Falcons Post-Week 1 Fantasy Outlook

Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) carries the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jude Adjei-Barimah (38) tackles in the third quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. The Buccaneers won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) carries the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jude Adjei-Barimah (38) tackles in the third quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. The Buccaneers won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Jacob Tamme (83) is introduced before a game against the Washington Redskins at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Jacob Tamme (83) is introduced before a game against the Washington Redskins at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

6. The Other Guys

Jacob Tamme (6 catches, 51 yards: 5.1 points)

Tamme led all pass catchers in receptions, and totaled a respectable 5.1 fantasy points (well, respectable for a tight end), and just missed out on a first half touchdown, after he was stopped half a yard short of the goal line.

Due to the presence of so many weapons in the passing game, Tamme shouldn’t be considered as anything more than a low-end TE 2. Only start him as a bye week fill-in, or in a case of an emergency.

Austin Hooper; Patrick DiMarco; Justin Hardy: 3 catches combined, 22 receiving yards combined, 0 touchdowns: 2.2 points combined)

Move along, nothing to see here.

Ole Reliable: Matt Bryant (1 PAT, 1 20-29, 2 30-39: 10 points)

Matt Bryant did his job went called upon, converting on all four of his kicks.

Bryant didn’t have a laborious afternoon: his field goal long on the day was only 34 yards, but he can only do what’s asked of him.

The long time Falcons kicker would have had an opportunity for a 50+ yarder, but a Chris Chester unsportsmanlike conduct penalty pushed the birds out of FG range.

Analysis: Bryant is the kicker for an explosive offense which has a history of red zone problems: this is the dream for an owner of a fantasy football kicker.

Bryant deserves to be rostered in every fantasy league, as he could push for a spot in the top 10, provided his quad doesn’t give him any more trouble. It’s kind of ridiculous that the Baylor product is owned in just 8.7% of NFL.com fantasy leagues.
The Defense, Yuck (0 sacks, 1 interception, 31 points allowed: 1.0 points)

Jameis Winston and the Bucs offense walked all over the Falcons defense: putting up 31 points.

Winston had 281 passing yards and 4 passing touchdowns. Multiple times Atlanta defenders were  beaten on big plays. Rock bottom was when Charles Sims scored a touchdown before the half that he had no business scoring, but did anyway because of some pathetic tackling (4 or 5 missed tackles on that one play)

Desmond Trufant’s interception was the lone bright spot of the day. He did it without the help of a pass rush – something that was lacking all game.

Analysis: The Atlanta defense does not deserve to be rostered. With the upcoming schedule featuring games against the Raiders, Saints, and Panthers – all explosive offenses – the Falcons defense figures to have a difficult time.