Week 14 vs. Detroit Lions
Larry Fitzgerald caught three passes for 48 yards in a win over the Packers last week. Fitzgerald hasn’t put up big numbers by any means this season, but he remains the primary target in the Cardinals’ passing game, giving him fantasy value in most leagues. Fitzgerald’s targets should only increase now that rookie Christian Kirk is out for the remainder of the season.
This week, Fitzgerald faces a Lions defense that has actually been very average against wide receivers this year, but has given up 16 touchdowns to the position. Expect the Cardinals to throw the ball and for Fitzgerald to stand a good chance at finding the end zone in a nice matchup. He should be considered a low-end WR2 option in most leagues.
Week 13 at Green Bay Packers
Larry Fitzgerald only caught two passes for 30 yards last week against the Chargers, but he caught a touchdown. He has now scored five touchdowns in as many games after failing to find the end zone in his first six games of the season. His targets – six over the past two weeks – have been concerning, but Fitzgerald seems to have settled into his position as a red zone and short-yardage target at age 35.
This week, Fitzgerald faces a Packers defense that has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this year, giving him some upside in a game where the Cardinals could fall behind early. Fitzgerald may be shadowed by rookie standout cornerback Jaire Alexander, which could hurt his production, but he’s still worth low-end WR2 consideration in most leagues with his recent production.
Week 12 at Los Angeles Chargers
Larry Fitzgerald only caught two passes last week for 23 yards, but he also scored two touchdowns. After a miserable start to the season, Fitzgerald now has four touchdowns in the past four games and has been targeted at least eight times in four of his last five outings. While he doesn’t have a ton of upside in any given week, it’s good to see him producing while the young offense around him develops.
This week, Fitzgerald has a tough matchup against the Chargers, who have allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers this year. Fitzgerald should still put up WR3 numbers, particularly in PPR formats, due to his targets, but temper your expectations for the veteran.
Week 11 vs. Oakland Raiders
Larry Fitzgerald only had 50 yards last week, but he caught six passes and was targeted a team-high 10 times. Fitzgerald has had at least eight targets in four straight games now, and he looks to be developing a nice rapport with rookie quarterback Josh Rosen. New offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich has helped the offense look a little more effective, which should spell good things for the veteran long-term.
This week, Fitzgerald should find room against a Raiders team that looks like they’re in the midst of giving up on the season. They allowed 57 yards and a touchdown to Keenan Allen last week, which seems like reachable numbers for Fitzgerald in a rare game where Arizona is favored. Fitzgerald is a low-end WR2 option in most leagues, with some upside in a nice matchup.
Week 10 at Kansas City Chiefs
Larry Fitzgerald finally came back to the fantasy limelight two weeks ago before the bye, catching eight passes for 102 yards and a touchdown in a narrow victory over the 49ers. While it’s still hard to trust the 35-year-old, he does have a touchdown in each of his last two outings, and he’s averaging 9.3 targets over his last three games.
This week, Fitzgerald faces a Chiefs defense that has been better on the outside than on the inside this year, giving up big numbers to running backs and tight ends, but allowing just the 14th-most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers. Fitzgerald should benefit from a game script that will likely force the Cardinals to throw the ball more than their 31.1 times per game average. Fitzgerald is risky during in a struggling offense, but has some WR3 upside with his target share.
Week 8 vs. San Francisco 49ers
Larry Fitzgerald finally had a decent fantasy week as he was targeted eight times and scored a touchdown. He had only 40 yards on four receptions, but double-digit fantasy points have been a rare sighting for the veteran this season. We’ll see if a change at offensive coordinator can help Fitzgerald squeeze out another productive season.
This week, Fitzgerald will face a vulnerable 49ers defense that has allowed nine touchdowns to opposing wide receivers this year, but in a game that could feature a lot of running and defense, it’s hard to recommend using anyone in the passing game. He’s a risky option at best, and fantasy owners should look elsewhere if possible.
Week 7 vs. Denver Broncos
Larry Fitzgerald only gained 39 yards last week against the Vikings. It’s encouraging that he caught five balls and was targeted a team-high eight times on the day, but a nagging back injury and poor production throughout the season make it hard to trust the veteran in your lineup.
Fitzgerald faces a Broncos team this week that has allowed the tenth-least fantasy points per game to opposing receivers and has a fearsome pass rush that should be effective against rookie quarterback Josh Rosen. That doesn’t sound like a good redemption game for Fitzgerald, and he should remain on the bench in all leagues this week.
Week 6 at Minnesota Vikings
Larry Fitzgerald has been wildly disappointing this season as the Cardinals offense has struggled under poor play-calling and massive changes at the quarterback position. Making matters worse, Fitzgerald has only been targeted 10 times in the past two games with rookie Josh Rosen under center, while Christian Kirk has seen his role expand. Fitzgerald definitely shouldn’t be active in any fantasy leagues until further notice, and it may soon be time to send him to the waiver wire.
Week 5 at San Francisco 49ers
Larry Fitzgerald only had three catches for 28 yards last week, but it was encouraging to see him get seven targets with rookie Josh Rosen making his first career starter at quarterback. Fitzgerald has been a huge disappointment so far this season, but there’s reason for optimism, as the Cardinals showed some life against the Seahawks.
This week, Fitzgerald faces a 49ers defense that has been very average against the pass this year, but just gave up three touchdown passes to Philip Rivers last week. This game could be ugly offensively and Fitzgerald’s lack of production to start the season makes him a heavy risk for fantasy lineups. He should be considered a low-end WR3, at best, this week.
Week 4 vs. Seattle Seahawks
Larry Fitzgerald had another disappointing game against the Bears last week, finished with only two catches and nine yards. It was concerning to see rookie Christian Kirk rack up eight targets compared to only two for Fitzgerald, although that trend isn’t likely to continue. Fitzgerald is still the most reliable Cardinals receiver.
Fantasy owners should probably take a wait-and-see approach with Fitzgerald and the rest of the Cardinals pass-catchers as we see if rookie Josh Rosen can get the offense on track. There is potential and upside for the remainder of the season, but owners should be patient and look elsewhere this week if possible.
