Atlanta Falcons Fantasy Football: Who to Start and Who to Sit

Sunday the Atlanta Falcons will face the Houston Texans in a match-up that fantasy owners across the country will be watching carefully. 

Over the last four seasons, several Falcons starters have found themselves owned in nearly every fantasy football league.

This week, they will face the Houston Texans who have the NFL's top defense.  Here are some Falcons players you will want to start, and some you will want to give the week off.

Tony Gonzalez: Sit Him

Tony Gonzalez has been a great start for fantasy owners the last four weeks, averaging over 10 points per game.  This week, however, he's going against the Texans defense which has held opposing tight ends an average of 4.71 points per game.  They have not allowed an opposing tight end to score a touchdown since Week 7.

Michael Turner: Start Him

Despite Houston having the fifth ranked rush defense in the NFL, they are giving up an average up 13.9 fantasy points a week to running backs.  With Michael Turner carrying most of the load for Atlanta, he'll be in position to earn those points.  Also, despite the Texans ranking, they're giving up 4.2 yards per carry this season.

Matt Ryan: Sit Him If You Can, Start Him If You Have to

Matt Ryan's fantasy owners have enjoyed this past month as he has put together arguably his best four game stretch of his career.  This week, he will be going against the send stingiest defense in the NFL for fantasy quarterbacks. 

The Texans are holding opposing quarterbacks to an average of 10.15 points a week.  Although Ryan has been hot, if you have a better match-up, take it.

Julio Jones: Sit Him

Unless you just have absolutely no one else, sit Julio this week.  After a huge game against the Indianapolis Colts, he reaggravated his hamstring against the Saints. Due to his injury, he was out against the Titans and then had only one pass thrown his way against the Vikings. 

Atlanta Falcons Defense: Start Them

The Atlanta Falcons defense is quietly ranked ninth in the NFL this season.  With the Texans starting rookie T.J. Yates at quarterback, their offensive focus will more than likely be with their run game.  Although Houston's rush offense is their strong suit, Atlanta has been phenomenal against the run this season. 

They're second best in the NFL, holding opposing running backs to just 13.14 fantasy points per week.  To top things, the Falcons have not allowed an opposing running back to run for 100 yards all season. 

Roddy White: Must Start

Over the last four weeks, Roddy White has been playing amazing football.  He has averaged over 100 yards a game during that span.  Since White has seemingly regained last year's form, he will unquestionably be Matt Ryan's go-to-guy come Sunday. 

Houston is allowing opposing receivers an average of 18.24 fantasy points per game, most of which will likely come from Roddy White.