NFL - 2010 Fantasy Football Arizona Cardinals Team Preview
Posted by: ThePME
on Aug 17, 2010
We have many great articles planned leading up to the 2010 Fantasy Football season including sleepers, busts, rookies, strategy, full player rankings and projections all wrapped up into a nifty draft kit to help you win your league next year. Stay tuned for more, but for now, here's a team preview for you.
Ask a question about your fantasy team in our FORUM. Leave a comment about this article down below.
OFF-SEASON TRANSACTIONS
KEY ADDS
| KEY SUBTRACTIONS
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NOTE: With the retirement of future Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, Derek Anderson has been brought in to push likely starter Matt Leinart. Should anything happen Leinart, Anderson won't be too much of a drop off at the pivot and could post some huge numbers tossing to Fitzgerald and the slew of other capable receivers.
The acquisition of Alan Faneca brings some much needed leadership and ability to this offensive line. With the desired shift to a run first offence, Faneca can make that transition much easier. This new philosophy should lead to greater dividends for the running back tandem of Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower.
THE BIG QUESTION
Can they continue their offensive dominance without Kurt Warner ?
The Cardinals used the 10th pick of the 2006 draft to select their quarterback of the future in the form of USC's Matt Leinart. After four years, whether they wanted it or not, that future is here. Leinart has some huge shoes to fill, and he must do it without the services of Anquan Boldin. Luckily, the southpaw still has one of the league's best receivers in Larry Fitzgerald and a group of upstarts featuring Steve Breaston and 2009 playoff sensation Early Doucet.
When coach Ken Whisenhunt was hired from the Steelers a fundamental shift in the Cardinals' offensive scheme was expected. Upon seeing that the grass would be greener putting the ball into Warner's hands, he let it ride through the air. That led some reasonable success to say the least. Since Leinart isn't the talent that Warner was, using the ground game to hide his weaknesses will be necessary. Enter Beanie Wells. Wells was drafted at the back end of the first round last year and was expected to give Arizona a reliable threat on the ground. Wells finished the year strongly and has positioned himself to really be the breakout star of the this offense. He's not to be passed on come draft day.
ALSO
Tim Hightower will still see action in the backfield, but will work more as a blocking back and receiving threat. Look to target him in the later stages of PPR drafts.
I have a gut feeling that you'll want to own Doucet over Breaston. Doucet will come at a better value and has better upside.
FANTASY DEPTH CHART
QB
| RB
| WR
| TE
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NOTE: Anderson could beat out Leinart for the starting QB job, but that seems very unlikely. Anderson would really have to light it up in the pre-season and Leinart would have to tank.
Jay Feely has been brought in to replace the departed Neil Rackers. Since it's unlikely that Arizona scores as many touchdowns as the past few seasons, there may be some more field goal tries this year.
While they don't play shut 'em down defense, the Cards definitely have some playmaking potential. Combine that with the crap division they're in and you have a defense that will post some big numbers on the right weeks. Don't target their defense in the draft, play them week-to-week off the waiver wire depending on the match up.
Again, ask a question about your fantasy team in our FORUM. Leave a comment about this article down below.

