RADIO
Jahan Dotson Worth Streaming in Deep Setups in Week 9
Atlanta wide receiver Jahan Dotson has quietly produced solid stat lines over the past several games, but he still is a better deep-league option for his Week 9 matchup against the Bengals. Doton has 54 or more yards in four of his past five contests played - he has two touchdown grabs in that stretch. He's been a big-play threat, with just 10 catches over those five contests, so he's a boom-or-bust fantasy asset. Dotson has 14 receptions for 337 yards and two touchdowns across his 31 targets on the season overall. His matchup against Cincinnati is slightly above average, so he's got a solid outlook ahead. He's a much more confident option in deeper leagues but has done enough lately to earn a few more starts for Week 9.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Michael Penix Jr. a Deep-League Streaming Option in Week 9
Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. remains a deep-league fantasy starting option for the team's Week 9 test against the Bengals. He struggled in Week 8 against Tampa Bay, completing just 8-of-24 passes for 125 yards. Penix didn't throw a touchdown and was picked off four times. He had 11 rushing yards on five attempts. There were wet and sloppy conditions in that contest, which certainly impacted the passing game and Penix's play. The QB had thrown seven touchdowns to no interceptions in the previous three games combined, so he'll be looking to bounce back this week. Cincinnati is a pretty average matchup for Penix, which keeps him as a deep-league streaming option, even after last week's disastrous showing.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Brian Robinson Limited on Falcons Estimated Injury Report Wednesday
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Robinson (hamstring) was listed as limited on Wednesday's estimated injury report. The team held a walkthrough after arriving in Madrid for Sunday's Week 9 matchup against Cincinnati. Robinson has missed two straight games and did not practice last week. He has rushed for 211 yards and four touchdowns on 53 carries this season while serving as Bijan Robinson's backup. Khalil Herbert has handled backup duties during his absence. If Robinson returns, he could reclaim short-yardage opportunities, although his limited workload makes him touchdown-dependent for fantasy purposes. His status over the next two days should provide more clarity on his availability.
Source: Tori McElhaney
Source: Tori McElhaney
Zachariah Branch Won't Play in Week 9
Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Monday that rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch (hamstring) will not play on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9, according to Daniel Flick of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Branch was not targeted at all in the team's Week 8 shutout loss to the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday before injuring his hamstring, and he could be facing a multi-week absence. The 22-year-old third-rounder from Georgia has had a minimal role in the Falcons' offense so far in his first year in the NFL, catching only 10 of his 12 targets for 64 yards and no touchdowns. Branch has speed to spare and is shifty in open space, but barring injuries to the rest of the team's WR corps, he will be fighting an uphill battle for playing time when he returns from his hamstring injury. Branch's next chance to return for Atlanta will be in Week 10 at home against the Kansas City Chiefs. He should only be stashed in dynasty/keeper leagues for now.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Daniel Flick
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Daniel Flick
Kyle Pitts Sr. Slowed Down in Week 8 Shutout Loss
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. was unable to keep his touchdown streak alive during the Week 8 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Coming into this game, Pitts had found the end zone in three straight games, but the Bucs defense held Pitts in check on Sunday. Pitts hauled in two of his five targets for six yards during the Week 8 loss. This was a nightmare game for the entire Falcons offense as they were unable to score on Sunday. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. completed only eight passes and threw four interceptions. Fantasy managers can expect better results from Pitts next weekend, considering it's almost impossible to do worse than six receiving yards. He should rebound against the inconsistent Cincinnati Bengals defense in Week 9.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Drake London a Major Bust in Shutout Loss
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London caught just one of six targets for eight yards as his team suffered an ugly 16-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 8. It was London's most unproductive game since Week 1, when he caught just two passes for 29 yards in a season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. London was expected to be targeted heavily in Week 8, but Sunday was an overall bad fantasy sports day for Atlanta as Michael Penix Jr. completed just eight passes for 125 yards and threw four interceptions. The Falcons will aim for a massive rebound in Week 9 against a 21st-ranked Cincinnati Bengals defense, but that won't erase London's bust performance after he entered Sunday considered a low-end WR1.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Bijan Robinson a Major Disappointment in Week 8
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson was held to a season-low 19 carries for 76 yards as his team got shut out 16-0 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 8. There was a chance Robinson would run into trouble against a stout Bucs run defense, but there was hope since he has shown he can muscle past even the toughest defenses. It was an all-around disappointing day for fantasy managers leaning on the Falcons, as Michael Penix Jr. completed just eight of 24 passes for 125 yards and threw a whopping four interceptions. Meanwhile, Baker Mayfield didn't complete a single pass as running back Bucky Irving scored the only points for Tampa Bay with kicker Chase McLaughlin. Robinson has the opportunity to rebound in Week 9 when the Falcons face a less sturdy Bengals defense.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Zachariah Branch Ruled Out With Hamstring Injury
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Zachariah Branch (hamstring) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's Week 8 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The rookie exited in the first half and was initially listed as doubtful to return, according to Josh Kendall. Branch has primarily contributed on special teams this season, with a limited role in Atlanta's passing attack. His absence leaves the Falcons without one of their primary return specialists, although the injury is unlikely to have a significant impact on most fantasy lineups outside leagues that award return yardage.
