Fantasy football advice, Week 12: Who to start/sit for Cardinals vs. 49ers
The Cardinals look to put away the NFC West.
The red-hot Arizona Cardinals — winners of four straight after losing two of three — travel to San Francisco Sunday to take on the struggling San Francisco 49ers, who are 3-7 and haven't won an NFC West game all season. The Cardinals are looking to expand on their division lead, which is already three games over the Seattle Seahawks.
Several of Arizona's skill players are on the injury report, including running back Chris Johnson and wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown and Michael Floyd. All four are expected to play Sunday. San Francisco, meanwhile, will be without running back Carlos Hyde again, but expect to have wide receiver Anquan Boldin on the field.
The 49ers host the Cardinals Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
CARDINALS
Start ‘em: You're clearly starting Carson Palmer, but be aware that the 49ers' defense is markedly better at home, and Palmer's matchup isn't quite as dreamy as it first appears. ... Chris Johnson hasn't found the end zone over the last few weeks, but he's still getting RB1 touches and should break through. ... The one sure thing in the Arizona passing game is that you're starting Larry Fitzgerald, who has been a monster. ... Chandler Catanzaro has 10-plus fantasy points in three straight and hasn't fallen below six all season. ... The Cardinals' defense should have a good time against San Francisco.
Start ‘em?: If only John Brown or Michael Floyd were healthy, that guy would be a sure starter. With both active but both banged up, they are both risky flex options.
Sit ‘em: Behind Johnson, Andre Ellington and David Johnson have to find the end zone to warrant fantasy play, and neither does so consistently enough. ... Darren Fells needs a touchdown to be worth it in fantasy, and he doesn't score that often.
49ERS
Start ‘em?: Even after the change at quarterback, Phil Dawson has been strong. He's averaged 8.3 fantasy points a game over his last six.
Sit ‘em: In two starts, Blaine Gabbert has 30 combined fantasy points, which is better than anyone expected, but still isn't worth a fantasy play. ... With Carlos Hyde out, Shaun Draughn is again the San Francisco starter, and he's been decent, but doesn't have any sort of real upside. ... Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith and Garret Celek have combined for one player-game of double-digit fantasy points in the last month. No thank you. ... The 49ers' defense has eight fantasy points on the season.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Carson Palmer, Chris Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Chandler Catanzaro, Arizona defense
Start if you're desperate: John Brown, Michael Floyd, Phil Dawson
Bench: Andre Ellington, David Johnson, Darren Fells, Blaine Gabbert, Shaun Draughn, Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith, Garrett Celek, San Francisco defense
