Week 17 at Seattle Seahawks
Drew Stanton had an uneven performance against the Giants last week, throwing for 209 yards and a pair of touchdowns, along with 2 interceptions. Stanton will finish the season as the starter for the Cardinals, but he’s a career backup with limited upside. Against a Seahawks defense that appears to be bruised but not broken, Stanton could be in for a long day. Fantasy owners should leave him on waivers.
Week 16 vs. New York Giants
The Cardinals will try Drew Stanton at quarterback again this week after three sub-par performances by Blaine Gabbert. Stanton has never been a productive fantasy option when given the opportunity to play, and he’s looked ineffective this season as well. In three appearances, he’s completing only 48.4% of his passes and has thrown 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
Stanton has a little upside this week going up against a Giants team that just allowed 4 touchdowns to Nick Foles, but with his track record and how badly the Arizona offense has struggled lately, Stanton should probably remain on waivers.
Week 10 vs. Seattle Seahawks
Drew Stanton threw a modest 201 yards last week, to go along with 2 touchdowns and a pick against the hapless Colts. Unfortunately, those 2 touchdowns against a vulnerable defense are about as good as you can hope for with Stanton. The Seahawks are giving up the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season, and they’ve only allowed 9 touchdown passes so far. With a tougher opponent on the schedule, there’s no reason to trust Stanton in your lineup.
Week 9 at San Francisco 49ers
Drew Stanton struggled after Carson Palmer went down in Week 7 against the Rams. With a bye week to get acclimated as the starter, one would hope Stanton would be more prepared and do better than his 66 yards and a pick that we saw against the Rams. It’s hard to expect too much from a guy with a career 65.1 passer rating, though.
This week should spell success for most quarterbacks, as the 49ers have given up 14 passing touchdowns so far this year, and only the Colts are allowing more total points per game. However, there’s no reason to think Stanton will suddenly become a reliable fantasy starter at age 33. Owners are likely better off leaving him on waivers.
Week 8 at Carolina
Drew Stanton is unlikely to get the start this week, but Carson Palmer is a bit hobbled by a hamstring issue right now, and if he can’t go, Stanton will likely get the start. Stanton hasn’t lit the world on fire in limited opportunities, so it’s unlikely that he would be fantasy viable even if counted on to start. He should be left on waivers in most leagues, even if Palmer is hurt.
Week 6 vs. New York Jets
Drew Stanton had a pair of touchdowns last week against the 49ers, but the Cardinals went with a conservative game plan and he only had 124 yards. Carson Palmer should be back this week, but if he isn’t, then Stanton is an above-average streaming option for this week only against a Jets defense that has allowed 12 passing touchdowns so far this year. If you’re a Palmer owner, you might want to eye the waiver wire and make sure Stanton is available in case of any last minute setbacks.
Week 5 at San Francisco
Drew Stanton didn’t do so well filling in for Carson Palmer on Sunday after Palmer left with a concussion. He completed only four of 11 attempts for 37 yards and a pair of interceptions as the Cardinals lost to the division rival Rams. Stanton will be the player who benefits from Palmer missing Thursday night’s matchup against the 49ers, but fantasy owners should shy away from the veteran backup. Even though the 49ers are below-average against the pass this season, it’s hard to get excited about a backup QB on a Thursday night. If you have another option, it might be better to look elsewhere.
Fantasy Upside
For the first time in his career Drew Stanton started more than three games in 2014 while filling in for Carson Palmer, who missed 10 games with shoulder and knee injuries. The extra playing time gave Stanton enough tape to see trends and tendencies develop. He's broken it all down, analyzing every nuance. But with Palmer fully recovered from a torn ACL, Stanton's chance to take what he learned on tape and implement it on the football field will be limited.
Fantasy Downside
Stanton's production (or lack thereof) will depend entirely on Palmer's health.
Bottom Line
Stanton isn't preparing for another 2014, when injuries were an issue all season long. He understands his role, but he also knows he needs to be ready. And after last season, his state of readiness will be better than it ever has been. Even if Palmer is hurt, however, fantasy owners shouldn't be clamoring for Stanton's services unless they're in dire straits at the QB position.
Week 15 – Drew Stanton vs. St. Louis
Drew Stanton had 239 yards and a touchdown last week against the Chiefs, and he managed to help the Cardinals come away with a much needed win to stay on top in the NFC West.
Stanton has the division rival Rams up next, who have come alive lately on the defensive side of the ball and wreaked havoc on Washington last week. Stanton hasn’t been known for his prolific passing numbers, and it’s hard to imagine him blowing up this week against an elite front four. Leave him on the bench.
Week 14 – Drew Stanton vs. Kansas City
Drew Stanton had 294 yards and a touchdown against the Falcons last week, but he also threw two picks, crippling the Cardinals’ chances of winning the game. Stanton has been up and down, but mostly has struggled as a starter lately and the Cardinals’ offense has looked rough overall.
The Chiefs are the best in the league in passing yards allowed per game, with only 197 yards allowed on average to opposing passers. That doesn’t bode well for Stanton and the struggling Cardinals passing game, and fantasy owners should look elsewhere for quarterback help.
