NFL training camps are open, and for millions of people worldwide their fantasy football preparation has begun in earnest. Here at Sports World News we will break down all 32 NFL teams in terms of their fantasy value. Readers will find the must-own players in every format, the sleepers in specific formats, and hidden gems only necessary for those in very deep leagues.
Today's preview will be on the Atlanta Falcons. As always, average draft position (ADP) is pulled from FantasyPros.com.
Must Owns
Julio Jones, WR, (ADP: 18): Health is often a red flag for Julio Jones, but he has played in 15 games in two of the past three seasons and is a terror when he’s on the field. Last season he broke the 100-catch plateau for 1,539 yards and six touchdowns. At 6’4" and 220 pounds, he should only improve as a red zone weapon. Jones is the fifth WR off the board, but he’s got No. 1 upside. Don’t be afraid to snap him up early.
Matt Ryan, QB, (ADP: 60): Matt Ryan is consistent as gravity, and while there’s a comfort in that with him as your QB1, it’s also unexciting. He’s steady, has a big game here and there, but won’t win you a league. That may change this season; his offensive line will be healthier, and LT Jake Matthews can only improve. He also has Jones and Roddy White healthy again, so if everything comes together he may finally show his full potential.
Roddy White, WR, (ADP: 83): White is 33 and has missed time in each of the past two seasons, so his days as an elite WR1 are over. White was healthy down the stretch last year though, and his production was impressive. He averaged seven catches and 72 yards over the final three games of the year, and scored twice in his last four contests. His upside is high-end WR2 and he’s the 31st WR off the board, so there’s some value in the vet.
Devonta Freeman, RB, (ADP: 112): Freeman doesn’t have much of a track record, but he’s the veteran over rookie Tevin Coleman, and is saying stuff like this -- “My mentality is I don’t want to come off the field. I want to line up at receiver and have it still look natural. Catch the ball, run, block, do whatever it takes to win. I’ll play special teams. Whatever it takes.” He is a bit more versatile than Coleman at this point, and at least early on his experience should be valuable.
Tevin Coleman, RB, (ADP: 76): Right now Coleman is the guy getting picked way ahead of Freeman. He looks the part, he’s very fast, and the Falcons spent a third-rounder on him for a reason. But he’s already hurt in camp (so is Freeman), which is a big deal for rookies. Right now, Coleman is definitely being overdrafted.
Sleepers (Best Format)
Matt Bryant, K, (ADP: 188): The Falcons may or may not have a great offense in 2015. If everything pans out Bryant will be an excellent option.
Deep Finds (Best Format)
Antone Smith, RB, Standard, (ADP: N/A): Smith was Atlanta’s big play back last season before a serious injury cut his campaign short. Freeman and Coleman are well ahead of him now, but he proved last year he doesn’t need many carries to make an impact.
Jacob Tamme, TE, Standard, (ADP: N/A): Tamme is the first true pass-catching tight end the Falcons have had since Tony Gonzalez retired. He ain’t Tony G, but Tamme has great hands and may be surprising.
Tony Moeaki, TE, Standard, (ADP: N/A): Moeaki once looked very promising before he was derailed by injuries in Kansas City. Now, he’s third on the depth chart but has the most athletic upside at his position on the team.
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