Chargers vs. Cardinals: Stat Predictions for Top Fantasy Stars

Fantasy owners are hoping for a lot out of their players in the final game of Week 1, but not everyone will be able to succeed in a competitive battle between the Arizona Cardinals and San Diego Chargers.

There are questions for both of these teams as to how touches will be divided between the talented running backs and receivers on the roster. Meanwhile, highly touted running back Andre Ellington has been limited and remains a game-time decision for the Cardinals.

Mike Jurecki of Fox Sports 910 provides the latest on the second-year player:

This makes it difficult to trust Ellington even if he does play. Hopefully you have a better option on your bench to use in case he is unable to perform. It also creates some intrigue around backup Jonathan Dwyer, who would likely see plenty of carries and goal-line chances in Ellington's absence.

The good news is there are still players who are certain to succeed on Monday night. Here are predictions for the top performers in the prime-time battle.

Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers

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Although he did not always get the respect he deserved, Philip Rivers quietly had one of the best seasons of his career in 2013. He finished in the top five in the league in passing yards, yards per attempt, touchdowns and quarterback rating and led the NFL with a 69.5 completion percentage.

Even more impressive, he did all of this with Keenan Allen—a little-known rookie who was a third-round pick in the draft—as one of his only consistent targets. The young receiver should have another big year, but the offense should be even better around him with healthy talent at almost every position. 

ESPN's Ed Werder sees Rivers still improving with plenty of help around him:

The ability to spread the ball around will hurt receivers Allen and Malcom Floyd, tight ends Antonio Gates and Ladarius Green and even running back Danny Woodhead. It is hard to count on any of them week to week to get yardage, let alone touchdowns.

However, Rivers is one person you can count on in your fantasy lineups, and that will be true in Week 1.

Prediction: 22-of-32, 257 passing yards, two touchdowns; 18 fantasy points

Carson Palmer, QB, Cardinals

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While Carson Palmer has bounced around the league in the past, he is finally confident going into his second year with the Cardinals.

"This is the most comfort I have had in a while going into a season,” Palmer told reporters, “and I think that’s one of the things that I am so excited about is being comfortable and not having a bunch of unknowns. I think this whole locker room feels that way."

The veteran quarterback set a career high with 4,274 passing yards last season while helping Arizona come extremely close to making the playoffs at 10-6. With an improved offensive line, the squad will hope to take that next step in 2014.

Despite Palmer's success, though, there are still question marks about his ability to secure the football. He threw 22 interceptions last season, which was also a career high.

He should be able to put up some yards against a weak San Diego secondary, but do not be surprised to see a few more turnovers in this one.

Prediction: 20-of-36, 302 passing yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions; 16 fantasy points

Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers

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There is definitely reason to be cautious about trusting Ryan Mathews this season.

He is coming off a great year, but it was the first in four years in which he was able to stay healthy throughout the full 16-game slate. There is no guarantee he can do this again. 

Most importantly, he could see his touches reduced in a busy backfield in 2014. Not only will Woodhead continue to get most of the receiving work, but Donald Brown will also get plenty of carries. Mike Clay of Pro Football Focus argues on behalf of the veteran getting goal-line work as well:

It remains to be seen how the coaching staff will divide the touches, but there is reason to be concerned.

Mathews should be able to come through with a strong performance against a squad dealing with multiple injuries on defense, but it is important to monitor the situation in the coming weeks.

Prediction: 14 carries, 74 rushing yards, one touchdown, one catch, seven receiving yards; 13 fantasy points

Michael Floyd, WR, Cardinals

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Larry Fitzgerald has been the top option in Arizona and one of the best receivers in the league for a long time. However, this might be the season that Michael Floyd takes over as the go-to option for Palmer.

Dan Pompei of Sports on Earth expects big things out of the former Notre Dame star:

Floyd had more receiving yards than Fitzgerald in 2013, thanks mostly to his 17 plays of 20 yards or more. It is only a matter of time until more targets start going in his direction, which will eventually lead to more scores.

The time is now for the young player to become the No. 1 target everyone is expecting him to be.

Prediction: Seven catches, 106 receiving yards, one touchdown; 16 fantasy points

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