Week 15 vs. New Orleans
Carson Palmer looked bad against the Dolphins last week, throwing for 145 yards, two touchdowns and a pair of interceptions in a loss. He hasn’t looked right for much of the season and the Cardinals have stumbled to a 5-7-1 record as a result.
This week, Palmer could rebound against the Saints. Weather won’t be a factor in an indoor game and the Saints allow the fourth most passing yards per game this season to opposing passers. While New Orleans has looked a little better in recent weeks on the defensive side of the ball, the opportunity is there for Palmer to rebound a bit and take advantage of a nice matchup. He’s a borderline starter this week, just outside our top-10.
Week 14 vs. Miami
Carson Palmer had 300 yards and three touchdowns against Washington last week as we saw a semblance of the potential that Arizona was supposed to show this year. Palmer has been largely inconsistent and turnover prone this year, but he’s a quality player when he’s able to sling and he’s given enough time to get in a rhythm.
This week, he’ll face a Dolphins defense that was just torched by the Ravens last week, but has overall been average to above average against the pass this year. They allow only 243 passing yards per game and an 88.9 quarterback rating to opposing passers, both top-15 numbers. Palmer has been too inconsistent to trust him on the road this week, even if some of the other weapons in the Arizona offense are poised for good games. Fantasy owners should look elsewhere if possible.
Week 13 vs. Washington
Carson Palmer had 289 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the Falcons last week, adding an interception and turning in a very average fantasy day. He has been very disappointing this year following an MVP-caliber 2015 season and he should be considered a risky week-to-week start.
This week, he faces a Washington defense that has been very average against the pass this year, giving up 14 touchdowns passes on the year and allowing 252.9 yards per game through the air. Expect Palmer to throw the ball enough to be fantasy relevant, but he’s too risky to bank on as a legit QB1 in most leagues. He should be considered a borderline starter as we have him ranked just outside our top-12 this week.
Week 12 vs. Atlanta
Carson Palmer had a pair of touchdown passes last week against the Vikings, but he only had 198 yards and threw two interceptions. Palmer is now tied for fifth most in the league with 10 interceptions this season and he’s looked like a shell of his MVP-caliber form from a year ago.
This week, Palmer should be able to do well against a struggling Atlanta defense that gives up the second most passing yards per game to opposing teams this season. The Falcons have also given up 23 touchdown passes this year, tied for second worst in the league. If you’re desperate, then Palmer is worth considering because of the matchup, but it’s hard to trust him with how poorly he’s been playing outside of 2QB leagues.
Week 11 vs. Minnesota
Carson Palmer had 376 yards, a touchdown and a pair of interceptions in a close win over the 49ers last week. He’s been inconsistent this season after an MVP-caliber 2015, and is throwing an average of only 1.375 touchdowns per game, his worst average since 2011, his first year in Oakland. Palmer at age 36 may be slowing down a bit and the offensive line in Arizona has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play, hurting his week-to-week fantasy value.
The Vikings have slipped a bit recently, but they’re still a top-ten pass defense in both passing yards and touchdowns allowed. With Palmer’s struggles to put up consistent fantasy numbers this season and his propensity for turnovers, he’s too risky to trust in most fantasy leagues this week, and owners should look elsewhere if possible.
Week 10 vs. San Francisco
Carson Palmer had a nice fantasy outing the last time he took the field in Week 8 before the bye. While the Cardinals lost badly, Palmer had 363 yards and three touchdown passes with only one interception, giving the Cardinals hope for a turnaround.
This week should be another good game for Palmer. He faces a 49ers defense that has given up the fourth most touchdown passes this season and the most total points per game. Palmer is a great QB1 option in all league formats and should be one of the safer starts this week at the position.
Week 8 at Carolina
Carson Palmer had 342 yards against the Seahawks last week, but he didn’t score a touchdown as the game featured a strong defensive effort on both ends of the field. Palmer has struggled this season with inconsistency, turnovers, and injuries, making him a riskier option than anticipated after an MVP caliber season a year ago.
This week, he has a nice matchup against a Carolina team with problems in the secondary, but he’s battling a hamstring issue. He should be considered a low-end option in most leagues and fantasy owners should look to a safer option if at all possible.
Week 7 vs. Seattle
Carson Palmer only had 213 yards and a touchdown against the Jets on Monday night, as the Cardinals beat the snot out of the Jets and were able to rest Palmer at the end of the game to essentially run the clock out. It was good to see Palmer back after missing the previous week with a concussion, but he’s only had one really solid fantasy game this year so far, which is discerning for fantasy owners.
This week probably isn’t the best bet for him to get back on track. Palmer faces a Seahawks defense that is second in the league against the pass and has picked off opposing passers five times so far this year, versus allowing only four touchdown passes – three of which were last week against the blazing hot Matt Ryan. If you can look elsewhere for a QB this week, you should probably wait a little longer on Palmer.
Week 6 vs. New York Jets
Carson Palmer has reportedly been cleared to return to action after missing last week with a concussion. He has struggled with turnovers this year, but is still averaging 269 passing yards per game and has an excellent array of weapons at his disposal.
This should be a good comeback week for him. Palmer faces a Jets pass defense that gave up 380 yards and four touchdowns to Ben Roethlisberger last week and has allowed 12 touchdown passes total this year. Look for Palmer to get back to QB1 numbers this week and he should be active in all leagues.
Week 5 at San Francisco
Carson Palmer struggled against the Rams on Sunday, throwing for 288 yards, a touchdown and a pick before being knocked out of the game with a concussion. Palmer has struggled this season with turnovers, and the Cardinals are a disappointing 1-3 to start the year. Palmer was supposed to be a steady producer, but has thrown only six touchdowns compared to five interceptions so far.
If he’s cleared for Thursday night’s game against the 49ers, he should be worth starting. The 49ers just lost their best defensive player – LB Navorro Bowman – for the season and have allowed eight touchdown passes to opposing teams this year, including two to rookie Dak Prescott this past Sunday. Watch the injury status though, because if he doesn’t clear concussion protocol, he won’t play. Be ready for a last minute lineup change.
Update:
It was announced Palmer will not play Thursday night. Be sure to get him out of your lineups.
