Fantasy Football Focus: Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals went 8-8 last year and not much has changed since then. They still have a stellar "1-2 punch" receiving corps, but no set signal caller to throw to them. The running game still features a back past his prime and two back-ups that together can make one decent short yardage back. So how do the Cardinal's shape up fantasy wise? Let's take a look.

QB

Matt Leinart / Kurt Warner

The front office insists that Matt Leinart is the starter, but I am less than convinced. The 25 year old former USC star has put his maturity into question in the past off season with his less than professional antics. That should be a red flag at a position that demands maturity and intelligence to be successful. Warner on the other hand is a 37 year old veteran who was far more successful in Arizona than Leinart last season. Neither of them is going to play all 16 games and as a result, shouldn't be drafted as more than a back-up on any team. The only exception? If you can get both. Together they will put up good numbers, but separately they are hardly worth your time. Consider it a "handcuff" if you will, like you would with some running back tandems.

RB

Edgerrin James / Marcel Shipp / J.J. Arrington 

It can't be denied that James is past the prime of his career, however that doesn't mean he is useless. He is still the starting back on a team that isn't likely to run by committee. A poor showing by James in the preseason could change that thought though, as he may already be on thin ice. There were rumors of him getting cut, but who would take his place? Shipp and Arrington were only used in short yardage and third down situations respectively last year, and probably won't be used more than that this year either. James could be a decent #2 running back on your fantasy team, but Shipp or Arrington shouldn't be used unless James gets hurt.

WR / TE

Larry Fitzgerald / Anquan Boldin / Leonard Pope

The Cardinals probably have the best recieving tandem in football outside of Cincinnati and New England. Fitzgerald has top-five skill, but will more likely put up top-ten stats. Partially because of the quarterback situation, and partially because he has Boldin stealing some of his catches, unless Boldin gets hurt again. Last year Boldin injured his hip and missed four games last year. Fitzgerald rose to the occasion by racking up 90+ yards in three of those four games. 

Both are big, strong receivers who can go up and get the ball and make plays after the catch, but Boldin seems to be more of the red zone threat. Speaking of red-zone threats, why is 6'8" tight end Leonard Pope not a red zone target? Warner started to realize how useful Pope is last season and connected with him for five touchdowns. If they actually click this year, Pope could be a great waiver wire pick-up. Don't jump the gun and try to draft him as a sleeper though. Pope hasn't had more than 23 catches in his career and will probably play more of a role in the blocking game this year, as Arizona is looking to run the ball more.

K

Neil Rackers

Rackers has a big leg and can kick the 50+ yard field goals with the best in the league. Oops, that was two years ago. He still can kick the long ones, but his accuracy has taken a hit and it isn't getting any better, he missed nine kicks in each of the last two seasons. Rackers will more than likely only see time on a fantasy team if the team's kicker is on a bye.

DEF / ST

Don't be surprised if they stumble out of the gate. Rookie cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will have to get used to the NFL and Antrel Rolle will be working on his transition from corner to free safety. Roderick Hood on the other hand should be solid from day one. The Cardinals like to blitz and if you are in a league that rewards for sacks, they might be a decent sleeper pick.

Steve Breston is a solid return man and should raise the value if your league awards points to a defense for punt and kick returns. Look for him to score at least one return touchdown this year.

One last thing, in week four the Seahawks, Giants, and Patriots all have the week off. The Cardinals? They are playing against the Jets in New York. Just something to keep in mind.

Top Five Arizona Cardinals Fantasy Players

1. Larry Fitzgerald

2. Anquan Boldin

3. Edgerrin James

4. Kurt Warner

5. Matt Leinart

Bye Week: 7