Cardinals going 4-3 in base D

New Cardinals HC Steve Wilks confirmed Tuesday his team will be switching to a 4-3 base defense this season, according to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic. Wilks reportedly said a key factor in the change is allowing edge guys Chandler Jones and Markus Golden to rush the passer every down. That's the big news here for IDP owners as well. The switch should mean that we'll get DE designations for Jones and Golden in fantasy football leagues in 2018, which would dramatically increase their value. Jones, of course, led the NFL with 17 sacks last season and is no secret as a top pass rusher. Golden much more quietly racked up 12.5 sacks, 16 total tackles for loss and 22 total QB hits in 2016 before missing most of last season with a torn right ACL. He'll be a solid shot to take late in IDP drafts this summer -- especially if he gets that DL designation.

Cardinals S Jalen Thompson (toe) and DE J.J. Watt (calf) are active for today's game against the Raiders. It'll be Watt's season debut, making him a risky option. Thompson should be fine to use as planned, though we'll see whether he's limited at all.

Cardinals LB Haason Reddick (shoulder) and CB Dre Kirkpatrick (hamstring, calf) are questionable for Saturday's game against the 49ers. Reddick missed Tuesday's practice but returned for limited workouts the next 2 days. Kirkpatrick missed all 3 days of practice and doesn't appear worth trusting even if he's active.

Cardinals LB De'Vondre Campbell (ankle) and LB Isaiah Simmons (neck, back) are active for today's game against the Giants. Both guys entered the day questionable. Campbell didn't practice this week, so he certainly doesn't pop as a safe play for IDP lineups. Simmons has remained behind Campbell in playing time, so Campbell's presence makes him a weak IDP bet as well.

Cardinals LB De'Vondre Campbell (ankle) and LB Isaiah Simmons (neck, back) are questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants. Campbell missed practice all week and should not be in IDP lineups. Simmons sustained his injury during the practice week, missing Thursday and then putting in a limited Friday workout. he'll be a risky IDP option even if Campbell is inactive.

The Cardinals have placed OLB Devon Kennard and CB Byron Murphy on the COVID list. That likely means both guys will be out for at least this week and probably another game beyond that. The absences shouldn't make a big impact on IDP lineups or the Arizona team defense. We'll see how soon they return.