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2016 Fantasy Football Team Outlook - Arizona Cardinals

This article continues off our team outlook series where we will breakdown each NFL team from a fantasy football perspective. We will cover the major changes on each team in the offseason and project what the team will do in the upcoming season.

Today we look at the Arizona Cardinals.

Editor's Note: Purchase a full season NFL Premium Pass (including Draft Kit + DFS Premium), and also get MLB Premium + DFS for free through October. Premium DFS lineup picks, expert lineups, tools and more - seven days a week. You can see screenshots of our NFL Premium and MLB Premium and DFS tools. What are you waiting for?

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Offseason Moves

Offseason Acquisitions: LB Chandler Jones, S Tyvon Branch, G Evan Mathis.

Offseason Departures: No notable departures.

 

Quarterback

Age has certainly not been a factor for Carson Palmer. While quarterbacks are often able to play well into their 30's, not many are able to put up numbers like the highly touted veteran. Limited to just six games in 2014 after tearing his ACL, Palmer bounced back tremendously in 2015 with 35 touchdown passes and 4,671 yards through the air. He threw four touchdowns in a single game three times, and heads into 2016 as a reliable option at quarterback with an impressive offensive unit behind him.

The Cardinals enter the new season with a ton of depth at running back, wide receiver, and tight end. But it would probably be wise to keep your expectations at a realistic level with Palmer - he's unlikely to breach the 35 touchdown mark again, but the leader of the Cardinals should certainly flirt with 30. He's a QB1 that will likely be taken inside the top 10 of quarterbacks.

 

Running Backs

This is a scary unit, led by up-and-coming sensation David Johnson. Johnson wasted no time in letting himself be known in 2015. In Week One, Johnson touched the ball only once - a 55 yard reception for a touchdown. It wasn't until the latter part of the season that the rookie started rushing the ball effectively, including a three touchdown, 187 rushing yard performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15. Even with a small sample size of experience, this kid is special. He will only learn and grow playing alongside Chris Johnson.

Chris Johnson and Andre Ellington make up the rest of the three-headed backfield in Arizona - although neither Johnson or Ellington have as much fantasy upside. They will certainly get their touches, but it's clear who the favorite is here in David Johnson.

CJ2K and Ellington aren't reliable starters for fantasy, but are worth a look and stash in deeper leagues. They're handcuffs to Johnson, but CJ2K was once the best back in the league and Ellington was once the potential future for the Cardinals. Johnson will surly fly off the board in the first round of every draft.

 

Wide Receiver

Leading the receiver unit is veteran Larry Fitzgerald. Fitz is currently dealing with a slight MCL sprain and has been held out of some preseason action. Because of the injury, Fitz's value has certainly dropped. Although, even if fully healthy, it's more realistic to believe that Fitz won't come close to the numbers he put up in his resurgent season in 2015. The Cardinals are a crowded offensive unit and Palmer knows how to spread the love like the best of the them. Injury or not, Fitz has dropped from WR1 consideration, but is definitely not a bad WR2 or WR3, just as long as his knee holds up.

With John Brown also dealing with a concussion (update: he's been cleared to practice, but missed Arizona's third preseason game), the Cardinals have paired Michael Floyd with Carson Palmer during preseason game snaps. This could mean a couple of things. One, the injuries leave Arizona with no choice. Or two, the team has big plans for the tandem this season. I'm favoring the latter.

It was a weird, inconsistent season for Floyd in 2015 - consisting of multiple injuries that resulted in six games of only one or zero receptions. In these games, Floyd accumulated less than 20 receiving yards. In every other contest, the fourth year receiver posted at least 50 yards, including five performances of over 100 yards. He's also no stranger to the big play, catching 40+ yard passes three times. Floyd, now healthy, is set for his long awaited breakout season. Keep an eye on him, as he'll likely be drafted as a top-30 receiver.

 

Tight End

Tight end is another position where the Cardinals have multiple options to work with. Jermaine Gresham and Carson Palmer have history playing in Cincinnati together once upon a time. Gresham was nearly non-existent last season, reeling in only 18 catches on 32 targets, so it's tough to believe that the Cardinals will start using him, or Fells, more consistently when they've rarely favored inserting the tight end into their offensive attack frequently.

Fells out-caught Gresham last season, by only three receptions, but did find the end zone three times (two more than Gresham). Neither are TE1 material but could prove to be solid backups. I'm not even sure either are draft-worthy in standard leagues, and will likely serve better as wait-and-see fillers come the start of the season into midseason.

