Week 13 – Drew Stanton vs. Atlanta
Drew Stanton had only 149 yards on 26 pass attempts last week and threw a pick. The Cardinals offense couldn’t do much of anything against the Seahawks and the current NFC West division leaders lost the game in Seattle. They only put up three points on the day, and Stanton will certainly be hoping to improve in Week 13.
This week, Stanton should have a much better game against the Atlanta Falcons, who allow more passing yards per game than any other team in the NFL this season. Stanton is still too risky to count on, but if you’re in a deep league, a 2QB league, or you’ve just found yourself desperate at QB, Stanton has some matchup upside.
Week 12 – Drew Stanton vs. Seattle
Drew Stanton actually had a decent performance against the Lions vaunted front four last week. Though he did throw two picks, he also had a pair of touchdown passes and over 300 yards passing as he led the Cardinals to a big victory over the surging Lions. Stanton is the starter for the rest of the season and has earned the trust of coach Bruce Arians.
This week, Stanton has another tough matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, who have only allowed 215 yards per game through the air this year, though they’re turnovers and sacks are down from a year ago. Stanton should be added in most leagues, but this isn’t the week to start him. He’s got a tough matchup and there should be better options available. We have him ranked 29th this week, meaning owners should leave him on the bench in all formats.
Week 11 – Drew Stanton vs. Detroit
Drew Stanton will take over for the rest of the season after Carson Palmer suffered a season ending knee injury in the victory last week over the Rams. Stanton put up modest numbers early in the season filling in for Palmer, but this isn’t the week to test him in his newfound starter status. He faces a Detroit defense that ranks third in the league against the pass and first in the NFL in points allowed. Stanton should be added as a valuable backup in leagues where owners can carry two quarterbacks, but this isn’t the week to start him.
Week 5 – Drew Stanton vs. Denver
Drew Stanton has done an admirable job filling in for the injured Carson Palmer. He’s had two victories, including a nice win against the 49ers in Week 3 before the bye last week. In that game, he managed 244 yards and a pair of touchdowns without throwing a pick as the Cardinals stunned the always tough San Francisco team.
Stanton has a good chance of playing this week against the Broncos. With Palmer’s status still a little sketchy, Stanton should still be the guy. If he does start, he’s a fringe QB2 option anyway, so fantasy owners should probably look somewhere other than Arizona for a quarterback this week.
Week 3 – Drew Stanton vs. San Francisco
Drew Stanton didn’t do a lot against the Giants last week starting in place of the injured Carson Palmer, but he came away with a win, which is what it really all comes down to as a quarterback in the NFL.
Unfortunately for fantasy owners, 167 yards and no touchdowns doesn’t do a whole lot for your fantasy value, and Stanton’s numbers don’t look to improve this week if he’s called upon again to face the 49ers. San Francisco let Jay Cutler thump them in the second half of the Sunday night game last week, but they’re a stout defense that forces turnovers. Stanton should not be active in fantasy leagues against this defense.
