Here we take a look at the Cardinals players you should consider starting this week in fantasy football.
The Arizona Cardinals are once again on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers who are coming off of a short week in a win against the Chargers on Monday Night Football. The Steelers defense is not as good as it used to be, and it should be a prime day for you to start your favorite Arizona Cardinals players. Who are the players that are expected to have good fantasy outputs? Let’s find out!
Carson Palmer, Quarterback
At this point of the season, Carson Palmer should be an every week lock on your fantasy squad. Palmer is tied with Aaron Rodgers with for the most touchdown passes thrown this season with 13. Last week against the Lions, Palmer threw for 161 yards along with 3 touchdown passes. With Steelers defense no longer being the identity of the team, Palmer should have another bountiful fantasy week. Palmer should be able to pick apart a weak Steelers secondary to a tune of 200+ yards and 3 touchdowns.
Larry Fitzgerald, Wide Receiver
Like Palmer, Fitzgerald should be an every week lock for your fantasy team. Fitzgerald leads the league in touchdown receptions with 6, and should see this lead increase after the game. Last week against the Lions, Fitzgerald caught the ball 5 times for 58 yards, including 1 touchdown in a game that was over by the halftime. Against a secondary that is suspect, Fitzgerald should easily be able to get open on his way to another 100 yard receiving and 1+ touchdown game.
John Brown, Wide Receiver
While Brown is a somewhat inconsistent player, he’s a strong FLEX and WR2 for your fantasy squad every week. With Brown’s big play potential too good to pass up, he should have a good day at the office against a weak Steelers secondary. Brown made the Lions pay when he had 73 receiving yards (including a 40 yard bomb that helped set up the Cardinals 99 yard touchdown drive) and a touchdown. With Fitzgerald occupying the secondary’s Brown will many opportunities to make plays. Look for a 90+ yard and 1 touchdown game from Smokey.
Chris Johnson, Running Back
Even with Ellington’s return, Chris Johnson is the starting back, and has played like it. Last week alone Johnson ran for 103 yards, and has ran for 405 yards this season. Against a below average Steelers defense, Johnson should get plenty of opportunities to run the ball and help this team win. Expect a big rushing day for Chris Johnson, in the range of 75+ rushing yards and 1 touchdown.
Arizona Cardinals Defense/Special Teams
After forcing 6 turnovers against the Lions, the defense has been on a roll this season. Against a mediocre Michael Vick in the twilight of his career, the defense should be able to force turnovers in the form of interceptions and fumbles. On the special teams side, I also smell the possibility of a blocked kick coming into play. Regardless of the opponent, the Arizona Cardinals defense has given reason for you to start it every week, and this week is no different. I smell the defense forcing 3+ turnovers and blocking a kick.
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