Cardinals-Seahawks: Fantasy Breakdown

Who isn’t ready for the Cardinals to run the darn ball already? Every week there is a pundit somewhere declaring Tim Hightower or Beanie Wells a pick of the week, a sleeper of the week, or a start of the week.

We’re all waiting, Cardinals. Give both of them the rock. Please. It's not just something to appease fantasy footballers, it makes your offense click like an NFC Champion, instead of a .500 ball club that can’t get out of its own way.

I know, I know, every week is THE week that its going to happen, and then it doesn’t. So I can’t exactly suggest you count on this week to be the one. Therefore, I can’t recommend Beanie Wells as a strong play, even if hindsight ends up suggesting otherwise.

Starter Tim Hightower has more roles in the offense though, therefore he gets more snaps and more touches, and is a solid play. He leads the team in receptions, all on check-downs mind you, but has added two rushing scores thus far.

Two TDs doesn’t sound like much, but on a team that has a combined league-low 73 attempts, that’s actually decent production.

Arizona

+++++Kurt Warner is a must start. While Seattle is ninth in pass defense they have faced the Rams and the 49ers, two teams with average passing attacks, and Peyton Manning torched them with 353 yards and two TDs.

+++ Tim Hightower - Even if this is the magical game when Arizona finally gives its running backs a decent amount of carries, it doesn’t necessarily benefit only Hightower. Still, he is a solid play as I noted, because he will be involved in the passing game and is usually the assigned goal line back.

+ Beanie Wells can’t be counted on by fantasy owners until the Cardinals start counting on him.

++++ Larry Fitzgerald is a great play vs any team, and leads the team with four TDs. Seattle’s secondary is physical though, and have given the Cardinals fits in the past.

++++ Anquan Boldin is a great play vs any team, and is second on the team with 23 receptions.

++++ Steve Breaston is that “other” receiver. His rate of production is on pace with the Fitz and Boldin’s. A great play.

+ Ben Patrick gets a mention because he returns in this game after missing the first four due to suspension. He is the best pass catching TE on the team, and the only one capable of gaining significant yards after catch.

Still, the Cardinals don’t usually utilize Tight Ends very much. Look elsewhere.

++Defense - If I were discussing talent level, I’d say they were a must start. Unfortunately, they are still a work in progress and are dead last in pass defense, and passing just so happens to be the Seahawks strength. Gamble on them at your own risk.

Seattle

+++++Matt Hasselbeck came back from missing 2.5 games on a mission, passing for four TDs against Jacksonville last weekend. He must be salivating about this matchup. A division rival with a porous pass D, yummy. A must start.

++ Julius Jones is having a decent year with three total TDs but Arizona is No. 1 in rush defense, and J.J. only has 12 receptions in five games. Plus, Edgerrin James and Justin Forsett are eating into his opportunities. Look for other options.

++++ Nate Burleson doesn’t get much hype but he is the leading receiver for the Seahawks, with 30 catches and three TDs already, both more than T.J. Houshmandzadeh . A great play.

++++ T.J. Houshmandzadeh is having another fine year, with 27 receptions. A great play.

+++ John Carlson is tied for seventh for receptions amongst TEs, and Owen Daniels has an eight catch, 94-yard day vs the Cardinals in Week Five. Solid play.

++ Defense - The Seahawks have the ability to bring the heat, but it's hard to imagine them shutting down the Cardinals for the entirety of this matchup. Gamble on them at your own risk.

This article also appears on NFLTouchdown.com