NFC West: Fantasy football options within the division

Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws during the second half against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

As training camp nears and football season begins to take shape, your email and phone will soon be flooded with messages from dozens of fantasy football league hosts asking you to return for the 2015 season. They’ll say, “This could be your year,” and “Don’t be the only guy in the office who doesn’t play.” Anything they think is witty enough to guilt you into signing up and dropping your $20 in the winners pot, but in reality we would play even without the witty emails and silly banter. Let’s take a look at some of the more productive fantasy products in the NFC West.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are a unique team. They have some very viable options on offense, outside of the running back position, and carry three wide receivers worthy of a spot on most fantasy rosters. However, there is no worthy option at tight end in Arizona this year. It all starts with Carson Palmer. If Palmer stays healthy you could have yourself a 4,000 yard passer. He did it his first year in Zona and was on pace to do so last year before injury. There’s no reason to think he wouldn’t be able to this year. That becomes more evident when you look at who he has to throw the ball too. The veteran Larry Fitzgerald looks to have a bounce back year in 2015. Michael Floyd is trying to earn his spot atop the depth chart, and last years pleasant surprise John Brown wants to be known as more than just a deep threat. All fantasy owners should steer clear of running back Andre Ellington. A back heading into his third year and nothing good to show for it, Ellington can’t be trusted to have a good year. The special teams and defense will look to build on their success from 2014, but remember defensive coordinator Todd Bowles flew the coop for the vacant head coaching position in New York, so we may see a small regression here. However, they are still worthy of an every week start regardless of opponent.

QB: Carson Palmer – Could be an every week starter, or very strong QB2

RB: Andre Ellington – Free Agent pick up only

WR: John Brown – Late round wide out selection

WR: Michael Floyd – Potential to be a WR1

WR: Larry Fitzgerald – Regressing, but still has value as WR2/3

TE: Nothing to see here…