Fantasy Upside
It took the 33-year-old Larry Fitzgerald a month after the Cardinals' 2016 season ended to announce he'd return for a 14th season. He knows the questions about his retirement will continue, but the veteran wide receiver doesn't plan on answering them all season long like he had to last year. Good to his word, he addressed his future as training camp opened, telling reporters his confidence remains as high as ever and feels he'll be as effective as ever. "I can still play at a high level," Fitzgerald said. "If my number is called I can still make a play." That was certainly the case last season as Fitzgerald led the NFL with 107 receptions while securing his place as a first-ballot Hall of Famer by moving into third on the all-time receptions list, as well as into the top 10 in all-time receiving yards (ninth) and touchdowns (eighth).
Fantasy Downside
Fitzgerald isn't the deep threat he once was and he's only hit double-digits in touchdown grabs once in the last seven seasons.
2017 Bottom Line
Even if this season is his last, which seems likely, it's not like Fitzgerald has shown signs of slowing noticeably after reaching the 1,000-yard mark for the eighth time in his career. Expect another solid campaign in 2017, and with a WR3 price tag, he'll be a fantastic value in PPR leagues.
Week 17 vs. Los Angeles
Larry Fitzgerald had only four catches for 31 yards against the Seahawks last week, and while he should continue to be an active part of the passing game, his lack of big numbers over the second half of the season is concerning. The Cardinals have looked underwhelming throughout the year, and while Fitzgerald has racked up receptions, his 9.6 yards per catch is a career-low.
This week, Fitzgerald faces a Rams defense that doesn’t allow many passing yards, but has given up 29 touchdown passes this year, tied for fourth most in the league. Still, the recent struggles by the team make him difficult to count on, and he’s a borderline WR2 to close out the season.
Week 16 vs. Seattle
Larry Fitzgerald had only 57 yards last week against the Saints, but he caught seven passes and was targeted nine times. Fitzgerald continues to be heavily targeted, making him valuable in PPR league formats, but his standard scoring output has been unimpressive over the second half of the season.
This probably isn’t the week he breaks out of that. Seattle has allowed the third least touchdown passes to opposing teams this season and feature one of the best CBs in football. Expect another slew of targets for Fitzgerald, making him a low-end WR2 option in most PPR formats, but if you can look elsewhere in standard leagues, you may be better off.
Week 15 vs. New Orleans
Larry Fitzgerald had a rough game against Miami last week with only three catches and 12 yards. However, he still led the team with nine targets and continues to be the only reliable option in the passing game aside from RB David Johnson.
New Orleans has actually been average against the pass, giving up 19 touchdown passes all season, but they’ve given up a ton of yards. They rank 28th in the league, allowing 268 passing yards per game to opposing offenses. Fitzgerald should benefit from the matchup and another day with plenty of targets. He should be a borderline WR1 in all league formats, especially in PPR leagues.
Week 14 vs. Miami
Larry Fitzgerald hasn’t put up big yards the last three games, and he hasn’t scored since October 6th, but he gobbles up targets as well as anyone in the league right now. He’s tied with Antonio Brown for the most reception in the NFL going into Week 14, and had another 10 catches on 11 targets against Washington last week.
Fitzgerald goes up against an average Miami pass defense this week but should continue to catch a lot of passes, putting him in WR1 territory, especially in PPR formats. The Dolphins got absolutely torched by the Ravens passing offense last week, and the Cardinals should be able to put some pressure on an injured secondary and linebacking corps.
Week 13 vs. Washington
Larry Fitzgerald had his worst game of the season last week with only four catches for 53 yards against the Falcons. Otherwise, he’s been pretty steady this year, with no less than five catches in every other game. He hasn’t scored since Week 5, but continues to be the most heavily targeted receiver in Arizona.
This week, he’ll face a very average Washington pass defense that ranks 16th in the league in passing yards allowed per game. He should be once again targeted heavily by quarterback Carson Palmer and should be in for a good game. We have him as a top ten option and WR1 in all league formats, but he gets a little added value in PPR leagues due to the volume of balls that head in his direction.
Week 12 vs. Atlanta
Larry Fitzgerald has been the only bright spot in the Arizona passing game this season, aside from David Johnson’s production out of the backfield. Fitzgerald is top-10 in the NFL in receiving yards and targets, and is second in the league with 74 receptions. He hasn’t found the end zone since October 6th, but he remains one of the most consistent WRs in fantasy football with at least five catches in every game.
This week, Fitzgerald has an excellent matchup against the Falcons. Atlanta has given up the second most passing yards per game and tied for the second most passing touchdowns this season to opposing offenses. Fitzgerald should once again be heavily targeted and should be in for a great game. We have him as a top-10 option and he should be active in all league formats.
Week 11 vs. Minnesota
Larry Fitzgerald had 133 yards on 12 receptions last week against the 49ers and was targeted an astounding 18 times on the day. Fitzgerald continues to be a solid borderline WR1 in all fantasy leagues this season and he’s been a steady producer week in and week out.
This week, Fitzgerald has a tough matchup against the Vikings, although Minnesota hasn’t been as dominant in recent weeks. While they rank in the top ten in pass defense, they allowed 262 yards and a pair of touchdowns to Kirk Cousins last week in a loss to Washington. Fantasy owners should temper their expectations, but Fitzgerald should still get enough targets to warrant WR2 value.
Week 10 vs. San Francisco
Larry Fitzgerald had 10 catches for 74 yards against the Panthers two weeks ago before the bye, and he continues to be the most consistent and reliable target for QB Carson Palmer. Fitzgerald is a high floor fantasy option who hasn’t been targeted less than seven times in any game this year, and has only three games with less than 10 targets.
This week, Fitzgerald should be in for a great game. The 49ers have given up the fourth most passing touchdowns this season, and the most total points per game. Fitzgerald combined for 19 catches, 200 yards and two touchdowns in two games against San Francisco last season. Expect another full slate of targets for the veteran, which should turn into WR1 numbers in a great matchup.
Week 8 at Carolina
Larry Fitzgerald had nine catches for 70 yards on Sunday night against the Seahawks, and he was targeted a team-high 14 times. Fitzgerald is third in the league in receptions and tied for third in touchdown catches this season and has been a consistent WR2 during most weeks, especially in PPR formats.
This week, Fitzgerald should be in for a big day against a struggling Carolina secondary. The Panthers are tied for 26th in the league in passing yards allowed per game, and they’ve given up 13 touchdown passes this season. We have Fitzgerald in our top ten for a great matchup and he should be active in all league formats.
