Thursday December 11, 2014
Arizona Cardinals @ St. Louis Rams

Despite the big difference in these teams’ records, the Rams have actually played better as of late. Both NFC West staples have dominant defenses and less than spectacular offenses. Injuries have plagued both offenses; including both teams’ starting QBs as well as the Rams top WR and the Cards star RB. While from a fantasy standpoint the game lacks star power, we could at least get a good game. The final score may look like a hockey game, but hey, it’s great for my fellow IDP owners.

Arizona Cardinals: Key Players
QB Drew Stanton
If you’re starting Stanton in your fantasy playoffs, you’re in a whole heap of trouble. Especially considering the fact that the Rams have given up zero points in their past two games. Stanton has not been good and the Rams’ defense has been ferocious. He may be the worst start in the league this week.
Verdict: Sit Stanton. Literally anybody is better. Geno Smith, Derek Carr, Jake Locker…anybody.

RB Kerwynn Williams
Williams is a bit of a desperation play but not a bad one. He appears to be the clear lead back in Arizona, and he is going to see a lot of touches. While the Rams’ defense is tough, the Cardinals will have to rely on the run game to slow down the Rams’ lethal pass rush. If nothing else, Williams will get the opportunities to have a nice game.
Verdict: Start Williams. Not necessarily in all leagues but if you need him, don’t be afraid to plug him in.

WR Larry Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald’s knee is all banged up and the matchup is terrible. He clearly doesn’t have rapport with Stanton as he did with Carson Palmer. Fitz is very hard to trust this week.
Verdict: Sit Fitzgerald. There are just too many better options to start him.

WR Michael Floyd
Floyd is the one man that benefits from the return of Drew Stanton. He is clearly his favorite target. Still, Floyd has been one of the bigger disappointments this season. While he has shown a few small flashes, he is very tough to rely on in your fantasy playoffs.
Verdict: Sit Floyd. Much like Fitzgerald there are just too many better options.

St. Louis Rams: Key Players
QB Shaun Hill
If Stanton is the worst start, Hill is the second worst. He has very few weapons and the Cardinals have a very good defense. Hill is always a bad quarter away from being benched as well. He should be nowhere near your lineup this week, even if you start three QBs.
Verdict: Sit Hill. His prospects look less than promising in this one.

RB Tre Mason
I really like Mason, but the Cardinals have a very tough run defense. He’s not a terrible start, but there are likely better options available. Arizona is allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs.
Verdict: Sit Mason. If you have to start him you, can live with it, but hopefully you have better options.

WR Stedman Bailey
Bailey is the Rams’ best option in the passing game. Unfortunately he’ll be facing Patrick Peterson this week. That’s not to say he can’t have a good game, but he’s far from a safe bet.
Verdict: Sit Bailey. He is very borderline but it may be preferable to go with a safer play in your playoffs. If you have to start him, it could be worse.

Note: “it could be worse” can be applied to every WR in the NFL with the exception of Darrius Heyward-Bey.

TE Jared Cook
Cook is coming off his best performance of the season and has a favorable matchup against the Cardinals who are allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing TEs. Guess what? I’m still not starting him, sorry Jared.
Verdict: Sit Cook. He’s really not a bad start but has a very low floor. He’s a decent sleeper start this week though.

Predictions

Final Score
Arizona: 10
St. Louis: 13

Best Play
Cardinals: Kerwynn Williams
Rams: Stedman Bailey

Sleeper
Jared Cook