 

Kicker

Chandler Catanzaro finished the 2015 season with the second most extra points made in the league. While field goals are obviously more important, this stat simply shows us that the Cardinals offense is no joke. And with Bruce Arians at the helm, Catanzaro should see plenty of opportunities to kick, extra points and field goals. He only missed three three-pointers, but failed to convert a 50-yarder on just two attempts. His leg strength is always in question but his accuracy isn't. He's a safe pick, a top-10 kicker, without a ton of upside.

 

Defense

The Cardinals scored seven touchdowns on defense last season and enter the 2016 campaign ranked inside the top 10. Arizona's defense is another safe pick, especially after putting together 33 total takeaways in 2015 (19 interceptions, 14 force fumbles). Expect big fantasy numbers throughout the season.

 




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Kyle Williams

Deep Threat Kyle Williams Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time
Michael Pittman Jr.

Could Receive Short-Term Value Uptick in PPR Leagues
Stefon Diggs

Chiefs, Commanders Could Make Sense for Stefon Diggs
Will Howard

Dynasty Value Dealt a Blow
Jaylen Warren

Should Benefit From Veteran QB's Return to Pittsburgh
Drew Allar

Could Continue to Hold Dynasty Value
Pat Freiermuth

Could See a Small Dynasty Bump With Veteran QB Returning
DK Metcalf

A Dynasty Sell Candidate With Veteran QB Returning?
Bones Hyland

Wants to Stay in Minnesota
Mike Conley

Hints He Will Continue Playing Next Season
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Sunday Night
Caris LeVert

Questionable for Game 7
Duncan Robinson

Back on Injury Report Ahead of Game 7
Larry Nance Jr.

Likely Out Sunday Due to Illness
Munetaka Murakami

Fantastic First Season Continues With Two More Homers
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Dazzles With 13-Strikeout Complete Game on Saturday
Aaron Rodgers

Signs One-Year Deal With Steelers
Blake Snell

to Undergo Elbow Surgery on Tuesday
Clay Holmes

Could Miss Around Three Months
Jose Altuve

Exits After Swing
Corey Seager

Absent With Back Spasms on Saturday
Jeremy Lauzon

Misses Saturday's Practice
Mark Stone

Doesn't Practice Saturday
Josh Manson

Misses Practice, Considered Day-to-Day
Brent Burns

Day-to-Day Ahead of Conference Finals
Cale Makar

Considered Day-to-Day
Alex Lyon

Likely to Start Game 6 Against Canadiens
Owen Power

Available Saturday
Isaac TeSlaa

Can Isaac TeSlaa Carve Out a Larger Role in Detroit Going Forward?
Troy Franklin

Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in Denver
Trevor Lawrence

Should Trevor Lawrence Be Valued as a Dynasty QB1?
Courtland Sutton

in Line for Reduced Role in Denver?
KC Concepcion

Can KC Concepcion Immediately Assume the WR1 Role in Cleveland?
George Pickens

' Dynasty Outlook Clouded by Uncertain Future in Dallas
Trevor Story

Hits the Injured List With Groin Injury
Brandon Aiyuk

a Huge Question Mark for Dynasty Managers
Deebo Samuel Sr.

Now Only a Gadget Player/Kick Returner?
Elic Ayomanor

Offseason Additions Hurt Elic Ayomanor's Dynasty Outlook
Tyler Warren

a Clear Top-Five Dynasty Tight End
Jonathon Brooks

a Dynasty RB to Target Despite Injury History?
Blake Snell

Likely to Need Elbow Surgery
Tyler Allgeier

Currently in a Dynasty Buy Window Amid Rollercoaster Offseason
Duncan Robinson

Nets 14 Points With Four Triples
Cade Cunningham

Contributes 21 Points in Game 6 Win
Jalen Duren

Bounces Back With Double-Double
Anthony Edwards

Finishes Season-Ending Loss With 24 Points
Victor Wembanyama

Tallies 19 Points in Friday's Win
De'Aaron Fox

Highly Effective in Blowout Win
Stephon Castle

Shines in Series-Clincher
Kyle Schwarber

on a Heater, Hits Two More Homers to Take Major-League Lead
Clay Holmes

Suffers Fractured Fibula on Friday Night
Blake Snell

Heads to 15-Day Injured List
Austin Reaves

Could Command $40M Per Year With New Contract
Jalen Duren

Available to Finish Game 6
Yanic Konan Niederhauser

Not Expected to Be Ready for Start of Next Season
Jalen Williams

Declares Himself Healthy for Conference Finals
Terrence Shannon Jr.

