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The Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions will take the field on Sunday afternoon to begin an NFC battle. Detroit seeks its first win of the season and the Cardinals wish to get over a tough loss at home.
But this is not your game preview. This post is about fantasy football and which players on each team you should consider starting or sitting.
Start 'em
Cardinals defense: The Lions have been a mess offensively. The Cardinals have been a productive bunch. While Arizona does not have a premiere pass rusher, they do get pressure on the quarterback. With the offensive line woes of the Lions, we can expect a couple of sacks at least. And with the secondary play of Arizona combined with five Matthew Stafford interceptions on the year, there is bound to be a turnover.
Matt Prater: If there is a guy on the Lions to start, it is their kicker. Arizona does not allow many touchdowns, so if they can get into scoring position, Detroit will be kicking field goals.
Chandler Catanzaro: After five field goals last week, Arizona faces another strong defense. Arizona's offense continues to move the ball well, so you should expect field goals on many drives.
Carson Palmer: He has been a winning play in fantasy thus far. What makes him a good play is the fact the Cardinals like to pass and the Lions will be missing two defensive tackles. That means a clean interior pocket, which is what Palmer needs to operate well.
Sit 'em
Calvin Johnson: Yes, he is great. However, Stafford has not been getting him the ball well and he is facing Patrick Peterson, who is having a fantastic year.
Chris Johnson/Andre Ellington: I know the Lions have two new defensive tackles, but until we see how both Johnson and Ellington are used in a game together, they figure to be bad fantasy plays because they will take away from the other.
Ameer Abdullah: Playing a Lions running back has been a bad idea all year, but don't be tempted after seeing Todd Gurley go off for 146 yards. That will not likely happen again this week. 123 of those yards came on four plays and were gap issues when the team was behind. That will be corrected.