After reaching the 2012 NFC championship game, the Atlanta Falcons were looking to kick-on and advance to the Superbowl in 2013. Poor results and injuries to key players left those dreams in tatters, and the Falcons finished the 2013 season with a dismal 4-12 record. In 2014 the Falcons will be looking to bounce back and be once again challenging for playoff football at the top of the NFC South.
Atlanta Falcons Fantasy Outlook
Quarterback
Matt Ryan had a solid fantasy season in 2013. Despite injuries to key receivers, Julio Jones and Roddy White, Ryan still threw for over 4500 yards and 26 touchdowns. The flip side of that is Ryan threw 17 interceptions, was sacked 44 times and fumbled the ball 5 times. The Falcons front office have made off season moves to address the issues on the Offensive Line in order to help Ryan stay upright, by signing Jon Asamoah and drafting Jake Matthews. With healthy receivers Ryan should be on for another solid season and worth a starting spot as a top 10 Fantasy QB. The signing of Houston Texans QB T.J. Yates as Ryan’s back up will have no fantasy relevance unless Ryan were to be injured.
Running Backs
Atlanta’s backfield this year could be a 3 way committee. Steven Jackson followed up his move from St Louis Rams with a 500 yard season. Taking into account the games he missed through injury that is still a decrease in production from his time with the Rams. Turning 31 before the season starts Jackson’s decrease in production could be an effect of age rather than just injury. If Jackson does struggle it could lead to opportunities for either Jacquizz Rodgers or Rookie Devonta Freeman. Freeman could well be a sleeper and the 4th round pick could win the starting job if he impresses through training camp. Rodgers ability in the passing game will give him some value but not above a bye week replacement.
Receivers
Atlanta have two top receivers in Julio Jones and Roddy White and both are viable fantasy players to target if they can remain healthy. Jones is a top 10 receiver in all formats when healthy and will probably go in the 2nd or 3rd round in most fantasy drafts. If he can prove his durability during training camp he should have a very strong 2014. White may not quite be as strong as he once was but is still a top 20 receiver and a very solid WR2. Harry Douglas had a productive 2013 in the absence of Jones and White, breaking the 1000 yard mark, however expect a drop in production in 2014 with the return of Atlanta’s starting pair leaving Douglas as a bye week option at best.
Tight Ends
The retirement of Tony Gonzalez has left a huge hole to fill. Gonzalez ranked third among tight-ends in fantasy a year ago. The frontrunner to replace Gonzalez is sophomore Levine Toilolo, who made little impact on the stat sheet in 2013 but could get some opportunities should defenses focus too much on wide outs Jones and White. Toilolo could be a sleeper, however there are much better fantasy tight-end options available.
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