Fantasy Football Focus: Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons have the potential to be the worst team in terms of fantasy production this season. They are a team that is currently rebuilding at almost every position, and they're coming off of a 4-12 season.

The offensive line is shaky at best, the defense is one of the worst in the league, and all of their hopes have been put in young unproven players like Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, and Roddy White. So what do they have to offer for fantasy owners?

Let's see.

QB

Chris Redman/Matt Ryan 

Redman will most likely be the starter at the beginning of the season. It is just as likely that he is only holding Ryan's place behind center. Neither of them has any real experience, but Redman will get the inside track because of his relative success at the end of last year.

No matter who starts, you won't want to come near them unless you are absolutely desperate for a backup quarterback in a 12-team league. Stay away this year.

RB

Michael Turner/Jerious Norwood

If you are going to find fantasy value in Atlanta, it will be in the backfield. That said, don't overestimate Turner's talent. He has been a career backup and has only run behind a solid offensive line with low expectations. The expectations are way higher and the offensive line is way worse.

On the bright side, he most likely won't fumble the ball often. He has only fumbled twice on 228 carries.

Norwood was bumped to third-down duties with the arrival of Turner, which actually may be a better fit for him. He catches the ball out of the backfield very well (28 receptions for 277 yards). Little fantasy value though, as Turner is the more powerful back and will get most of the goal-line touches.

WR/TE

Roddy White/Laurent Robinson/Martrez Milner

White is an interesting option. He should be solid No. 2 or three receiver on any fantasy team because, let's face it, someone has to catch the passes right? White is a great deep threat, and teams that are down a lot like to throw the ball a lot.

Look for him to produce in the second half of games, while his team is playing catch-up. One more thing: He had a 14.5 YPC average last year (lowest in his career). Do you know who else had that average? Reggie Wayne. Just something to think about.

Robinson could emerge as the second receiver. If he does, look for him to use his 4.38 speed to get open a few times a game. He won't be consistent, but there may be games where he looks good. Wait and see, but don't draft.

Milner may have 4.65 speed and plenty of athleticism, but he has never been considered as an offensive target and has a reputation for dropping the ball. I don't see any of that changing this year. Little to no fantasy value here.

K

Jason Elam

Big name, small stats. Elam is years removed from his 63-yard field goals, but he is still automatic from inside of 40 yards (37/37 over the last two years). Too bad this offense probably won't be getting him in that range too much this year.

DEF/ST

I will say this once. Do not come anywhere near this defense. They were not good last year, and have since lost their best player to the Raiders (DeAngelo Hall). Michael Boley is the lone bright spot, but he can't do it all. Fellow linebacker Keith Brooking is past his prime and hasn't forced a turnover in two years now. Their return game isn't anything special, so don't look for some kind of silver lining there.

Top Five Atlanta Falcons Fantasy players

1. Michael Turner

2. Roddy White

3. Jerious Norwood

4. Matt Ryan

5. Laurent Robinson

Bye Week: 7