Well, I sure hope you started Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald last week.
Other than that, the majority of the Cardinals players outside of Jaron Brown (who was robbed of a 2 TD game) didn’t do a whole lot on the ground or in the air minus one player, but we’ll get into that.
Let’s examine which players you should start and who you should sit this week:
Start of the Week: Larry Fitzgerald, WR
You probably won’t be surprised by this but Fitzgerald is GOOD against the Niners.
(Hey, always quote your sources, right?)
In 2016 alone, Fitzgerald went off for 213 yards and 2 TD’s total in two games. That’s an average of, what, 106 yards and a TD each? And one of those games didn’t even have Carson Palmer present.
Fitzgerald’s also at home, a scene in which Palmer has fared much better in, and if the team gets D.J. Humphries back this week and a motivated Jared Veldheer, we might see Fitz continue his roll of the Bay Area sports franchise.
Cardinals Start: Andre Ellington, RB
The carousel of Cardinals RB’s post-David Johnson injuries keeps turning. Where will it stop? NO ONE KNOWS!
Ellington got a big push from his performance last week, and despite Chris Johnson being named the starter, he’s probably the best back left on the roster...when healthy. Currently, he is, and I’d look for Arizona to draw up some of the plays they had for Johnson on 3rd down for Ellington as he sees an increased workload.
As for touchdowns, however, well...that’s another story. For all we know Elijaa Penny could get the ball on the goal-line for the score. But Ellington should have a nice game, especially in PPR formats.
He’s the guy you want.
Niners Start: Marquise Goodwin, WR
Huh? Why no Pierre Garcon?
(Well, maybe you start him too) but here’s the reason you start Goodwin: Taylor Gabriel.
Last year the speedster Gabriel TORCHED the Cardinals for two long touchdowns. He’ll have a similar role as a speedster in Kyle Shanahan’s offense and it wouldn’t surprise me if he takes one to the house given how Arizona has a tendency this year to give up the big play. Put him in if you’re in a 12+ person league or if you’ve got some injured WR’s.
Cardinals Sit: Jermaine Gresham, TE
Gresham looks off, and his injury seems to be a part of it. He’s dropped multiple TD passes now and can’t be counted on until he is healthy.
Niners Sit: George Kittle & Garrett Celek
The Cardinals have played tight ends exceptionally well to start the year. While Kittle and Celek are nice players, Arizona locked down Dak Prescott’s top target in Jason Witten last week for 1 catch.
If they get Deone Bucannon back this week, that number will drop even further. If you’re in a deep league and banked on one of these guys impressing late, move to a different option.
Sleeper of the Week: Jaron Brown, WR
Jaron nearly had 2 TD’s last week. The fact that he ultimately DIDN’T will allow you to play him as a sneaky start in what could be a high scoring game should both offenses get clicking.
With J.J. Nelson still ailing some and John Brown out of the picture, Palmer will look to Fitzgerald and Ellington probably for the majority of his passes, followed by this man right here if Nelson can’t get right in time.
Any comments? Questions? Ask me on twitter @blakemurphy7!