There are few teams in the NFL that can produce offense like the Atlanta Falcons. With a plethora of weapons on offense, and the addition of free- agent running back Steven Jackson, the Falcons should be seen as a gold-mine for fantasy owners. So what players should stand out this season?
Matt Ryan, Quarterback:
Ever since entering the league in 2008, Ryan has been one of the league’s best quarterbacks. While many may argue he has not earned the ‘elite’ status yet, I believe this could be the year where Ryan shows what a true force he has become. Having another year to work with pass-catchers Roddy White, Julio Jones, and Tony Gonzalez, Ryan should break into the top- five fantasy quarterbacks. If the Falcons can keep him upright, I expect this to be a record year for Ryan.
2013 Stat Projection: 4,800 yards passing, 38 passing touchdowns, 13 interceptions
Steven Jackson, Running Back:
It is nice to see Jackson finally out of St. Louis. While his career may be winding down, there should still be plenty of fantasy value in Jackson, especially on a team with as many weapons as the Falcons. Even though Jackson should put together a nice season in Atlanta, he should only be seen as a no. two fantasy back, with most of his value coming from his red-zone touches. Unless a fantasy owner over-values Jackson, expect him to be available in the middle rounds of all drafts.
2013 Stat Projection: 205 rushing attempts, 1,150 yards rushing, 8 rushing touchdowns
Julio Jones, Wide Receiver:
Jones had some amazing touchdown receptions in the playoffs last season. His chemistry with quarterback is only getting better, and coming into his third full season in the league, I expect Jones to put more distance between his fantasy value and Roddy White’s. Both White and Jones will be top fantasy wide receivers this season, but if you have to choose between the two, take Jones every time. The sky is truly the limit for this third year player.
2013 Stat Projection: 90 receptions, 1,250 yards receiving, 11 receiving touchdowns
Final Thoughts:
Ryan should be one of the top quarterbacks taken this coming season, and I expect him to produce as such. Jackson will be one of the best no. two running backs in the league, and will be a great compliment to all fantasy rosters. Receivers Jones and White will both be top wide receivers, but I think this year Jones truly separates himself from White in fantasy value. Tony Gonzalez provides Ryan with another great weapon on offense, and I expect Gonzalez to continue to be a top- five fantasy tight end. Ryan should be extremely thankful the Falcons were able to talk him into one more season, as should fantasy owners who can get their hands on their hands on Gonzalez. Jacquizz Rodgers will be a nice compliment to Jackson in the backfield, but he should not provide much fantasy value in 2013, and if he does I doubt it will be more than as a flex option. A sleeper option for the 2013 Falcons could be rookie tight end, Levine Toilolo, however, I would not spend a pick on him in the draft.