This will most likely result in large number of tackles for loss and quarterback sacks. If the front seven is causing havoc then the secondary will benefit from the pressure thats being applied.

The Cardinals had 22 interceptions as a team in 2012, Patrick Peterson had seven interceptions on his own. That is a large amount of interceptions for a cornerback and it seems doubtful that he will be able to duplicate those numbers, as teams attack other players on the defense. The pressure will be on players like Rashad Johnson and Antoine Cason to make plays in the secondary.

One thing that we can count on is the return game, which could be an integral part of how the Cardinals win games in 2013.  Look for Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu to share punt return duties as they both excel in that area. Javier Arenas and rookie Andre Ellington are other players with return ability.