Fantasy Scouting Report: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcoholic is drunk on Falcons fantasy advice.

QB Matt Ryan – Against a decent but not stellar Panthers defense, Ryan should build on a successful Week 1. With so many targets to throw to and Michael Turner much more likely to do some damage on the ground, expect better than 200 yards and perhaps 2 TDs from the Falcons’ budding franchise quarterback.

RB Michael Turner – Bottled up by the Dolphins last week, Turner was a fantasy disappointment for many owners. The Panthers’ don’t have the front four they used to and will struggle at times to contain the human bowling ball, who isn’t guaranteed a huge game but should score as the Falcons re-establish the running game. Don’t expect fellow RB Jerious Norwood to steal many carries.

WR Roddy White - Another Falcon who had a poor week, White suffered from drops and poor timing with Matt Ryan. Those shouldn’t be lingering issues, but TE Tony Gonzalez will steal a few targets and Michael Turner will be getting the ball plenty. He’d make a nice WR2 in most leagues regardless, but don’t count on him for WR1 numbers if you have a better option for this week only.

Falcons Defense – Stay away this week. Panthers QB Jake Delhomme will be looking to right the ship after a nearly useless week against the Eagles and will look to Steve Smith often against an unproven Atlanta secondary. The front seven looks very good and may make life difficult for Delhomme, but RB DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart could get untracked and cause problems. Out of an abundance of caution, I’d suggest a more consistent option.

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