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Is Taylor Heinicke starting and playing this week? Should I start or sit Taylor Heinicke for fantasy football in Week 9? Read our start 'em, sit 'em picks.
The Atlanta Falcons made a change at quarterback this week, inserting Taylor Heinicke into the team's starting lineup. The veteran quarterback takes over for Desmond Ridder.
Will Heinicke play well in his new role with the Falcons? It's not clear if he's going to be the starter going forward yet or if it's just for this week.
Read on for analysis of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Taylor Heinicke heading into Week 9.
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Taylor Heinicke Fantasy Football Outlook
The Atlanta Falcons made a change at quarterback this week, opting to start Taylor Heinicke over Desmond Ridder. Heinicke came in in relief of Desmond Ridder last week, going 12-for-21 for 175 yards and a touchdown. He also added 14 rushing yards.
Heinicke entered the game when Ridder exited to be evaluated for a concussion. Ridder did not return to the contest despite being cleared from the concussion protocol.
Now, Heinicke is set to make his first start of the 2023 NFL season against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. His last start was in Week 16 last season for the Commanders, when he was 13-for-18 for 166 yards with two touchdowns and an interception in a loss to the 49ers.
Should I Start Taylor Heinicke in Week 9?
Heinicke has a higher floor as a passer than Ridder. Last season, he threw 12 touchdown passes in nine games with the Commanders. He was picked off six times. Heinicke also added 96 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown last season as well.
Overall though, he provides more of a boost to the fantasy outlook of Atlanta's skill position players than he does for the quarterback position in Atlanta. Heinicke's a fine player, but it's hard to expect him to be more than a mid-range QB2 play.
As mentioned above, the biggest boost here comes for the skill position players. Drake London and Kyle Pitts should both see higher-value targets with Heinicke under center, increasing the fantasy ceiling of both players. That's really the biggest fantasy football implications of the Falcons' decision to make a change at QB.
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