Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart
- NFC West
- Stadium
- State Farm Stadium
- Head Coach
- Kliff Kingsbury
- Offensive Coordinator
- Kliff Kingsbury
- Defensive Coordinator
- Vance Joseph
- Special Teams Coach
- Jeff Rodgers
- Defensive Scheme
- 4-3
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (shoulder) wasn't listed on the team's final injury report on Friday and will start in Week 12 against the Patriots. Murray was bothered by a shoulder injury in the Week 11 loss to the Seahawks last Thursday, but he played through it and was always expected to be available this weekend against New England despite being limited in practice this week. The second-year signal-caller might not be 100 percent on Sunday and may not look to run as much as he normally would, but he's still a top-five fantasy QB and needs to be in all fantasy lineups. He won't have veteran receiver Larry Fitzgerald due to COVID-19 and All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore will likely be covering DeAndre Hopkins, but Murray's elite athleticism should allow him to overcome and put up QB1-worthy numbers.
The Cardinals Defense has a favorable matchup in Week 12. They face a New England Patriots team that's averaged just 20.9 points per game this year. The Cardinals have allowed at least 28 points in four straight games, but they've faced far more productive offenses over that stretch. Against weak offenses, the Cardinals Defense has shown some value. They held the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys to 10 points each in back-to-back weeks. If you're in a bind, you could do worse than starting the Cardinals Defense in Week 12, but there's certainly a risk that the Patriots find a way to score 25 or more points in a game that could be more high-scoring than they're accustomed to.
If you're in a tight spot going into Week 12, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Andy Isabella could be a decent dart-throw option for you. Isabella has been extremely quiet ever since his two-touchdown performance in Week 3 against the Detroit Lions. However, this week the Cardinals will be without Larry Fitzgeraldfor the first time this year after he tested positive for COVID-19, which should open up extra opportunities for Isabella. The Cardinals will face the New England Patriots in Week 12. The Patriots Defense is known for focusing attention on No. 1 receiving targets, which could mean DeAndre Hopkins will struggle in the game. Isabella is an extremely risky start, but he could see around five targets, which gives him a solid chance to make a few big plays and deliver a solid flex performance for deep-league managers.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk has had two straight rough outings. He's caught just eight passes for 77 yards over the past two weeks. However, things look favorable for him going into Week 12 against the New England Patriots. The team will be without Larry Fitzgerald (COVID-19) for the game, which should mean more targets will be headed his way. Plus, the Patriots are known for focusing in on No. 1 offensive options, which means that the Patriots Defense may be flooding on DeAndre Hopkins, allowing for more open space for Kirk. Start Kirk as a WR2 in all formats. Look for him to see at least eight targets in the game, giving him a good chance to flirt with 100 yards and find the endzone.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has a bit of a challenge ahead against the New England Patriots in Week 12. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is widely known for his efforts to take team's No. 1 options away in games. This week, that will certainly mean Hopkins. Hopkins is coming off a disappointing showing where he caught just five of eight targets for 51 yards. He's followed up every disappointing game with a big one this year, so he's likely going to make it hard on Belichick and the Patriots contain him. Start him with confidence as a WR1 this week, but don't be surprised if it's a bit of a bumpy ride.