Week 17 at Dallas Cowboys
A.J. Green had just one catch on three targets for 33 yards last week against the Colts. He’s been very up-and-down all season and hasn’t seemed to seen a huge increase in production with DeAndre Hopkins out. As such, even in a pretty good matchup against a Cowboys defense that ranks 24th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers, he’s too risky to start in most leagues.
Week 16 vs. Indianapolis Colts
A.J. Green followed up a 100-plus yard performance against the Rams with four catches and 64 yards against the Lions last week. The Cardinals were very disappointing offensively, though Green still tallied eight targets and should continue to benefit from the absence of DeAndre Hopkins.
This week, Green faces a Colts defense that ranks seventh in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. In a tough matchup, Green should be considered a low-end WR3 option at best. This might be a ground-heavy game, so fantasy managers should be wary and look elsewhere if possible.
Week 15 at Detroit Lions
A.J. Green had a nice game against the Rams on Monday night, catching seven of his 10 targets for 102 yards. Green has been an up-and-down fantasy option this year, but it was good to see him get a ton of targets despite DeAndre Hopkins being in the lineup. Green is a risky option but has upside with Hopkins now out. The Cardinals could get out ahead early on and just ride James Conner for the entire game, but added targets in this offense could still make Green a viable WR3 option in most leagues.
Week 14 vs. Los Angeles Rams
A.J. Green caught just one ball for 14 yards against the Bears last week. DeAndre Hopkins’ return to the lineup probably hurts Green significantly when it comes to targets, but it’s hard to take a whole lot from a lopsided victory where the Cardinals only attempted 15 passes. Green was getting targets earlier in the year, even with Hopkins active, so don’t dismiss him yet. This week, he could get some looks in what could be a shootout, but there are too many mouths to feed in Arizona, so starting him is risky. We have him outside starter territory and he should be considered a desperation WR3 option at best in most formats.
Week 13 at Chicago Bears
A.J. Green caught four of seven targets for 78 yards against the Seahawks before the bye last week. It was a nice bounce-back game for the veteran after being limited to just one catch and four yards in the previous week. Green has been targeted at least six times on seven different occasions this season and he’s had double-digit fantasy points in four of 10 games.
This week, Green faces a Bears defense that ranks 24th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. It’s a nice matchup, but be wary of the return of DeAndre Hopkins, who could put a dent in his target share. He’s still worth considering in deeper formats as a longshot WR3 option, but it’s probably best to look elsewhere if possible.
Week 11 at Seattle Seahawks
A.J. Green returned to action last week against the Panthers, but caught just one of his five targets for a mere four yards. Green struggled right along with the rest of the Cardinals' offense as they were blown out by Carolina.
Green has some upside against the Seahawks this week. Seattle ranks eighth in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. Watch Kyler Murray’s status. If Murray is back, Green has some WR3 potential, despite the tough matchup. If we’re dealing with Colt McCoy or Chris Streveler again, fantasy managers might want to run for the hills.
Week 10 vs. Carolina Panthers
A.J. Green missed last week on the COVID list, but he’s been reasonably productive for much of the season. In the three games prior to last week, he was seeing more snaps than any of the other Cardinals receivers and he’s third on the team in targets. If Green returns this week against the Panthers, he’ll be worth considering as a WR3 option, especially if DeAndre Hopkins is out again with a nagging hamstring injury. Fantasy managers should watch his status, however, as he’ll need to clear COVID protocols in order to play.
Week 8 vs. Green Bay Packers
A.J. Green had three catches for 66 yards last week against the Texans. The Cardinals are spreading the ball around, making it hard to trust any of their secondary pass-catchers, but they’ve been prolific enough to warrant fantasy consideration. Green quietly leads all Cardinals wide receivers in snaps this year.
This week, Green faces a Packers defense that ranks 27th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. It’s a nice matchup for the veteran against a struggling secondary that is missing their top corner. Green is risky, as are all the receiving options in Arizona, but he has significant upside in this offense and is worth a gamble as a low-end WR3 option in deeper leagues.
Week 7 vs. Houston Texans
A.J. Green had a down Week 5, but came back last week against the Browns with five catches on six targets for 79 yards and a touchdown. He’s quietly had three touchdowns this season and double-digit fantasy points in four out of six games. Fantasy managers should definitely roster him, as he’s had six targets in all but one game this year.
This week, Green faces a Texans defense that ranks 7th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. Also, the Cardinals should win running away in this one, which might limit targets. Still, if you’re desperate, Green could be worth considering in deep leagues as a low-end WR3 or flex option. He’s shown he can still produce.
Week 5 vs. San Francisco 49ers
A.J. Green may not be done yet. He’s had double-digit fantasy points in three straight weeks and six targets in every game. I’m not banking on him or anything, but his five catches for 67 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown against the Rams last week looked almost vintage Green. The 49ers are a tough matchup, but Green is definitely worth adding to rosters, even if you’re not starting him this week. Keep an eye on this situation.
