Fantasy Upside
As the 2013 season wound down, Larry Fitzgerald called it "an average year." He had a team-best 82 receptions and a team-high 10 touchdowns but fell short of the 1,000-yard mark for a second-straight season. The veteran came into the season adjusting to a new role in HC Bruce Arians' offense, with multiple responsibilities and a goal of reestablishing him as a major red-zone threat following his four-touchdown season a year ago. The hope was that Fitzgerald could echo Reggie Wayne's Indianapolis success in a similar spot in Arians' offense. "He's gutted it through half the year hurt," Arians said. "Learning a variety of new positions, I think he's done extremely well. I would have liked to see him get that 1,000 yards for sure, but his touchdowns are up where we want them to be. I'd like to see him get a few more. We'd like to have about a 15-touchdown year out of him. Hopefully we'll have at least 12."
Fantasy Downside
Bleacher Report's Dan Pompei advised his readers earlier this month there are those with the team who believe this is the season that Michael Floyd will take the mantle of Arizona's WR1 away from Fitzgerald, who is getting older and whose future with the club beyond this season is unclear.
Bottom Line
Even if he's not the Cardinals' most productive receiving this fall, Fantasy owners should expect Fitz to continue delivering at WR1 levels because Floyd's emergence makes it harder for opponents to focus on stopping just one threat. Just don't overpay when drafting Fitzgerald.