The Arizona Cardinals will host the Pittsburgh Steelers for a week seven matchup that may be the Cardinals' last hope at jumping back into the division race.
Let's take a look at some of the players that could have an impact for your fantasy team this weekend, one of them being a possible sleeper.
The offense may struggle to put fantasy points up against the Steelers vaunted defense this weekend. Pittsburgh has allowed the least amount of points to opposing receivers this year and the 30th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. With that said...
Larry Fitzgerald:
Fitz is a must start no matter what team the Cardinals happen to be playing. The Cardinals have assuredly been working through the bye week on ways to get Fitzgerald more open on the field so that he is able to make plays and create a bigger impact on games for the remainder of the season.
Beanie Wells:
Wells will likely see plenty of touches against the Steelers, who have not been able to stop opposing rushers as they have in the past. They have given up the 16th most points to opposing backs this season. Kevin Kolb is still looking to get comfortable, so look for Wells to rush a minimum of 25 times, as he did against the Giants in week 4.
Rob Housler:
Todd Heap has not practiced all week long, so he may not be an option for your fantasy team this weekend. That said, Rob Housler saw some targets in the Vikings game due to Heap's absence and he is likely to see more in this game as well. He is a tight end that is difficult for both corners and linebackers to defend due to his size and speed combination. He is a bit of a sleeper in most leagues and will probably be available.
Calais Campbell:
With Darnell Dockett still constantly getting double teamed, Campbell remains a great option for those of you in IDP leagues. The Steelers present an especially great opportunity for CC to get some points, given that they have allowed the 9th most points to opposing defensive ends this season.
Daryl Washington:
Pittsburgh will no doubt be looking to put the ball in the hands of Rashard Mendenhall often on Sunday, so Daryl Washington becomes a great option with his ability to stop the run. Washington also has two sacks on the year and against a questionable Steelers offensive line, he could see more. Pittsburgh has allowed the 15th most points to opposing linebackers this season.
Ben Roethlisberger:
Big Ben has always been known as a quarterback that can evade pressure to make plays outside of the pocket. With the lack of a supreme pass rush on for the Cardinals, Ben will be making plays all day against Arizona. The Cardinals have allowed the 11th most points to opposing quarterbacks this season and Big Ben becomes a must start for this game.
Mike Wallace:
Wallace is a speedy receiver that is often found streaking down the field waiting for a deep pass from Roethlisberger. The Cardinals have become susceptible to giving up explosive plays, especially given the youth of the corners. Arizona has allowed the 12th most fantasy points to opposing receivers this season. Take caution on Wallace, though, as he did not practice this week with a hamstring injury. Check before the game starts if he will be active.
Rashard Mendenhall:
Adrian Peterson was able to score mega points against the Cardinals' run defense in the last game and Mendenhall has a chance to do the same. Arizona is giving up the 8th most fantasy points per game over their last four games. Mendenhall was limited during practice on Thursday, but he should be good to go on game day.
Heath Miller:
Miller hasn't had a huge role in the Steelers' offense so far this season, but the Cardinals have continuously shown that they lack the ability to cover tight ends. This becomes even more exaggerated now that Kerry Rhodes is out with a foot injury. Expect Miller to grab a few receptions in this game and possibly become a target in the red zone.
LaMarr Woodley:
Woodley is one of the best pass rushers in the league and the Cards have given up the 12th most points to opposing linebackers this season. Woodley will be working off the edge against the Cardinals' inept offensive tackles, Levi Brown and Brandon Keith/Jeremy Bridges. Woodley is another must start for anyone in an IDP league.
Troy Polamalu:
Polamalu passed his concussion tests this week and is likely a go against the Cardinals. He is a guy that is often found playing near the line of scrimmage in the Dick Leabeau run defense and he is a playmaker. Start him if you own him or if he is available in your league.
That's my list for fantasy impact players for the Cards/Steelers game, but do you have any other players to recommend? Drop a name in the comments section.
Stats from Yahoo! Sports.