Fantasy Football Previews - Week 2 - Arizona Cardinals @ New England Patriots

Arizona Cardinals @ New England Patriots
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Cardinals

Kevin Kolb led a brief charge last week, but can he be useful as the likely starter in Week 2? He'll probably still be in comeback mode against New England - could lead to more yards than expected but, more likely, more turnovers. This isn't the same Pats secondary that was an utter sieve last year.

Though his relationship with Kolb isn't as strong as his with John Skelton (ankle), Larry Fitzgerald is hard to bench, even if he'll be the bull's eye for Bill Belichick's defensive plan. Prepare for WR3 numbers, but you know he has elite upside each week, and his voluminous target expectations could help him break even in PPRs.

The offense as a whole, however, will remain frightening regardless of who takes snaps. Andre Roberts-Early Doucet-Michael Floyd trio is still frustrating, but Roberts is the best desperation installment.

Their ongoing O-line concerns jeopardize Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams, who shouldn't be relied on for anything more than flex value. Williams, however, has the PPR edge each week and especially this one since Arizona will probably have to go through the air often. Don't ignore LaRod Stephens-Howling's impact on the touch split, though.

Patriots

Don't even think about sitting Tom Brady against this defense, though their improved pass rush might give him more trouble than many expect.

Plenty of controversy in last week's target numbers: Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez are both elite TE plays, but Brandon Lloyd, who looks quite comfy in lineups and Josh McDaniels' system, is invading Wes Welker's territory.

Their big advantage over Tennessee most of the game led to a diminished need for Welker. That game flow looks primed to happen again this week, but don't bench him in PPRs unless you're stacked at WR, especially since Brady would be remiss not to justify Welker's presence with frequent pitching and catching.

The good chance of New England domination means Stevan Ridley could reprise his role as workhorse back. Keep the Pats' best red-zone carrier active, even if Shane Vereen (foot) plays.

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Cardinals fantasy football rankings

Pos Rk	Fan Value	Player
29	Bench	Kevin Kolb
--	DBT	John Skelton
38	Flex or bench	Ryan Williams
39	Flex or bench	Beanie Wells
52	Bench	LaRod Stephens-Howling
11	1 or 2	Larry Fitzgerald
49	3 or flex	Andre Roberts
80	Bench	Early Doucet
106	Bench	Michael Floyd
31	Bench	Todd Heap
49	Bench	Jeff King

Patriots fantasy football rankings

Pos Rk	Fan Value	Player
5	1	Tom Brady
22	2	Stevan Ridley
50	Bench	Danny Woodhead
75	Bench	Brandon Bolden
--	QUE	Shane Vereen
39	3	Brandon Lloyd
40	3	Wes Welker
107	Bench	Julian Edelman
2	1	Rob Gronkowski
3	1	Aaron Hernandez

Access all of this week's fantasy football player rankings and cheat sheets.

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Cardinals latest news and notes

Cardinals | LaRon Byrd suffered minor injury

Arizona Cardinals WR LaRon Byrd (neck) suffered a neck spasm during organized team activities Tuesday, May 14, but was able to return later in the week.

Cardinals | Carson Palmer wants chemistry with all WRs

Arizona Cardinals QB Carson Palmer said he wants to build chemistry with all of the wide receivers because he will not be able to throw to WR Larry Fitzgerald all the time. "It's of the utmost importance to be on the same page with Larry, but it's of the utmost importance to be on the same page with every one of those guys because the ball can't always go to him," Palmer said. "I know that's not what he wants to hear, but that's the truth. There will be teams that key on him and there will be games where he doesn't have as many catches as other games. It's that much more important I have that rhythm and timing down with [WR Michael Floyd] and [WR Andre Roberts] and whoever that third and fourth guy is going to be."

Cardinals | Daryl Washington speaks about suspension

Arizona Cardinals ILB Daryl Washington spoke about his tumultuous offseason and upcoming suspension, but he did not have much to say. "I really can't talk about that right now," Washington said. "I'm pretty much limited in what I got to say, but I'm going to let my attorney do his job and we'll go from there."

"All I can do is come out here and work as hard as I can and let everything else play out," Washington added. "I don't like to bring a lot of attention to the team. I wish I could've just been more aware of a lot of situations obviously on both ends of the stick with the league and myself. All I want to do is move forward from here and just try to help my team and bring positive attention to the team."

Cardinals | Daryl Washington demoted in OTAs

Arizona Cardinals ILB Daryl Washington has been suspended by the NFL for four games and potentially faces another suspension for an offseason arrest. Washington came into organized team activities as a second-string linebacker behind ILB Karlos Dansby, who is likely to replace Washington for the duration of his suspension.

Cardinals | More on Karlos Dansby

Updating previous reports, Arizona Cardinals LB Karlos Dansby is guaranteed $1.75 million.

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Patriots latest news and notes

Patriots | Tavon Wilson working with Adrian Wilson

New England Patriots SS Tavon Wilson said he has been working with SS Adrian Wilson this offseason in order to learn from the veteran. "He's been a great player in this league for a long time, and I'm glad we brought him over," Wilson. "I can learn a lot from Adrian, all the things he knows. I've been working closely with him so far and trying to soak up everything I can from him."

Patriots | Had interest in Dwight Freeney

The New England Patriots expressed interest in San Diego Chargers DE Dwight Freeney but he decided to agree to a contract with the Chargers.

