Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, December 6th, at 4:05 PM EST
Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
Betting Odds: LAR -3, 48.5 total via Oddsshark
Network: FOX
Los Angeles Rams
Quarterback
Jared Goff (Start, QB2)
It was a day to forget for Jared Goff. He enters Week 13 coming off his worst game of the season last week against San Francisco; 19 completions on 31 attempts for 198 yards, a lost fumble, and two interceptions in the losing effort. The Cardinals are on tap this week and should pose a nice spot for a bounce-back performance, and so you could see a QB2 finish should you start him. With Goff, the rest of the season, be wary of the fact that it appears the Rams are instilling the run to their game plan more and more each week.
Running Backs
Cam Akers (Start, FLEX), Darrell Henderson Jr. (Sit), Malcolm Brown (Sit)
All season, the Rams backfield has been one to avoid as there has been such uncertainty each week on who is the right play. You can argue Darrell Henderson Jr. has been the best of the three, but as of late, he doesn’t look 100% healed from his quad injury. Malcolm Brown has had his share at points but has only seen 12 total carries in the last three games. Right now it appears rookie Cam Akers may be on his way to a plethora of touches for the stretch run, as well as in the fantasy playoffs. I’d be comfortable flexing him this week.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Robert Woods (Start, WR1), Cooper Kupp (Start, WR2), Josh Reynolds (Sit), Tyler Higbee (Sit), Gerald Everett (Sit)
Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp are in line for big performances against the Cardinals’ defense. Woods has seen 27 targets combined in the last two games, posting 210 receiving yards across the weeks and a touchdown thrown in. Kupp had a down Week 12 but should see his target count go up. Owners have been waiting on Kupp to find the end zone more, as he only has two receiving touchdowns on the year. While Josh Reynolds has some FLEX potential, I don’t think you can trust starting him if let’s say you’re in the thick of a race for a fantasy playoff spot.
Both Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett have been afterthoughts in Goff’s pass attack this season, and remain out of your lineup and left on the wire.
Arizona Cardinals
Quarterback
Kyler Murray (Start, QB2)
As of Wednesday, Kyler Murray was limited with the right shoulder injury suffered against the Seahawks and remains on the injury report. It’s clear he was affected by it despite staying in for every snap, as he posted his worst game of the season; 23 for 34 for 170 yards and an interception. Week 13 isn’t the best get-right spot for Murray, especially if he limits his rushes on top of pass attempts. You’ll be hard-pressed to bench him, though you truthfully may have to brace for a QB2 finish this week.
Running Backs
Kenyan Drake (Start, RB2), Chase Edmonds (Sit)
Kenyan Drake has been productive since returning to action in Week 10. Through the last three games, he has 207 rushing yards on 49 carries and three rushing scores. It’s the goal-line opportunities that are keeping Drake afloat lately, and you hope for more of the same despite the tougher matchup against the Rams. Chase Edmonds isn’t on the starting radar with Drake back in the fold, but he’s still a cuff worth holding should he miss time again.
Wide Receivers/Tight End
DeAndre Hopkins (Start, WR1), Christian Kirk (Start, FLEX), Dan Arnold (Sit)
DeAndre Hopkins has had a down two weeks, having caught 10 passes for 106 yards and no touchdowns in that span. Week 13 isn’t any easier as he’s set to face Jalen Ramsey, and if Murray’s health is any indication, it could be a third downer for Nuk. Christian Kirk does pose some FLEX appeal in this one with Hopkins sure to be followed by Ramsey all game. It’s worth noting that he’s posted just 11 catches on 18 targets in the last three games.
Dan Arnold remains on the wire, as the tight end is an afterthought in the Cardinals’ offense.
-Matthew Cava (@cavaM_ Twitter & Reddit)