NFL training camps are open, and for millions of people worldwide their fantasy football preparation has begun in earnest. Here at Sports World News we will break down all 32 NFL teams in terms of their fantasy value. Readers will find the must-own players in every format, the sleepers in specific formats, and hidden gems only necessary for those in very deep leagues.
Today's preview will be on the Arizona Cardinals.
Must Own:
Andre Ellington, RB: Ellington looks like a prime Chris Johnson clone, and he was effective in 2013 despite being criminally misused. This speed demon piled up 5.5 yards per carry last season and also caught nearly 40 passes out of the backfield. He's small, so he won't be carrying the ball 25 times a game, but he should get close to 20 total touches per game. If so, he could be an elite fantasy option behind an improved offensive line.
Larry Fitzgerald, WR: Fitz has gone from the best WR in the NFL to a steady, but unsexy fantasy pick. Where some see an unsexy pick, I see a durable player that scored 10 touchdowns with competent quarterback play. If an owner's team is loaded at running back, or spent an early pick on an elite QB or TE, Fitz can be a de facto WR1. Don't sleep on veterans.
Michael Floyd, WR: Floyd lines up opposite Fitz, and is getting taken just 10 spots after him. His 2013 was good-65 catches, 1,043 yards, five touchdowns, but some of the hype around him is getting a little crazy. Don't reach too far for him, but he should be a dependable WR2.
Defense/Special Teams: This secondary has the potential to overtake Seattle's as the best in the NFL, and both Antonio Cromartie and Patrick Peterson are ballhawks. When Tyrann Mathieu returns from his knee injury, they will be very, very scary for opposing QBs to throw against. Losing Darnell Dockett was a huge blow, and it's now not a stretch to see RBs pile up yardage, but getting thrown on is death for fantasy D/STs.
Sleepers (Best Format)
Stepfan Taylor, RB (Standard): Ellington will handle the receiving duties, so PPR formats aren't for Taylor, but he may find himself Arizona's goal line back. They worked on the offensive line this offseason, so the offense should be improved.
Carson Palmer, QB (Two-QB): Carson Palmer is a solid QB2 in leagues where two are required to start, but if he can cut down on his interceptions he has the ability to be a nice bye week option in standard leagues. With Fitz giving his typical production, a true Floyd breakout may elevate Palmer into Top 12 status.
Deep Finds (Best format)
Jonathan Dwyer, RB (Standard): If you don't believe in Taylor, then Dwyer's your guy. He has a Shonn Greene vibe to him-nothing special and not explosive, but competent enough. He has averaged four yards per carry in each of the past two seasons.
Rob Housler, TE (PPR): Remember all the hype last year about Housler? Why'd it all die down? Sure his year was completely irrelevant for fantasy, but a new year has begun, and there's nothing but the very regular John Carlson blocking his path. Could be worth a shot down the line.
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