The Arizona Cardinals passing attack has been firing on all cylinders this season. Thanks to a healthy Carson Palmer, a resurgent Larry Fitzgerald, a breakout John Brown and the solid Michael Floyd, Arizona currently ranks fourth in passing yards per game (293), third in touchdowns (20) and first in yards per pass attempt (9.1). The Cardinals also rank sixth in overall receiving yards (2,396). As Larry David would say, pretty...pretty good.
But is it good enough to trust Fitzgerald, Brown or Floyd in fantasy football this week? Against a stellar Seattle Seahawks defense, I'm leaning towards no.
"Is Richard Sherman a stay-at-home or shadow corner?" ESPN Fantasy Football Insider Mike Clay wrote. "That correct answer is 'both.' Sherman has shadowed A.J. Green, Torrey Smith and Dez Bryant already this season, but he primarily played his side against the Rams, Packers, Bears, Lions and Panthers. This week, my expectation is that Sherman will stay glued to his left corner position against the Cardinals' three-headed monster at wide receiver. Arizona moves its wideouts around quite a bit, so Sherman will see John Brown and Michael Floyd most often and Larry Fitzgerald about 20 percent of the time. The entire Arizona offense should be downgraded against Seattle's tough defense, but no one receiver figures to be shut down by Sherman."
While Seattle may look somewhat underwhelming in light of their pedestrian 4-4 record, underestimating them is not advisable. The Seahawks still rank second in overall defense (284.9 yards allowed per game) and scoring defense (17.5). In terms of shutting down the opposing passing game, Seattle has allowed just one 100-yard receiver all season and has surrendered just six receiving touchdowns, the second-lowest mark in the NFL. Fitzgerald and Brown have been on fire most of this season, but they are poised to cool off against a hungry Seahawks team coming off a bye week.
Obviously, if you own Fitzgerald or Brown than you might not have any better options. But I'd lower my expectations and stay away from them in Daily Fantasy Sports if I was you.
