Game Info
Kickoff: Thursday, September 25th, at 4:25 PM EST
Location: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
Betting Odds: LAR -3.5, 48.5 total via Oddsshark
Network: FOX
Writer: Matthew Cava (@cavaM_ Twitter & Reddit)
Los Angeles Rams
Quarterback
Matthew Stafford (Start, QB2)
Week 2 was a bounce-back performance for Matthew Stafford in comparison to his Week 1 against the Bills. Stafford completed 27 of 36 attempts for 272 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions in the win versus Atlanta. He owns a 4:5 touchdown to interception ratio to start the season and has failed to eclipse over 300 passing yards in either game. He’s set to face a Cardinals defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, but we shall see if he can keep pace with his counterpart in Arizona.
Running Backs
Darrell Henderson Jr. (Start if you must, RB2), Cam Akers (Sit)
While Cam Akers saw 15 carries in the win against the Falcons, compared to his 0 in Week 1, he only ran for 44 yards. He did have three targets as well, but it still does not feel enough to appoint him a spot in your lineup. Darrell Henderson Jr., uninviting in his own right, is a risky RB2 knowing that Akers is slowly getting involved more, albeit he isn’t making the most of it. Henderson ran for 47 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown, which saved his fantasy day. In full-PPR leagues, FantasyData projects for Henderson to finish with 10.14 points, and Akers just 8.8 this week against Arizona.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Cooper Kupp (Start, WR1), Allen Robison II (Start, WR3), Tyler Higbee (Start, TE2)
You really don’t have to worry about Cooper Kupp on a weekly basis. Kupp found the end zone twice against the Falcons, catching 11 of 14 targets for 108 yards. I suppose it’s worth noting he did lose a fumble late in the 4th quarter, but again, Kupp is locked in right where he left off in 2021 as the league’s best WR. Allen Robison II scored a touchdown which saved his fantasy day, as he was only targeted five times; and the touchdown came from one yard out. Consider ARob a WR3, as PFF projects him to be the consensus 25th best WR on the week. Tight end Tyler Higbee caught seven of nine targets for 71 yards and was certainly a popular add off the wire this week in a thin position. Higbee’s sort of always there, but doesn’t do enough consistently to be considered one of the top TEs. FantasyData has him pegged to finish as the 8th best on the week.
Arizona Cardinals
Quarterback
Kyler Murray (Start, QB1)
Kyler Murray’s heroism in Week 2 stood out more than his stat line, but he still went on to post a solid fantasy performance in the come-from-behind win to silence the Las Vegas crowd. He completed 31 of 49 attempts for 277 yards, a touchdown, and one interception; good for 30+ points. It’s hard to ignore how bad this offense has been to start the season, but as long as Murray is under center to extend plays, they’ll have a shot to succeed. The Rams have given up the sixth most fantasy points to quarterbacks on the season, but Murray and the Cardinals have not been high octane whatsoever. Without DeAndre Hopkins, the offense lacks real firepower. Consider him a fringe QB1 this week against a tough assignment.
Running Backs
Darrel Williams (Sit), Eno Benjamin (Sit), James Conner (Sit)
An injury James Conner (ankle) derailed his Week 2, as he departed in the third quarter having only had seven carries for 25 yards. As of writing, he’s considered day-to-day, but did not log even a “limited” practice on Wednesday. Personally, even if Conner suits up, I would try and avoid starting him until he shows his ankle isn’t an issue. Enter Darrel Williams and Eno Benjamin, both of whom got work in Conner’s absence, and were certainly popular adds off the wire this week. Williams appears to be the better grab, but if you can afford to fade both, this is the week to do so. Los Angeles has given up the third-fewest fantasy points to RBs on the year.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Marquise Brown (Start, WR2), A.J. Green (Sit), Greg Dortch (Start if you must, FLEX), Zach Ertz (Start, TE1)
The defacto WR1 without Nuk in the picture, Marquise Brown was targeted 11 times, catching six passes for 68 yards. He’s going to face a tough task against Jalen Ramsey and projects to be a WR2 on the week. A.J. Green has seen better days and remains on the wire. It’s Greg Dortch that is interesting for the second week in a row. In fairness, a touchdown saved his fantasy day, as he only had four receptions – catching them all – for 55 yards against the Raiders. If you’re desperate, consider Dortch a FLEX option, as the Rams have given up the second-most fantasy points to WRs to kick off the 2022 season. Tight end Zach Ertz, like Hollywood, saw 11 targets and caught eight balls for 75 yards. He’s poised to finish as a top-1o option on the week in the ever-thin TE landscape.