NFL's Week 9 weekend features two different matchups of first-place teams. The New England-Denver late-afternoon game will get all the publicity, but the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals enter their earlier matchup with the exact same record. The leaders of the NFC East and NFC West will play Sunday, looking to be the NFL's first team to seven wins.
Fantasy football advice, Week 9: Who to start/sit for Cardinals vs. Cowboys
Sunday features two matchups of first-place teams, with the NFC teams up first.
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Two of the top fantasy names on Arizona -- running back Andre Ellington (foot) and wide receiver Michael Floyd (knee) -- were limited in practice this week, but both are expected to be fine for Sunday's game. The Cowboys are dealing with only one fantasy-relevant injury, but it's a big one. Quarterback Tony Romo barely saw the practice field all week as he dealt with a back injury suffered in Monday night's game. Romo is expected to be a game-time decision.
The teams will play in Dallas at 1 p.m. ET Sunday. Here’s a look at the fantasy names to consider in the game:
CARDINALS
Start 'em: In four games this season, Carson Palmer has averaged almost 19 fantasy points per game, with no real clunkers. He's firmly in the top 10 right now. ... Andre Ellington has been on the injury report all season. That's not a concern. And he has at least seven fantasy points in six straight games. ... I'm fully willing to write off Michael Floyd and his scoreless Week 8. One more, though, and we'll talk. ... It's been a tremendous rookie season kicking for Chandler Catanzaro.
Start 'em?: Both Larry Fitzgerald and John Brown outperformed Floyd last week, but both appear to be far too boom-or-bust this season to be relied upon.
Sit 'em: Exactly two fantasy points per game for John Carlson, so that's not what you want. ... The Cardinals' defense has been underwhelming, and the Dallas offense is quite good. That's not a helpful combination.
COWBOYS
Start 'em: You're definitely using both DeMarco Murray and Dez Bryant, and the quarterback doesn't really matter. ... Dan Bailey is one of fantasy's top kickers.
Start 'em?: There's a lot of quarterbacking questions about the Cowboys. If Tony Romo plays, he has enough upside to be a high-end QB2 at worst, but you better have a Plan B in place in case there's a last-minute change. And if Romo is out, Brandon Weeden could actually be a reasonable desperation play, considering the weapons that would be at his disposal. ... Six straight games, and seven of eight, with at least six fantasy points for Terrance Williams. He's a strong flex play. ... Things have been looking up for Jason Witten lately; he's back in reasonable starting territory.
Sit ‘em: The Cowboys’ defense has been better than expected, but we still haven’t seen a double-digit fantasy game. It’s a unit outside startability.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Carson Palmer, Andre Ellington, Michael Floyd, Chandler Catanzaro, DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant, Dan Bailey
Start if you're desperate: Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, Tony Romo, Brandon Weeden, Terrance Williams, Jason Witten