Source: Josh Kendall
Source: Josh Kendall
Khalil Herbert a Low-End Flex Play with Low Floor
Atlanta Falcons running back Khalil Herbert will operate as the team's No. 2 running back again this week after Brian Robinson (hamstring) was ruled out for the second straight game. Herbert was brought up from the practice squad last week and carried the ball twice for nine yards while adding one catch for 19 yards. With another week of practice under his belt, the Virginia Tech product should see an uptick in usage so that Bijan Robinson gets a few more breathers after handling 25 touches last week. Herbert could struggle to have success, though, as Week 8 brings a road matchup against a stout Tampa Bay run defense that is second-best in the NFL in terms of limiting fantasy points to opposing rushers, holding opponents to a measly 77.3 yards per game on the ground and just three touchdowns . As such, the sixth-year pro is a dicey low-floor, low-ceiling RB4/Flex option this week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Atlanta D/ST Trending Up Heading into Matchup Versus Bucs
The Atlanta Falcons defense/special teams unit rose to the occasion in Week 7, recording two interceptions, recovering two fumbles, and notching two sacks in their impressive win over the 49ers. Week 8 brings an intriguing road matchup against the Buccaneers, who have allowed the third-most sacks so far this season (22) and ceded 11 turnovers (four fumbles lost, seven interceptions), which is tied for fifth-most. While Atlanta hasn't been particularly great at forcing turnovers or getting to the quarterback, they haven't been bad either, and, even though there are some questionable tags, for the most part they are a healthy unit heading into Week 8. The Falcons could be a defense on the upswing, and their ranking at RotoBaller this week reflects that, checking in as the No. 11 defense overall in Week 8, so they are solidly in the streaming conversation in this upcoming divisional matchup.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Nick Folk Kicks His Way into Streaming Pool in Week 8
Atlanta Falcons kicker Nick Folk was a perfect 3-for-3 on field goal attempts last week, though he missed his first extra point of the season, going 2-for-3 in Week 7. Over the last five weeks, the veteran is 9-for-9 on field goal tries, although none have been 50-plus yarders, with the average coming in at a meager 34 yards during that span. With the Atlanta offense looking more competent and scoring more points with Michael Penix Jr. under center, there should continue to be opportunities for Folk to put up points. The 41-year-old is a worthy streamer again in Week 8 against the Buccaneers, a defense that has the ability to stall drives before reaching the end zone, but there might be better options in leagues that reward extra points for longer kicks.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jahan Dotson a Touchdown-Dependent Flex Play in Week 8
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Jahan Dotson disappointed in Week 7, notching just one catch (three targets) for six yards after a solid three-game stretch that saw him average over two catches and 65 yards per game while recording a pair of touchdown catches over that span. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. targeted 10 different receivers in last week's contest, so there were likely going to be some underwhelming performances from players not named Drake London, Kyle Pitts Sr, and Bijan Robinson. Still, the Penn State product had the highest average depth of target on the team (19 yards), which has been the case all season (16.9 yards), so he's always a home run threat. Week 8 brings a touch matchup against the Buccaneers, a defense that has been good against the pass, holding opposing WRs to the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game, yielding just five touchdown receptions to opposing wideouts through seven contests. It all makes the 26-year-old a boom/bust WR5/Flex in Week 8.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyle Pitts Sr. Carries Momentum into Favorable Week 8 Matchup
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. brings plenty of steam into Week 8's road matchup against the Buccaneers after logging five catches and at least one touchdown in three straight games. He's averaging just 41 yards receiving per game over that stretch, but the 6-foot-6 tight end is a big red zone target, and he could keep on rolling this week in a favorable matchup. Though Tampa has been stout against the run and has limited production to wide receivers, the one spot where they've been vulnerable is to the tight end position. The Buccaneers are allowing the eighth-most fantasy points per game to opposing TEs, including five touchdowns thus far (tied for fourth-most) and 62 receiving yards per game. Pitts' 5.03 ADOT is one of the lowest in the league among TEs with at least 25 targets, so the yardage totals may not be there, which may be why he ranks outside the top 12 this week at RotoBaller (TE14), but the recent touchdown momentum gives the 26-year-old weekly upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Drake London a Reliable Target-Heavy WR1 Against Bucs
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London tallied 10-plus targets in Week 7 for the fourth time in the last five games, making him the team's clear-cut No. 1 option at receiver. The former first-rounder caught seven passes for 66 yards and finally found the end zone for the first time this season. Week 8 brings an interesting challenge with a road matchup against Tampa Bay, one of the most formidable units against the run; however, they've also been good against the pass, holding opposing WRs to the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game, yielding just five touchdown receptions to opposing wideouts through seven contests. Regardless, expect the fifth-year pro to get his regular high dosage of targets in Week 8, which sets him up as a low-end WR1 in half-point PPR leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bijan Robinson an Elite Workhorse RB1 Despite Tough Matchup
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson carried the load last week with fellow running back Brian Robinson (hamstring) unavailable, recording 20 carries compared to Khalil Herbert's two, racking up over 100 yards from scrimmage (63 rushing, 59 receiving) for the fifth time in seven games. Week 8 brings a tough challenge for the two-time Pro Bowler against a Tampa Bay rush defense that is second-best in the NFL in terms of limiting fantasy points to opposing rushers, holding opponents to a measly 77.3 yards per game on the ground and just three touchdowns (zero receiving TDs to RBs). Even so, the fourth-year pro has proven he can have success against even the stoutest defenses, making him an every-week RB1. He ranks as the No. 1 overall RB at RotoBaller this week, though the Tampa defense may make him a fade in DFS given his salary.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
