32 Fantasy Previews: Atlanta Falcons

We roll through our Previews right on into Atlanta to check out what could be a high-flying Falcons offense.

Matt Ryan

There are so many people saying you should wait on your quarterback this season. Matt Ryan is one the biggest reasons why.

Matt Ryan is coming off two consecutive 8th-place finishes in QB scoring, including his first-ever 4,000 yard passing season.

I firmly believe this is the year Ryan takes that step toward the elite group of fantasy QBs. Atlanta has pretty much come out and said this team will throw more than before and may even throw in some no-huddle work, opening up the playbook and the offense for Ryan.

I'm looking for Ryan to crack at least 4,500 yards and 30-35 TDs.

Ryan is currently the 10th QB off the board, going in the middle of Round 6. I think that is extremely great value, as Ryan has what it takes to be a top 5 QB. I wouldn't be afraid to take him in Round 4 or 5.

Michael Turner

Lately, we have been entering our drafts wondering if this is the year Michael Turner breaks down. Lately, Turner has proved us wrong. Turner posted over 1,500 total yards, including 1,340 rushing, and 11 total touchdowns, good for a 6th-place finish among RBs.

However, Turner has received 300+ carries in 3 of the last 4 season, and he was injured in that remaining season.

This could be the year the Burner starts burning out.

With Atlanta moving to a more pass-based offense, and the rise of Jacquizz Rodgers (and Jason Snelling still in the mix, as well), Turner's numbers could start to dive a bit. He's not that bad an option in standard leagues, but in PPR, his value takes quite a hit.

Turner is not a back that normally catches passes, only catching 17 last season.

And this is reflected in mock drafts, as he is currently the 21st RB off the board, averaging end of Round 5.

Turner's days as a Fantasy RB1 are over.

I think Rodgers gets more playing time in this offense and could be a deep sleeper in PPR leagues.

Roddy White

Ol' Reliable Roddy White has consistently produced top numbers year in and year out.

In 2011, White was one of only two WRs to catch 100 balls. He finished with 100 catches, 1,296 yards and 8 touchdowns. White was also the most-targeted WR in 2011, receiving 181 targets.

However, White also led the league with 15 dropped passes.

Even with those dropped passes, White was the #8 scoring WR in 2011.

There was talk that White work would be lessened this season. But the fact is, this offense is going to throw, and Roddy is who Matt Ryan turns to to bail him out.

White is currently the 9th WR off the board, going early Round 3, a very solid 3rd round grab.

But, Roddy isn't even the 1st Falcons WR being drafted. The 1st Falcons receiver being drafted is...

Julio Jones

After injuries mess up the 1st half of Jones' rookie season, he electrified the NFL in the 2nd half and finished with 959 yards and 8 TDs, including 393 yards and 6 TDs in his final four games.

As long as he stays healthy, Jones is a prime breakout candidate for this season, and is already being drafted as such. He is currently the 7th WR off the board, averaging end of Round 3, beginning of Round 3.

With this offense, there certainly is the upside for both WRs to finish top 10.

Tony Gonzalez

And let's not forget the 1st-ballot Hall of Famer in this mix.

For as much as people try to write off Tony Gonzalez, he just continues to produce.

Lost in all the Gronkowski/Graham hooplah from last season was the fact that Tony G actually finished as the #4 scoring TE. Tony caught 80 balls for 875 yards and 7 touchdowns.

He signed a one-year deal with Atlanta before the end of last season, so it's fair to ask if this is it. Will this be Gonzalez's final NFL season? If it is, we know he will leave as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history.

As for his fantasy potential, with this new pass-happy offense, Gonzalez will be involved a whole lot, once again, especially in the red zone.

Another top 5 scoring season is a possibility, and Tony could come at a great value.

He is currently the 12th TE off the board, going in Round 11. That is tremendous value for last year's #4 scorer and someone who will receive a lot of passes.

Atlanta looks like another team that can produce a gold mine of fantasy points.

Next time, we will check out the Carolina Panthers.

Until next time, this is your boy Bill Wild, signing off.