Patriots | Rob Gronkowski's back injury new

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski's (back) problem with a disc in his back is not related to the disc problem he had while in college in 2009. Gronkowski underwent a procedure to fix his back problem in college. It is not known when Gronkowski suffered his current injury.

Patriots | Tommy Kelly expected to have a big role

New England Patriots DT Tommy Kelly is expected to receive a big role on defense this season. Kelly could play defensive tackle when the team uses a 4-3 defensive alignment and a defensive end in a 3-4 defensive alignment.

Patriots | Rob Gronkowski's back won't keep him out

Updating an ongoing story, New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski's (back, forearm) "chronic" back problem, even if it does require surgery, won't keep him from participating in training camp, unless his forearm needs several more surgeries. Gronkowski's disc problem is different from the disc problem he dealt with in 2009, when he had the disc shaved down. However, his new disc problem dates back to last season. The star tight end was surrounded by rumors in 2010 that he dealt with spinal stenosis, or the narrowing of the spinal column that can lead to degenerative discs and joint pain. However, those rumors were quickly dismissed.

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Cardinals - Week 2 injury report

PROBABLE	OT Adam Snyder (elbow), RB Beanie Wells (knee), C Lyle Sendlein (back), TE Jeff King (knee), LB O'Brien Schofield (knee), CB Greg Toler (hip), FS Kerry Rhodes (foot), RB Ryan Williams (elbow), OG Daryn Colledge (elbow), CB Jamell Fleming (shoulder), PK Jay Feely (back)
QUESTIONABLE	CB Patrick Peterson (groin), SS Adrian Wilson (ankle), FS Rashad Johnson (thigh)
DOUBTFUL	QB John Skelton (ankle)
INJURED RESERVE	OL Jeremy Bridges (thumb), OT Levi J. Brown (triceps), QB Richard Bartel (shoulder), RB Javarris James (knee)

Patriots - Week 2 injury report

PROBABLE	SS Patrick Chung (shoulder)
QUESTIONABLE	CB Alfonzo Dennard (hamstring), OG Dan Connolly (head), TE Daniel Fells (shin), OG Nick McDonald (shoulder), OT Sebastian Vollmer (back), RB Shane Vereen (foot), CB Sterling Moore (knee)
PUP	TE Jake Ballard (knee), DL Myron Pryor (undisclosed)
INJURED RESERVE	TE Brad Herman (leg), OG Jamey Richard (concussion), CB Will D. Allen (undisclosed), RB Jeff Demps (leg), LB Dane Fletcher (knee), FB Spencer Larsen (undisclosed), TE Visanthe Shiancoe (hamstring), FS Josh Barrett (undisclosed)

Cardinals fantasy football leaders and statistics

Player Name	Pos	Fan Pts	PaYd	PaTD	Run	RuYd	RuTD	Rec	ReYd	ReTD
Roberts, Andre	WR	100.00	0	0	4	29	0	64	759	5
Fitzgerald, Larry	WR	99.00	0	0	0	0	0	71	798	4
Kolb, Kevin	QB	98.00	1169	8	16	100	1	0	0	0
Stephens-Howling, LaRod	RB	66.00	0	0	110	356	4	17	106	0
Floyd, Michael	WR	61.00	0	0	0	0	0	45	562	2
Wells, Beanie	RB	51.00	0	0	88	234	5	1	24	0
Skelton, John	QB	44.00	1132	2	4	5	0	0	0	0
Housler, Rob	TE	36.00	0	0	0	0	0	45	417	0
Powell, William	RB	29.00	0	0	60	217	0	19	132	0
Lindley, Ryan	QB	21.00	752	0	4	7	0	0	0	0
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Patriots fantasy football leaders and statistics

Player Name	Pos	Fan Pts	PaYd	PaTD	Run	RuYd	RuTD	Rec	ReYd	ReTD
Brady, Tom	QB	423.00	5491	38	26	36	4	0	0	0
Ridley, Stevan	RB	217.00	0	0	323	1415	13	7	64	0
Welker, Wes	WR	195.00	0	0	2	20	0	134	1602	7
Gronkowski, Rob	TE	141.00	0	0	0	0	0	55	790	11
Lloyd, Brandon	WR	124.00	0	0	0	0	0	86	1013	5
Woodhead, Danny	RB	104.00	0	0	80	312	4	41	458	3
Vereen, Shane	RB	92.00	0	0	73	308	4	15	254	3
Hernandez, Aaron	TE	90.00	0	0	2	11	0	66	651	5
Edelman, Julian	WR	41.00	0	0	4	45	0	21	235	3
Bolden, Brandon	RB	37.00	0	0	56	274	2	2	11	0
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Cardinals depth chart

QB	RB	FB	WR (Left)	WR (Right)	TE	PK
Carson Palmer	Rashard Mendenhall	Jared Crank	Larry Fitzgerald	Andre Roberts	Jeff King	Jay Feely
Drew Stanton	Ryan Williams		Ryan Swope	Michael Floyd	Rob Housler
Ryan Lindley	Stepfan Taylor		Jarett Dillard	LaRon Byrd	Kory Sperry
Caleb TerBush	Andre Ellington		Robert Gill	Kerry Taylor	Alex Gottlieb

Patriots depth chart

WR (Left)

WR (Right)