Fantasy football advice, Week 13: Who to start/sit for Cardinals vs. Rams

As a baseball guy first, Arizona Cardinals vs. St. Louis Rams always throws me off just a little bit. It just feels wrong. But that's the game this week, with the 9-2 Cardinals facing the 4-7 Rams. The Cardinals are gearing up for the playoffs, while the Rams are just looking to stay respectable down the stretch.

While the Cardinals are in good shape overall, this is a team running out of healthy players. They'll be without running backs Chris Johnson and Andre Ellington this week, while wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown and Michael Floyd are all expected to play through their respective injuries, though Floyd is officially questionable and his status should be checked Sunday morning.

Start ‘em: Even against a theoretically strong St. Louis defense, Carson Palmer has been so good this year that he needs to be in every lineup every week. He has at least 16 fantasy points every game. ... Easily the most consistent Cardianls' receiver has been Larry Fitzgerald, with at least six fantasy points in every game but one this season. ... Chandler Catanzaro has six-plus fantasy points every game this season. ... The Cardinals' defense takes on St. Louis, who has one of the worst quarterback situations in the league.

Start ‘em?: The Cardinals will turn to David Johnson at running back with their top two guys hurt. He has a high ceiling, but his inexperience and the team's strengths elsewhere mean he's no sure thing. ... Both John Brown and Michael Floyd have high ceilings but, assuming both are active, they have low floors as well.

Sit ‘em: Since 14 fantasy points in Week 1, Darren Fells has averaged 2.4 fantasy points a game, with five games of one or fewer points.

Start ‘em: The team's offensive line struggles and lack of a good quarterback have kept Todd Gurley in check of late. You're still starting him if you have him, but his stock has dipped a bit.

Sit ‘em: The Rams simply don't have an NFL quarterback. You're steering far clear of Nick Foles. ... Even off of a strong Week 12, Tavon Austin doesn't offer nearly the consistency to be in weekly fantasy lineups. ... After Austin, Wes Welker, Kenny Britt and Jared Cook are all very unpalatable options. ... Zach Hocker is still serving as the team's fill-in kicker with Greg Zuerlein hurt. He has minimal upside. ... The Rams' defense should be better than it has been, though the numbers haven't been there, and against an Arizona offense that does not allow points to fantasy defenses, this week is a stay-away week.

Start in every league: Carson Palmer, Larry Fitzgerald, Chandler Catanzaro, Arizona defense, Todd Gurley
Start if you're desperate: David Johnson, John Brown, Michael Floyd
Bench: Darren Fells, Nick Foles, Tavon Austin, Wes Welker, Kenny Britt, Jared Cook, Zach Hocker, St. Louis defense