Who To Watch: Carson Palmer
(Arizona Cardinals, Quarterback)
Week 2
What more does Carson Palmer have to do to prove himself to the fantasy world? I'll say this Carson Palmer will be a top 5 fantasy quarterback this year. He has turned back time in Arizona; playing like a young star. Not only has Palmer resurrected his own career in Arizona, but he has resurrected the careers of other older players, like the future Hall of Famer, Larry Fitzgerald. He has also helped young, rising stars develop great fantasy seasons.
How can you not believe in Carson Palmer? Last season, before he got injured, put up great fantasy numbers. In only 6 games, Palmer had a QB rating of 95.6. He threw for 1,626 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Arizona offense went 6-0-0 at the beginning of last year and seemed unstoppable. In the first two weeks of this season, Palmer has thrown for 492 yards with 7 TDs and, currently, has a 124.4 QB rating.
When it comes to quarterback production, you must look at the offense as a whole. To start, the Arizona offensive line has been playing very well for, both, pass and run plays. The Cardinals' OLine is currently been ranked 16 in the NFL. This rank is based off of number of times their QB is hurried, hit, or sacked out of number of passing plays, which is 30.8% (69/224). This has opened the door for the running game and has given Palmer enough time in the pocket to create a solid 64.3% pass-completion this season.
The running game for the Cardinals has been very productive, even with their starting running back, Andre Ellington, on the sideline with a PCL sprain injury. But, rookie star, David Johnson and, former Tennessee pro bowler, Chris Johnson have combined for a wonderful one-two punch in the backfield. In the first two weeks of this season, the Arizona running backs have combined for 151 yards on only 35 rushing attempts. Having a solid running game, gives Carson Palmer the ability to create plays off of play-action for himself and his teammates.
The Arizona receivers have been fantastic steals for many fantasy owners. Their price on DraftKings and other daily fantasy sites have been super low so far this year. In standard, season-long leagues, the players have been mostly available. Along with the two all-star receivers in John Brown and Larry Fitzgerald, other receivers have ignited in Arizona. Three and four year veterans, Jaron Brown and Michael Floyd, have shown great potential. John Brown has proven to be a house-hold name for the Cardinals and has become one of Palmer's favorite targets. In this season, alone, Brown has been targeted 12 times, has 9 receptions, and 91 total reception yards. He might only have one touchdown, but I see Brown going sky high in targets, which will lead him to more yards and TDs.
Carson Palmers' fantasy value has seen a dramatic increase. His performance last season drew a lot of well-deserved attention. He proved that he can be a top NFL fantasy QB, but after his season-ending injury during week 6 of the 2014 season, everyone forgot about his performance and top 5 potential. Between Tom Brady's offseason news and Tyrod Taylor's strong rookie start, Carson Palmer has gone completely under the sports news radar. Although Palmer doesn't draw the attention of the news world like a Brady or a Menziel, he has started the 2015 season stronger than Andrew Luck, who was ranked number 1 by most fantasy experts.
Carson Palmer has a very favorable week 2 matchup with San Fransisco. The 49ers have never been known for a solid secondary. Fantasy owners can look for Palmer to go deep with Brown multiple times and short yardage toss-ups for Fitzgerald in the red zone. Along with these, the Arizona running-game will be very successful this weekend with a ton of big yard runs, which will open up play-action and big plays. This week, Palmer will throw three or more touchdowns.
Right now, two weeks into the season, I would start Carson Palmer over all but three QBs in the NFL. The only three quarterbacks that are consistently doing better than Palmer, in my opinion, are Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Russell Wilson. While other QBs, like Andrew Luck and Phillip Rivers, have been struggling, Palmer is a must start QB in fantasy right now. By the end of the season, if he stays healthy, Carson Palmer will be a top 5 fantasy QB.
-Who Else To Watch in Week 2-
James Jones (GB - WR) - Like I spoke about last week, James Jones is the man in Green Bay. Rodgers loves throwing to him, especially in the end zone. One thing I will say is that Jones up there in age, therefore, if you can add and stash a wideout, like Ty Montgomery, you're only helping yourself. Look for James Jones to continue his sold, fantasy production. Decently priced in DFS, Jones is a good play as a WR3.
Chris Ivory (NYJ - RB) - Wow, Ivory continues to play extremely well. Not to mention, the Jets offense looked great in week 1. Look for the Jets to continue to give him the ball. Priced high in DFS, Ivory is still worth the payout, as long as, he continues the amount of touches. Also, Bilal Powell is a must-add for for all Ivory owners; he is a good handcuff and insurance running back for the New York Jets' backfield and your fantasy team. Chris Ivory is a RB1 ROS (Rest Of Season).
John Brown (ARZ - WR) - In an offense that looked great in week 1, one man stood out at me the most... John Brown. The young wideout has become the No. 2 WR for Arizona, surpassing veteran, Michael Floyd. Running routes opposite of an attention grabber, Larry Fitzgerald, look for John Brown to sneakily move up the ranks in many fantasy leagues. Brown is a weakly start in PPR leagues, and cheaply priced in Daily, Brown is not a bad start for week 2.
Donte Moncrief (IND - WR) - Moncrief is the better option over Andre Johnson. Johnson showed his age in a game that he should've done well in, while the former Ole Miss Rebel showed off his speed and agility. Moncrief will, if not already, be the No. 2 wide receiver on the Colts' depth chart for the rest of season. With a fantastic QB, Andrew Luck, throwing the ball, the possibilities for Moncrief are endless this season.
Tevin Coleman (ATL - RB) - Playing well in his first game this season, getting 20 carries for 80 yards and 2 targets out of the backfield. The Falcons' offense was clicking in week 1 against the Eagles. Tevin Coleman will continue to be No. 1 RB for the Falcons entering into week 2 against the New York Giants. Going forward, he'll continue to put up solid fantasy points.
By: Cameron Black
@GBCam_Black
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