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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?

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

 

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

Mitchell Robinson

Available for Game 3
Chicago Bulls

Bulls Hire Alex Kaufman as Windy City Bulls General Manager
E.J. Liddell

Agrees to Two-Year Deal with Greek Club Aris
Matas Buzelis

Will Play for Lithuania This Summer
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Has Concerns About Heat Roster If Traded to Miami
Bobby Witt Jr.

Exits Early with Knee Soreness
Mitchell Robinson

Has Technical Foul Rescinded After Game 2 Win
Jarquez Hunter

Is it Time for Dynasty Managers to Move on From Jarquez Hunter?
Elijah Arroyo

Worth Buying Low on in Dynasty Formats?
Tre Tucker

Profiles as a Dynasty Sell-High Candidate Entering 2026
Jack Bech

Should Dynasty Managers Target Jack Bech as a Buy-Low Candidate?
Jaydon Blue

a Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate After Underwhelming Rookie Year?
Saquon Barkley

in Line for Larger Pass-Catching Role in 2026?
Karl-Anthony Towns

Eligible for Massive Extension
Isaiah Stewart

Could Draw Trade Interest
Chase Briscoe

Is Chase Briscoe Worth Rostering for DFS at Michigan?
Philadelphia 76ers

Jameer Nelson Promoted to Executive Vice President
Domantas Sabonis

Could be Traded This Summer
Ty Gibbs

Is Ty Gibbs Worth Rostering at Michigan This Week for DFS?
William Byron

Will Start at the Rear at Michigan After Unapproved Adjustments
NASCAR

Should DFS Managers Roster Bubba Wallace at Michigan?
Joey Logano

Is Joey Logano Worth Rostering In DFS Lineups for Michigan
Daniel Suarez

Might Have Tournament Appeal for Michigan DFS Lineups
Jonah Coleman

Is Jonah Coleman the Most Valuable Broncos Running Back in Dynasty Leagues?
William Carrier

Suffers Upper-Body Injury in Game 3 Versus Golden Knights
Darius Slayton

Will Darius Slayton Be Phased Out of New-Look Giants Offense?
Sebastian Aho

Records Two Assists in Losing Effort
Keaton Mitchell

Can Keaton Mitchell Carve Out a Large Enough Role for a Fantasy Breakout?
Jordan Staal

Scores in Third Consecutive Game
Shea Theodore

Caps Multi-Point Effort With Game-Winning Goal Saturday
Kayshon Boutte

Will Attend Mandatory Minicamp
Denny Hamlin

Puts DFS Managers in Tough Spot for Michigan
Chase Elliott

Can Chase Elliott Get Back to His Old Ways at Michigan?
Chris Buescher

Looking for Another Solid Run at Michigan
Tomas Hertl

Collects Two Points in Overtime Win
Jonathon Brooks

to Be Carolina's Lead Back in 2026?
Carson Hocevar

Qualifies Second, Seeking Redemption at Michigan
Ross Chastain

Can DFS Managers Trust Ross Chastain at Michigan?
Mitch Marner

Scores Fastest Hat Trick in Finals History
Brad Keselowski

Has Been Solid at Michigan
Will Smith

Scratched With Neck Stiffness, Expected to Return on Sunday
Kenneth Gainwell

Standing Out at OTAs
Bhayshul Tuten

"Picking Up Steam," More in-Tune With New Scheme
Auston Matthews

Maple Leafs Confident of Keeping Auston Matthews
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Wins Second Vezina Trophy
Brayden McNabb

Uncertain for Game 3 Against Hurricanes
Jadarian Price

Is Jadarian Price Still Undervalued in Dynasty Formats?
Isaiah Bond

Is Isaiah Bond Still Worthy of a Dynasty Roster Spot?
Michael Pittman Jr.

Dynasty Outlook Clouded by Long-Term QB Uncertainty
Stefon Diggs

Win-Now Dynasty Managers Have a Buy-Low Window on Stefon Diggs
Will Howard

Is it Time for Dynasty Managers to Drop Will Howard?
DK Metcalf

Dynasty Stock is Declining Rapidly Entering 2026
Hunter Greene

Could Return Before the All-Star Break
Isaac TeSlaa

How Will Isaac TeSlaa Follow Up on a Strong 2025 Finish?
Troy Franklin

a Dynasty Hold with Potentially Rough Times Ahead
Dylan Harper

Remains a Bright Spot for San Antonio
De'Aaron Fox

Shoots Well in a Loss to the Knicks
Victor Wembanyama

Scores 29 Points in Game 2 Loss
OG Anunoby

Anchors Knicks' Defense in Finals Game 2
Mikal Bridges

Helps Knicks Secure a Game 2 Victory
Karl-Anthony Towns

Records Another Finals Double-Double
Jalen Brunson

Overcomes Cold Night to Seal Game 2
Michael Harris II

Dealing With Back Tightness, Not Believed to be Serious
Byron Buxton

Suffers Shoulder Contusion After Colliding With the Wall
Sacramento Kings

Kings Want to Trade Their Larger Contracts
Chicago Bulls

Darius Acuff Jr. Works Out for Bulls
Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Could Get Traded
MIN

