St. Louis, Arizona defenses taking the fantasy fun out of primetime

When Thursday's game kicks off, it will have been 18 days since the St. Louis Rams allowed a point to an opponent. The Rams hammered Washington 24-0 on Sunday, and they eviscerated Oakland 52-0 the week before. Arizona, of course, is no pushover, either. The Cards defense is allowing just 18.3 points per game, the third-lowest number in the league.

The NFL is full of surprises each week, but it would really be a shocker if this week's Thursday tilt became a shootout. Fantasy owners shouldn't expect massive contributions from any skill player on the field. Rams rookie running back Tre Mason has proven his worth in tough spots before, so he's on the approved list. But that's pretty much it. Start Tre, start the defenses, and leave everyone else alone ... well, except maybe Jared Cook. He always feels like a fantasy dice-roll, true, but Arizona has given up the most receiving yards to opposing tight ends this season (and last). Cook's matchup works, and he's coming off a two-touchdown game against Washington. If you're tempted to start him, we'll look the other way.