Will Play Friday Night
Kevin Huerter

is Available for Game 6
Duncan Robinson

is Returning for Game 6
Caris LeVert

is Cleared for Game 6 on Friday
Blake Snell

Scratched From Start on Friday for Undisclosed Reasons
Max Fried

Heading to Injured List With Elbow Bone Bruise
CFB

Julian Sayin Looking To Build Off Of Strong Debut Season
CFB

College GameDay Set for First Three Weeks
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Aiming For Ohio State Receiving Records
CFB

Keshaun Singleton Projects as Auburn's WR1
CFB

Jeremiah Cobb Impresses New Auburn Staff
CFB

Alberto Mendoza Very Likely to Start for Georgia Tech
CFB

Charles Woodson Jr. Commits to Michigan
Jordan Westburg

to Have Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Melquizael Costa

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Main Event
Arnold Allen

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 117
Daniel Santos

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Co-Main Event
MMA

Dohoo Choi Returns At UFC Vegas 117
Juan Diaz

Set To Make His UFC Debut
Malcolm Wellmaker

Looks To Bounce Back
Christian Edwards

Set For His UFC Debut
Modestas Bukauskas

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Tarik Skubal

Resumes Playing Catch, Ahead of Schedule?
Lane Hutson

Contributes Two Assists in Game 5 Victory
Nick Suzuki

Amasses Three Points in Crucial Victory Thursday
Juraj Slafkovsky

Dishes Out Three Assists in Game 5 Win
Carter Hart

Stops 31 Pucks in Series-Clinching Win
Pavel Dorofeyev

Enjoys Second Consecutive Multi-Goal Game
Shea Theodore

Records Two Points in Game 6 Win
Mitchell Marner

Scores Special Goal in Series-Clincher
Ryan Johnson

Takes Over as Canucks GM, Sedins Promoted to Co-Presidents
Drew Helleson

Won't Play Thursday
Radko Gudas

Unlikely to Play Thursday
Jeremy Lauzon

Remains Out Thursday
Mark Stone

Misses Third Consecutive Game
EDM

Kris Knoblauch Fired as Oilers Head Coach
CFB

Virginia Tech Lands Commitment from Four-Star QB Peter Bourque
Byron Buxton

Scratched on Thursday With Hip Soreness
Cal Raleigh

Heading to Injured List With Oblique Strain
Francisco Alvarez

has Knee Surgery, Expected to Miss Eight Weeks
Quinn Hughes

Finishes Postseason With 15 Points
Cal Raleigh

Exits With Apparent Side Injury on Wednesday Night
Juan Soto

X-Rays Come Back Negative on Juan Soto's Ankle
Jacob Misiorowski

Pulled Early With Possible Leg Injury
CFB

NFL Veteran Tom Moore Joins Iowa Coaching Staff
CFB

Can Cam Cook Dominate in Return to Big 12?
CFB

ACC, Big 12 Support 24-Team College Football Playoff
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Looking to Elevate Nebraska Back to National Contention
CFB

Kwazi Gilmer Set for Big Impact at Nebraska
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of PGA Championship Despite Concerning Form
J.J. Spaun

Trending Up Ahead of PGA Championship
Adam Scott

Riding Strong Form Into PGA Championship
Patrick Reed

Looking to Make Another Run at PGA Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Looks to Build on Strong Finish at Truist Championship
Sam Burns

Must Keep Ball in Play at PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Complete Career Grand Slam at Aronimink
Brandt Snedeker

Not the Best Option for the PGA Championship
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at PGA Championship
Maverick McNealy

Seeking Better Start in Philadelphia
Harry Hall

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Aronimink
Hideki Matsuyama

Attempts to Improve Over 2025 PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend PGA Championship at Aronimink
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Keep Momentum Rolling in Philadelphia
Ben Griffin

Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
CFB

Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Harris English

Will Need His Putter to Thrive at Aronimink
Akshay Bhatia

Creative Flair Could Show Itself in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley

Knows the Aronimink Golf Club Well
Si Woo Kim

Struggles at Truist Championship
Gary Woodland

Can Continue Incredible 2026 Season at PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele

In Excellent Form Heading to PGA Championship
CFB

Isaac Brown Has All-American Upside in 2026
CFB

Nyck Harbor Heading into Breakout Year?
CFB

Notre Dame, USC in Discussions to Resume Rivalry Series
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Has Eyes on ACC Title
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Gunshot Wound Not Viewed as Career-Threatening
Khamzat Chimaev

Suffers his First Loss
Sean Strickland

Recaptures Middleweight Title
Tatsuro Taira

Suffers Fifth-Round TKO Loss
Joshua Van

Defends Flyweight Title
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Shane Van Gisbergen

Dominates Watkins Glen for First Win of 2026
Michael McDowell

Finishes Second for Best Run of the Year At Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Scores New Career-Best Finish of Third at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Continues His Strong Season With Fifth-Place Run at Watkins Glen
Austin Dillon

Earns his First Top-10 Finish of 2026 at Watkins Glen
RANKINGS
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1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

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RB
WR
TE
K
DEF