Marcus Johansson Returning to Europe
Thomas White

Likely to Miss Rest of Season With Shoulder Capsular Sprain
Mitchell Robinson

is Upgraded to Available for Game 2
Cole Caufield

Earns Lady Byng Trophy
Nick Suzuki

Lands Selke Trophy
Jose Altuve

Astros Reinstate Jose Altuve From the Injured List
CFB

Reed Harris Hoping to Fill Void in Arizona State Receiving Room
CFB

Nick Marsh Gearing Up for Breakout
CFB

Drew Mestemaker Looking to Catapult Oklahoma State Offense in 2026
CFB

Rocco Becht Brings Experience to New-Look Nittany Lions
CFB

Can Trey White, Adam Trick Keep Texas Tech's Defensive Front Elite?
CFB

Devon Dampier is Key to Success for Morgan Scalley in Year 1
Aaron Judge

Yankees Officially Place Aaron Judge on Injured List With Fractured Rib
Francisco Lindor

Expected to Return in "About a Couple Weeks"
Corey Seager

Rangers Activate Corey Seager From the Injured List
Gabriel Bonfim

Set For UFC Vegas 118 Main Event
Belal Muhammad

In Dire Need Of Win
Edmen Shahbazyan

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 118
Shayne Gostisbehere

Dishes Out Two Power-Play Assists in Comeback Win
Brendan Allen

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Seth Jarvis

Ties Finals With Power-Play Goal
Mark Stone

Scores Sixth Playoff Goal in Overtime Defeat
Tom Nolan

Searches For His Fifth Consecutive Win
Mitch Marner

Records Two Assists in Game 2 Loss
Farés Ziam

Fares Ziam A Favorite At UFC Vegas 118
Brett Howden

Matches Franchise Record With Another Productive Outing
Brayden McNabb

Hospitalized After Taking Puck to Face
Aaron Judge

Diagnosed with Stress Fracture, Out 4-6 Weeks
Shohei Ohtani

has "Small" Blister, a "Non-Issue" for his Pitching Starts
Brent Rooker

Out on Thursday Due to Knee Soreness
Frederik Andersen

Hurricanes Retain Confidence in Frederik Andersen
Vincent Trocheck

Maple Leafs Interested in Vincent Trocheck
Dylan Larkin

Requests Trade From Red Wings
Corey Seager

Expected to Return This Weekend
Lucas Erceg

Royals to Mix and Match in Ninth With Lucas Erceg Struggling
Aaron Judge

to Undergo Additional Imaging
Ketel Marte

Out on Wednesday With Back, Hamstring Injuries
Corbin Burnes

has Teres Major Strain, Unlikely to Return Until September
Rickie Fowler

Looks To Continue Resurgent Season At Memorial
CFB

Can Eric Singleton Jr. Fully Break Out at Third School?
CFB

Katin Houser Steps into QB1 Role for Illinois
CFB

Savion Hiter an Immediate Impact Freshman for Michigan
CFB

Isaiah Horton Set to Take Over KC Concepcion's Role
CFB

UCLA Transfer Karson Gordon Signs with Austin Peay
CFB

Will Muschamp Bringing New Intensity to Texas Practices
Gary Woodland

Brings Boom-or-Bust Potential to Memorial
Jordan Spieth

Still Searching for a Breakthrough
Alex Smalley

Brings Elite Form to Memorial Tournament
Justin Rose

Looks to Recapture Memorial Tournament Success
Cameron Young

Looks to Get Back to His Contending Ways at Murifield Village
Chris Gotterup

Needs to Find Fairways at Muirfield Village
Si Woo Kim

Looks to Stay Hot at Memorial Tournament
Matt Fitzpatrick

Positioned for Success at Muirfield Village
Keegan Bradley

Looking for Another Strong Finish at Muirfield
Justin Thomas

is an Exciting Play This Week in Ohio
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Win Memorial Tournament for Third Consecutive Year
Rory McIlroy

Looking for Better Performance at Muirfield Village
Drake Baldwin

Could Return During Braves Next Homestand
Garrett Crochet

Diagnosed With Low-Grade Lat Strain
Russell Henley

Coming to Ohio on the Heels of Latest Victory
Tommy Fleetwood

Looking for Better Iron Play at Memorial Tournament
Patrick Cantlay

Looks to Continue Dominance at Muirfield Village
Ludvig Aberg

a Great Fit for Muirfield Village
Aaron Judge

Out on Tuesday With Rib/Shoulder Injury
CFB

SEC Coach Calls Buster Faulkner a "Home-Run Hire"
CFB

Auburn a Sleeper in the SEC Under Alex Golesh?
CFB

Noah Fifita Primed for Strong 2026 Campaign
CFB

Oregon Assistant Coach Charged with DUII, Reckless Driving
CFB

Tight End Nick Pollack Commits to Clemson
Akshay Bhatia

Needs the Driver to be True in Ohio
Aaron Rai

Primed to take on the Memorial Tournament
J.J. Spaun

Rebounded at Charles Schwab Challenge
Xander Schauffele

One to Watch This Week in Ohio
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF