We're three weeks into the 2015 NFL season. That's too early to draw any sort of final conclusions, of course, but the Arizona Cardinals look incredibly good through those three weeks. By some measures, particularly point differential, the Cardinals have been easily the best team in the league so far. Their point differential is +77; the next best in the league is the New England Patriots, at +49. On Sunday, they put their success on the line in a home game against the 1-2 St. Louis Rams.
The teams come into Sunday's game mostly healthy. St. Louis running back Benny Cunningham and wide receiver Kenny Britt and Arizona wide receiver John Brown all popped up on the injury report, though all three are listed as probable. The one big question mark from a fantasy perspective is running back Andre Ellington, who will be a game-time decision as he attempts to return from a knee injury.
The game in Arizona is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday. Let's look at the fantasy considerations:
RAMS
Start 'em: The Rams' defense has been strong, and even against a potent Arizona offense it's worth a look.
Start 'em?: With back-to-back 10-point fantasy days, Kenny Britt is the best fantasy option the Rams have on offense. He's far from a sure thing, but he could be a super-deep flex option. ... The offense has struggled, but Greg Zuerlein is averaging 7.7 fantasy points a game. As a kicker, that's reasonable quality.
Sit 'em: If Nick Foles couldn't put up big numbers against that Pittsburgh Steelers defense in Week 3, he can't be trusted against the Arizona defense. Stay far away. ... The confused RB situation in St. Louis, with Todd Gurley, Tre Mason and Benny Cunningham, is too confusing to use. Until we see some clarity, let that sit. ... Behind Britt, the Rams' other pass catchers -- Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey and Jared Cook-- have done little since Week 1.
CARDINALS
Start 'em: Who saw Carson Palmer as a total fantasy stud? Through three weeks, he has 21.7 fantasy points a game, and he's ranked in my top three at the position this week. ... Even considering his eight-point Week 1, Larry Fitzgerald is averaging 20.7 fantasy points a game. He's been a monster. ... Chandler Catanzaro was a strong kicker last year, and he's been a strong one to start this season as well. ... The Cardinals' defense has 48 points in its last two games.
Start 'em?: Better days are ahead for John Brown, who has been good-not-great so far, but as long as Fitzgerald is dominating the touches, Brown can't do a lot.
Sit 'em: The return of Andre Ellington muddles the Arizona running game a lot; Chris Johnson and David Johnson were good while Ellington was out, but having Ellington back makes it almost impossible to determine who will get what touches. If you have the option, let them all sit for Week 4, see how things shake out and approach it again in Week 5. ... Michael Floyd and Jaron Brown are the forgotten men in the Arizona receiver group. ... Darren Fells had a monster Week 1, and has one point since.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: St. Louis defense, Carson Palmer, Larry Fitzgerald, Chandler Catanzaro, Arizona defense
Start if you're desperate: Kenny Britt, Greg Zuerlein, John Brown
Bench: Nick Foles, Todd Gurley, Tre Mason, Benny Cunningham, Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, Jared Cook, Andre Ellington, Chris Johnson, David Johnson, Michael Floyd, Jaron Brown, Darren Fells