Fantasy football advice, Week 6: Who to start/sit for Cardinals vs. Steelers

The Arizona Cardinals might have a loss under their belt, but at 4-1 with a +100 point differential, they’re still one of the league’s most impressive teams. Conversely, the Pittsburgh Steelers sit at 3-2, but until they get their starting quarterback back, there isn’t a team in the league scared of them. Sunday, the two square off.

The Cardinals have had to worry about wide receiver John Brown and tight end Darren Fells in practice this week, though both are expected to be fine for the game Sunday. The Steelers will be without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for at least one more week, but otherwise come into Sunday’s game healthy, at least as far as fantasy is concerned.

Arizona heads east for Sunday’s game, scheduled for 1 p.m. ET in Pittsburgh. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:

Start ‘em: Through five games, Carson Palmer is averaging a hair under 20 fantasy points a game. He’s made himself back into a must-start. ... Larry Fitzgerald isn’t performing at a Devonta Freeman level, but with 16 fantasy points per game, he’s not far off. ... Chandler Catanzaro has had at least six fantasy points every game. He’s a top-of-the-line kicker. ... If Pittsburgh had Ben Roethlisberger, you might consider not using the Cardinals’ defense, but with him out, Arizona is all systems go.

Start ‘em?: Look, I don’t know what to tell you about the Arizona running backs. Andre Ellington has had 10-plus points in both games he’s played. Chris Johnson has had at least seven in four straight and is getting the most carries. David Johnson isn’t getting a load of carries, but is making the most of them, with at least 11 fantasy points in four of five games. It’s hard to imagine three guys at one position on one team all being relevant, so I’m throwing my hands up and calling them all flex options. ... John Brown isn’t offering huge production because of Fitzgerald’s numbers, but eight-ish fantasy points a game is still worth flex consideration.

Sit ‘em: You need a touchdown from Darren Fells to get fantasy value; he’s averaging less than 14 yards a game since Week 1.

STEELERS
Start ‘em: Even without a competent quarterback, Le’Veon Bell has been a monster, with at least 18 fantasy points in all three games. ... Look, I get that using Antonio Brown has been frustrating the last couple weeks. Totally sympathize. But he’s the best wide receiver in the game, and if you’re going to go down, you have to go down riding him.

Sit ‘em: There hasn’t been a lot to like about Michael Vick’s performance as the Pittsburgh starting quarterback, and against a strong defense he’s a total stay-away. ... Brown might be a “still use him” guy with Vick at starter, but none of the other Pittsburgh pass-catchers are. Avoid Markus Wheaton, Martavis Bryant and Heath Miller. ... Chris Boswell did fine in his first game kicking for Pittsburgh last week, but the offense could struggle to score this time around. ... The Steelers’ defense has played better than expected, but Arizona has literally held every defense it has faced to negative fantasy production.

Start in every league: Carson Palmer, Larry Fitzgerald, Chandler Catanzaro, Arizona defense, Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown
Start if you’re desperate: Andre Ellington, Chris Johnson, David Johnson, John Brown
Bench: Darren Fells, Michael Vick, Markus Wheaton, Martavis Bryant, Heath Miller, Chris Boswell, Pittsburgh defense