The Arizona Cardinals (3-4) and Minnesota Vikings (5-1) have an exciting matchup this week. Both teams have plenty of offensive firepower and underrated defensive units.
For the sake of fantasy football, there are the obvious picks in this game like Justin Jefferson and DeAndre Hopkins, but we’ll take a look at some of the other players in this game to make sure you come out of Week 8 with a win.
This is a pivotal matchup for the Cardinals, but it may be for your fantasy team as well as we’ve hit the midseason points.
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Cardinals WR Robbie Anderson
Anderson didn’t see much playing time last week against the Saints, as he was just days removed from being traded from the Carolina Panthers.
This week, however, we’re anticipating a much bigger role for Anderson as he’s now had just under two weeks to get adjusted to the offense. With the apparent benching of A.J. Green, Anderson figures to slide into the ‘Z’ receiver role.
When Green was playing at a solid level, he received many red-zone targets. Anderson is a similar height to Green, which bodes well for his targets. The Cardinals often throw fade routes to their bigger-bodied receivers in the endzone.
Anderson is a big-play threat with his speed and can get double-digit fantasy points in a hurry. He’s available in many leagues, so this could be a nice flex start if you are in a pinch.
RB Eno Benjamin
If Benjamin is still available in your league, you need to immediately pick him up. He’s been operating as the Cards’ RB1 since the injury to James Conner and has looked great doing so.
Last week against the Saints, Benjamin had 23.3 fantasy points. Perhaps more encouraging than the point total is his 12 carries and five targets in the passing game.
Conner was ruled out of Sunday’s game with his nagging rib injuries, which means it’ll be Benjamin’s show once again. The Cardinals could be getting fellow back Darrel Williams back, but it seems unlikely they’d take snaps from Benjamin given his recent performance.
If Eno is still available, he’s an excellent flex start in this one.
TE Irv Smith
Smith could be a nice play if your tight end is on a bye, or if you’re one of the fantasy team’s without one of the top guys at the position.
The Cardinals’ defense has done a great job against opposing No. 1 targets, as in they will be diverting a ton of their attention to Justin Jefferson. If there are going to be holes in the Arizona defense, it could be in the middle of the field.
In Minnesota’s last game against the Dolphins two weeks ago, Smith had 10.7 points. While those aren’t overly impressive numbers, it’s enough to keep your team afloat at the tight end position.
With so many other targets on the Vikings offense for the Cardinals to be concerned with, Smith may find himself some openings in the defense.
