Each week, AtlantaFalcons.com will list the Falcons' key starters with their projected fantasy football points. With the Falcons taking each week one game at a time, you may be in the same spot in your league. So take a deep breath, relax and look at this week's fantasy football point projections below:
Quarterback: Matt Ryan
Comments: Following his five-interception game against the Cardinals in 2012, Ryan went on to face another NFC South rival in the Buccaneers. He completed 26-of-32 passes for 353 yards, one touchdown and one interception. This week he will be facing a strong Carolina defense that is eager to disrupt the Falcons offense. Ryan, by the numbers, is a great bounce-back quarterback and should have a strong game against Carolina. START HIM
Running Back: Steven Jackson
Comments: Let me start by saying that Jackson isn't a player that you drop despite his lack of fantasy points up to this week. Keeping Jackson on your roster as a RB3 is a valid option and he is also great trade value if you're looking to fill another spot. With Ryan not having Julio Jones or Roddy White on the field, defenses are looking to keep explosive run plays down to a minimum. That means Jackson may not stack up points for your team. Also of note, the Panthers have surrendered the third-fewest fantasy points to runners at home. This may not be the week to keep Jackson as a starter. SIT HIM
Wide Receiver: Harry Douglas
Comments: Douglas has continued to show up every week and deliver fairly high fantasy points. He is a strong WR1 that you should start in your league. With defenses targeting Tony Gonzalez, it's given Douglas the chance to take advantage of his opportunity. Not only does he catch the ball, but he's got good yards after the catch. With Carolina's Captain Munnerlyn not surrending a touchdown all season, it's going to make for a challenging day for Douglas, if that's who is covering him. I still expect him to shine, make plays and score points. START HIM
Tight End:Tony Gonzalez
Comments: Defenses are targeting Gonzalez heavy now that QB Matt Ryan doesn't have WRs Julio Jones or Roddy White on the field. That has resulted in his fantasy numbers to dwindle. Gonzalez has recorded fewer than 85 yards in 10 straight games against the Panthers and just one touchdown in six career road games in Carolina. Despite this happening, Gonzalez is still a strong TE1 that will be a target for Ryan in the red zone, but err on the side of caution. COIN TOSS
Kicker:Matt Bryant
Comments: The Falcons may have struggled on offense against the Cardinals, but Bryant still got two field goal attempts. While Carolina has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to kickers at home, Bryant is 11-for-12 on field goals and 19-for-19 on extra points. It doesn't get more clutch than that. COIN TOSS
Defense/Special Teams: Atlanta Falcons
Comments: The Falcons defense struggled last week against the Cardinals, allowing RB Andre Ellington to have a breakout game. They have surrendered 16 passing touchdowns through seven games. Cam Newton is a dual threat and makes it hard for any team to defend. With the way Newton continues to get better by the week, this may not be the best week to start the Falcons defense. SIT THEM
