Buying or Selling Andre Roberts as a Must-Play Fantasy Receiver

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Andre Roberts has put up some big-time fantasy football numbers this season, but he's not consistent enough to buy him as a must-start fantasy option. 

Roberts came through with seven catches for 103 yards and a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7, earning his fantasy owners some valuable, and I'm sure much-needed, points for their team. 

Roberts has been up and down all year long. For the season, he has caught 29 passes for 389 yards and five touchdowns, but he has disappeared for long stretches.

In Week 4, against the Miami Dolphins, he caught six passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns—a veritable fantasy football gold rush. He was then shut out from a fantasy standpoint the next two games, tallying just seven catches for 57 yards and zero touchdowns. 

He simply can't be trusted to produce on a weekly basis—a requisite quality in a must-start fantasy player. 

Furthermore, given the shady quarterback situation in Arizona and the incredible lack of pass protection offered by the team's offensive line (worst in the NFL with 35 sacks allowed), Roberts and the rest of the Cardinals offense could be doomed for a second-half slump. 

Looking ahead, the Cardinals' next opponent is the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. 

The 49ers feature the No. 1 pass defense in the NFL. This unit allows only 173 yards per game, and through seven games, it has only allowed six passing touchdowns. 

Then, in Week 9, the Cardinals travel to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers—a team that features the best pass-rushing team in the NFL with 24 sacks.

John Skelton, with his lead feet, will be absolutely overwhelmed by Clay Matthews and the rest of the Packers front seven.

I don't expect Roberts, or any other receiver, to have a big game. 

Don't get me wrong: Roberts is worth keeping on your fantasy football team. Heck, he's on one of mine, and he's done well for me a few times this season. That said, he's a situational starter who isn't close to being a must-start player for your fantasy football team.

Follow me on Twitter @JesseReed78 and check out my weekly NFL picks at Pickfactor.com