Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Heading into Week 2, Carson Palmer is a must-start in all fantasy football formats and figures to be one of the higher scoring quarterbacks of the week.
In the Arizona Cardinals‘ Week 1 game against the San Diego Chargers, Palmer scored more fantasy points than all but four quarterbacks. Next up for the Cardinals is a New York Giants defense that gave up 349 yards and two touchdowns to Matthew Stafford.
For one reason or another, the 12th-year quarterback didn’t get the recognition he deserved on fantasy draft day in 2014, often falling to one of the last few rounds. But let’s not forget, over the course of the last seven games of 2013, Palmer averaged more than 300 yards per game. Maybe he was overlooked because he, along with his primary target, are aging. But when you realize the 34-year-old is younger than Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Drew Brees, why would his age be an issue?
The Cardinals chose not to draft a quarterback this year and Palmer did not let the organization down in Week 1 and he certainly will not in Week 2. In fact, Palmer only figures to get better as the season goes on, seeing as All-Universe wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald only received four targets due to double-teams. As Andre Ellington gets healthy and becomes immersed in the offense, things will open up more through the air.
Meanwhile, Palmer has found new go-to targets in Michael Floyd and John Brown and has shown defenses that it doesn’t matter if they take away one player, because he’ll rack up yards throwing to anyone.
The Giants gave up the second-most passing yards in Week 1 and don’t figure to be any challenge to Palmer and the Cardinals.
The only thing to consider is Palmer’s injury status. Since Week 1, he has been listed as “questionable.” The reasons are unclear, but it’s something to keep an eye on. If Palmer is cleared to play, start him with confidence.
Chris Lehman is a New Orleans Saints Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisBreezy91, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
