Fantasy Five: Fantasy Football Picks for the Cardinals and Buccaneers, Week 4

Aug 8, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback

(8) throws the ball during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to the fourth installment of our fantasy football picks for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their opponents this season. The Buccaneers will be led by Mike Glennon when they take on the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, which instantly seems like a fantasy football wasteland given the talent remaining on these two teams.

But let’s just say you want to use some players from this game in your fantasy lineup. Here’s your five best picks, in order.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defense and Special Teams

Sure, they’re not the one facing the rookie quarterback, but they’re the defense near the top of the league in sacks facing a less-than-elite offensive line and a slow quarterback. And with Darrelle Revis (hopefully) following his fellow Pitt Panther Larry Fitzgerald around the formation and locking him down, the Cardinals run out of viable options on offense really quickly. Tight end Rob Housler has “potential” that has yet to be realized, and Michael Floyd and Andre Roberts are really nothing special. And with no running game to worry about, the Bucs should hold the Cardinals to a low point total with some sacks and possibly a few turnovers.

2. Arizona Cardinals Defense and Special Teams

If Vincent Jackson and/or Mike Williams fail to appear in this game, it will get ugly for the Bucs’ offense. The Arizona run defense is decent, and if Mike Glennon has no one to throw to they can stack the box and force Glennon to throw the ball. He’s going to struggle with the talented Patrick Peterson looking to redeem himself after a shaky start to the season. No to mention the same Peterson is one of the best kick and punt returners in the league, and has the chance to take one to the house for points for your fantasy team.

3. Vincent Jackson, if he plays

If Vincent Jackson plays for the Buccaneers on Sunday, he is more than likely going to be force-fed the football from rookie starter Mike Glennon. Jackson is the best receiver the Buccaneers have, and arguably the most important player on offense. If he’s healthy, you’ve got to use him, but don’t be surprised if he is let down by his new starting QB.

4. Michael Floyd

Yes, I’ve already said that Floyd is nothing special, but that won’t stop him from finding the “Not Darrelle Revis” open space against the Buccaneers’ defense. Don’t expect a huge game from him, but we’re honestly running out of options for viable fantasy players this week. If the Cardinals score a touchdown through the air, he’s likely the target with Revis blanketing Fitzgerald.

5. Doug Martin

Just like Week 1, when Martin managed to salvage a decent game despite poor per-carry numbers, the Bucs’ running back should be able to grind out an okay day against the Cardinals. He’s likely going to be the focal point of the offense, which the Cardinals will realize and work to counter. But he can still get positive yards, and if he remembers how to catch he’ll be a safety blanket for young Mike Glennon.