RADIO
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
Atlanta D/ST a Low-End Streaming Option Against Bears
The Atlanta Falcons defense/special teams unit came into last week's contest allowing just 48.3 rush yards per game but ended up yielding a whopping 208 yards on the ground to the Ravens, with an additional 201 yards allowed through the air and three total touchdowns. On the bright side, for a unit that was having trouble getting to the quarterback and forcing turnovers, the Falcons recorded four sacks and recovered a fumble, which was returned for a touchdown in the contest. Unfortunately, the team will be without CB C.J. Henderson (groin), who leads the defense with 23 solo tackles and six passes defended while also logging one of the unit's four forced fumbles thus far. Also, with one of the highest over/unders on the slate this week (52.5), there is expected to be a lot of offense. Whether or not that means Caleb Williams will be under center for the Bears has yet to be determined, but it could mean there are more reliable options available to stream on the waiver wire. Atlanta is ranked as the No. 18 defense this week at RotoBaller.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Atlanta D/ST in Streaming Conversation Against Backup Quarterback
The Atlanta Falcons defense/special teams unit is allowing a stingy 48.3 rushing yards per game, which is best in the NFL, although it could be somewhat attributed to the fact that it is exploitable through the air, giving up almost 265 passing yards per game, which is third-worst. Even so, this week's matchup with the Ravens is not nearly as ominous as it could have been if Lamar Jackson (ankle) were under center; instead, Tyler Huntley will be starting at QB for Baltimore, putting the Atlanta defense in the streaming conversation for Week 5. However, without James Pearce Jr. (suspended) and Jalon Walker (knee), the Falcons have been unable to replicate their success in getting to the quarterback like they did last year, tallying just seven sacks through four games, with only one interception and two forced fumbles. The matchup against a backup QB is enticing, but the unit ranks as No. 20 overall at RotoBaller, so there are likely higher-upside options available on the wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons Defense Less Enticing Due to Key Pieces Missing
The Atlanta Falcons DEF/ST surprised last season with its ability to get to the quarterback, tallying 57 sacks, which was the second-highest total in the league, and produced the eighth-most turnovers (16 interceptions, seven fumble recoveries). Unfortunately, due to the suspension of James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker's (knee) ACL injury, the Atlanta defense has taken a hit early in 2026, with those two accounting for 16 of the team's sacks from a season ago. Nevertheless, Atlanta will take on Carolina in Week 2, helmed by Bryce Young who was sacked twice last week and threw an interception, with wide receivers also losing two fumbles. Despite the missing pieces on defense, the Falcons' Za'Darius Smith was able to record two sacks last week against the Steelers, so look for him to be active again in Week 2. All in all, the Falcons defense projects as a top-20 unit at RotoBaller, No. 19 specifically, but there are likely better options available for season-long and DFS managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Za'Darius Smith Expected to Play in Week 1 Against the Steelers
Atlanta Falcons pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith (shoulder) is expected to play in Sunday's Week 1 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had been listed as questionable, but it sounds like he should be able to suit up, barring a setback. Smith appeared in five games for the Philadelphia Eagles last season, amassing 10 tackles, three quarterback hits, and 1.5 sacks. He missed a portion of 2026 training camp due to a personal situation, but he's now ready to get back on the field and make his presence felt. This week, he'll be tasked with creating chaos in the offensive backfield for Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. That could be easier said than done, especially if the Falcons' defense can't stay off the field with the team entering as a 6.5-point underdog.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
