Fantasy Football: Breaking down the Arizona Cardinals

ARIZONA
• Inside the Locker Room
With Scott Bordow of the Arizona Republic

Can we trust any Arizona RB this year? *
Don’t spend a high draft choice on any Cardinals running back, because it’s uncertain if any of their backs will get the majority of the touches. Arizona loves Williams’ potential, but he’s a rookie, and the club wants to give Wells one last shot to see if he can prove he was worth a first-round pick. Also, LaRod Stephens-Howling could be the third down back, further limiting the fantasy value of the others.
*analysis prior to Williams season-ending injury

Is the Cardinals defense worth a look as a starting defense in fantasy football this season?
The defense is worth a look only if it picks up a pass-rusher in free agency and top pick Patrick Peterson proves to be a shutdown corner. If the DBs can bottle up the receivers, Arizona’s pass rush — while not the best in the league — could still rack up a few sacks.

• Fantasy Playoff Run — Weeks: 14-16: SF, CLE @CIN
Larry Fitzgerald was third in targets (173) and fourth in catches (90) without a QB and now gets Kevin Kolb. Fitz should have a strong stretch run as he goes against the pass defenses of the 49ers (24th), Browns (18th) and Bengals (14^th). All three opponents surrendered at least 96.7 yards rushing per game, as well.

• Athlon Best Bets
Sleeper: Beanie Wells, RB
Deep-Sleeper: Rob Housler, TE
Overvalued: Kevin Kolb, QB
Top Rookie: Patrick Peterson, DB
Bounce-Back: Larry Fitzgerald, WR
Top IDP: Kerry Rhodes, DB

• Try to Avoid
Todd Heap, TE
The tight end class is one of the deepest it’s ever been, and Heap is on the back end of it. He still has momentary flashes of greatness, but we would rather play for the upside at this position. 
WAIT UNTIL: 19^th Rd

• Draft Class Fantasy Impact (analysis prior to Williams season-ending injury)
Williams was a surprising selection in the second round, especially with Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells already in the mix. Barring injury, Williams will likely hold only RB4 value with the Cardinals using a committee approach on the ground. Arizona tight ends caught only 25 passes last season, which could open the door for Housler to play soon. However, the acquisition of Todd Heap may hinder that plan.

More Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets and Rankings:
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Top 280
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Top 240 w/ IDPs
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Kickers
2011 Fantasy Football Rankings: Defense/Special Teams