Falcons Post-Week 3 Fantasy Outlook
By Adnan Ikic
2. Julio Jones
Fantasy Disappointment of the Day: Julio Jones (1 catch, 16 yards, 0 touchdowns: 1.60 points)
Who would have thought that the Atlanta Falcons offense would put up 38 points, and that Julio Jones would be held to just 1 catch for 16 yards throughout proceedings.
Despite the lack of production on the stat sheet, Jones was an integral part of Atlanta’s explosion on Monday Night — drawing double coverage and acting as a great decoy, as Matt Ryan made the Saints pay for giving him so much attention. Fantasy owners won’t take too much solace in that, however, as being a great decoy doesn’t help their team.
Jones was inches away from a touchdown in the second quarter, as he caught the football in the endzone, but with his right foot just grazing the white turf which signifies out of bounds.
Analysis: The Alabama alum had a team high seven targets, and three inside the red-zone. He only managed one catch, much to the chagrin of fantasy owners. The good news is that Julio escaped this game without having picked up any new injuries, or aggravating old ones.
The three red-zone targets (including two from within New Orleans’ 5-yard line) are encouraging. There were some endzone fades thrown, and a few play-calls specifically designed to take advantage of Jones’ physical superiority against the corner — something seldom seen last season. If that type of play-calling continues in the red-zone then expect Jones to easily surpass his touchdown total from last year.
Julio Jones will be a strong WR1 option against Carolina’s inexperienced secondary next week.