Cardinals vs. Chiefs
Cardinals
Can Josh Rosen put together another decent fantasy day?
Two weeks ago against the 49ers, Josh Rosen had a decent game, with 252 yards for two touchdowns and one interception, good for 19.3 fantasy points. This week, Rosen will be going up against a Chiefs secondary that’s given up sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this year. I’d expect that Patrick Mahomes is going to throw all over the Cardinals, as he’s thrown all over everyone, so I could see this being a bit of a shootout. Still, starting Rosen is risky given his performance so far this year, but he could be in for a decent game.
Will we see any value from the wide receivers?
I think this week might be alright for Larry Fitzgerald, I’ve got him as a low-end WR2. Fitz had his best game of the season against the 49ers, catching eight balls for 102 yards and a touchdown. It seems Byron Leftwich likes to use Fitz more, and I could see him getting some usage here. He’ll likely go up against Kendall Fuller, which should be a somewhat tough matchup, but one he can overcome. As for Christian Kirk, he’ll likely be up against Orlando Scandrick, which is an okay matchup for him. I think he could be a decent flex play this week in deeper leagues.
What can we expect from David Johnson?
David Johnson has been pretty disappointing this year, but this week, he’ll be going up against a Chiefs run defense that’s given up the most points to opposing running backs in the NFL. Running backs are averaging 34.3 points against the Chiefs, which means Johnson should be in for a really nice game. Slot him in as an RB1 this week.
Anything from the tight end position?
If you’re desperate at tight end, Ricky Seals-Jones isn’t a terrible choice. The Chiefs have given up the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this year, so he could be in for a decent game, but given that Josh Rosen is his quarterback, I’m not super jazzed about him this week.
-Ben Palmer
Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs lead the AFC with an 8-and-1 record and this week will host the 2-and-6 Arizona Cardinals. Arizona is coming off a bye, defeating the SF 49ers in Week 8, but have to travel to one of the toughest places in all of football to play, Arrowhead Stadium. Vegas predicts fireworks from KC but what does that mean for fantasy owners?
On the surface this Arizona team is bad, what does that mean for Mahomes owners?
Chiefs QB Pat Mahomes is lighting up the league and currently leading in passing yards (2901) and touchdowns (29). Mahomes is scoring more than 26 points a game and continues to impress players and fans alike. This week may seem like another juicy matchup for Mahomes but Arizona has been surprisingly tough against opposing fantasy quarterbacks. The Cardinals have allowed a league-low eight passing touchdowns, with six interceptions. They are allowing just 14 points, good for 2nd in the league. Mahomes is the top fantasy QB right now but he could be in for a quiet afternoon as the team finds other ways to beat the Cards. Mahomes will look to extend his streak of consecutive 300-yard passing games to nine, which would tie a league record.
Kareem Hunt is rolling right now but can he keep the momentum going?
Absolutely, this should be a heavy RB Kareem Hunt gameplan. Arizona is allowing a ridiculous 31 points a game to opposing fantasy running backs and has surrendered ten rushing touchdowns, good for third worst in the league. Since Week 4 Hunt has dropped games of 26, 29, 26 and 33 fantasy points in PPR scoring. Hunt has been the workhorse that burst into the league at the start of his rookie season but wore down as the year progressed. This season he just seems to be getting stronger as the year goes on. Hunt should be started in DFS cash games and will have a huge game Sunday.
Travis Kelce is on quite a roll, will it continue this week against the Cardinals?
Kelce had just one catch for six yards in Week 1 but since he has been essentially unstoppable. He leads at tight ends in yardage and is second with six touchdowns. This week will be a tough matchup for Kelce and if he’s going to have a slow week it wouldn’t surprise me to see him come back down to earth. Arizona has a talented secondary and they run Nickel as their base defense. Kelce will mostly see coverage from two talented Cardinals safeties, S Budda Baker and S Tre Boston, who is expected back this week. Each has shown a knack for the big play. Arizona hasn’t allowed a touchdown a tight end since Week 1 and they have allowed less than 60 yards in all but one game. While Mahomes to Kelce presents a challenge few teams are capable of defending, Sunday may be a below average Kelce day.
Who can fantasy owners play this week against a strong Cardinals secondary?
Early this week it was reported WR Sammy Watkins is experiencing foot pain visited a specialist. Watkins missed practice Wednesday and Thursday but he returned Friday. Keep an eye on Watkins status over the weekend leading up to Sunday. With an active Watkins, I feel it is a WR Tyreek Hill afternoon. I wouldn’t expect Cardinals CB Patrick Peterson to shadow Hill, Arizona has only used shadow coverage with PP once this season. While KC moves it’s receivers around in the formation, Hill should see plenty of coverage from Arizona CB Jamar Taylor. Taylor will have his hands full covering Cheetah, a multiple touchdown game could be in the cards for Hill. Hill has been the ultimate boom or bust receiver this season but a home game against a strong secondary you will see the Chiefs take deep shots when they go away from Hunt. Hill is a strong DFS tournament play and a sure start for fantasy owners. As for the rest of the receiver group we can’t feel good about playing a hobbled Watkins. As explosive as the Chiefs have been in the passing game this week KC will rely on Hunt and a smaller group of receivers. It’s likely Peterson will cover Watkins most of the afternoon, leading to a quiet day for Sammy. Looks elsewhere at your WR3 and Flex this week. We also can’t expect much from third WR Chris Conley or second TE Demetrius Harris. Each player has scored multiple touchdowns but they are mostly used as decoys and blockers.
Boom: Kareem Hunt
Bust: Sammy Watkins
Sleeper: Tyreek Hill
-Marc Salazar