The Arizona Cardinals host the New York Giants in University of Phoenix Stadium this weekend in what could be a pivotal game. Arizona has a rough stretch of teams coming up, so getting a win against a fairly good Giants squad is paramount.
Taking a look at some of the players that will be involved in the game, which ones will be fantasy stars in your league this week?
Beanie Wells:
It sounds like Beanie will be good to go this weekend and he should be a good player to start in your fantasy league. The Giants have given up 3.6 yards per carry in 2011 and Beanie has averaged 5.7 yards this season. Look for him to get plenty of reps against the G-Men and hopefully break that 100 yard mark.
Larry Fitzgerald:
Both Terrell Thomas and rookie Prince Amukamara are out for the Giants, so their secondary is looking rather thin. Even former Cardinal Antrel Rolle has been playing the nickel back in certain packages due to the lack of depth. Fitzgerald should be able to take advantage of that weak secondary and come up with a number of points for your team.
Todd Heap:
With a lack of a secondary comes the lack of ability to cover tight ends. Todd Heap had the most receptions for the Cardinals last weekend against the Seahawks with six and he has become a great safety net for Kevin Kolb. He will inevitably get a few more catches this weekend and he is always a good threat in the red zone.
A.J. Jefferson:
Jefferson was targeted 12 times last weekend by Tarvaris Jackson, which means he had plenty of opportunities to make a play on the ball and get some tackles. Eli Manning has already thrown a couple of interceptions this year and he threw 25 last season. Look for that trend to continue and for Jefferson to have a big day for his fantasy owners.
Eli Manning:
One quarterback from the NFC East has already had the chance to shred the Arizona secondary with 300 yards passing and 2 touchdowns- Rex Grossman. Manning is the superior quarterback of the two and he could put up some major numbers this weekend. I am officially naming him the start of the week.
Hakeem Nicks:
He is listed as questionable to play against the Cardinals on Sunday and he hasn't been practicing this week, but he swears that he will be on the field come game time. The Cardinals have given up the 9th most points to opposing wide receivers this year and Nicks is Manning's favorite target. If he plays, start him, but make sure that he isn't ruled out pre-game. Also of note: Mario Manningham sounds like he could play as well and would be another solid fantasy option, especially if Nicks can't go.
Justin Tuck:
Whether this stalwart defensive end is lined up against Levi Brown or Brandon Keith, he should be able to cause some havoc in the Arizona backfield. Chris Clemons had a big game against the Cardinals for the Seahawks last week and Tuck is bound to have one too due to the poor tackle play for Arizona. Also of note: It sounds as if Osi Umenyiora will play for the first time this season on Sunday. Both he and Jason Pierre-Paul are good options as well.
Any other players you feel are worthy of being on this list? Leave a comment in the section below.