Falcons vs. Redskins
Falcons
The Falcons have been a different team on the road. Do you expect them to buck that trend and get a win this week?
Atlanta has, amazingly, only played two games on the road this season and lost both of them. Their offense has not been the same away from Atlanta and QB Matt Ryan has struggled. On the flip side, Atlanta’s defense was atrocious in its last outing on the road. I expect it to be a hard fought game and not a high scoring affair. I would still start your Falcons, but temper expectations. The good news is, the Falcons are coming off of a bye and have had extra time to prepare. I expect them to overcome the Redskins, but in a very close game.
That being said, can QB Matt Ryan continue his MVP level performance?
In both road losses, Ryan has had arguably his worst games of the year. Washington’s defense has been sneaky good and added S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix this week to solidify the secondary. I would be lying if I said I thought Ryan was going to go out there and shred the Redskins. I believe he can find success, especially having the extra preparation, but I don’t expect it to match his performances at home.
Should you be worried about WR Julio Jones then?
Let’s not get crazy here. Julio Jones has had double digit PPR points every game this season. He is a yardage monster and if he ever starts scoring, he could be the top WR in fantasy. He has had at least 9 targets every game, but one (6) and is still Ryan’s go-to. Do not be worried about Julio’s production and hope this is the game he finally finds the end zone.
Are RB Ito Smith and RB Tevin Coleman worth a start this week?
With six teams on bye, I would say yes. However, the Redskins are only allowing 80.1 rushing ypg. That does not bode well for a running game that has struggled as of late. The two backs should get involved in the passing game, which will help their floor, but I do not expect either to have a huge game on the ground.
-Aaron Rader
Redskins
Coming off of a “hard-fought” victory over Kyle Lauletta, er, I mean Eli Manning and the New York Giants, the ‘Skins head back home to face an Atlanta Falcons team that, thanks to a bevy of injuries, ranks 26th in both passing and rushing yards per attempt allowed. Can the Redskins skill position players capitalize despite mostly lackluster performances in last week’s game? Let’s dig in and find out…
A Respite
If you’ve read any of my ‘Skins previews from the past couple weeks, or if you have watched the Redskins at all for that matter, you would know that Alex Smith has fully returned to his role as the KING of game managers. While this would almost certainly preclude you from starting last year’s Kansas City gunslinger, the Redskins next two games feature defenses ranked 26th and 31st in yards per attempt allowed in the Falcons and Bucs respectively. If you’re in need of a bye week fill in, or even a temporary starter to stream, this might be the only time Alex Smith can be your guy.
“A Committee Approach”
Usually, we hear the term “a committee approach” when describing a two or three-headed backfield, but the term certainly fits when describing the Redskins receiving corps. Breakout hopeful Josh Doctson never broke out, big money signing Paul Richardson has not been “cost effective” due to a string of injuries, and Jamison Crowder has struggled with the same string of injuries that have plagued his career up until now. Although one of these three could potentially pop off given the choice matchups, for what it’s worth Doctson looks most likely to do so of the three, I would shy away from them if other competent options are available.
A Lone Stud
While most reports have Chris Thompson being unable to simply walk or sit down without searing pain from his multiple rib injuries, Adrian Peterson remains “healthy” and ready to shoulder a 20+ carry load against a weak Falcons run defense. While the not-so-shocking news that LT Trent Williams is week to week after undergoing surgery on his dislocated finger does put a damper on the Skins run game overall, I’d still expect a BIG day from All Day in this one as CT nurses his rib injuries.
The Enigmatic Jordan Reed
You know your team isn’t deploying you properly when you’re targeted 12 (!!!) times and the end result is 38 yards receiving. That’s what we in the business call a rough day at the office. Anyway, I’m extremely hopeful this week will be the one in which Jordan Reed breaks out in a big way. The team appears to have made a concerted effort to get the ball into the hands of their far-and-away best receiving option (about time!), and a matchup with a rough defense in the Falcons should be just what the doctor ordered. Or he can hope for a better day next week against an even worse defense in Tampa…either way!
Downright Dominant Defense
This defense now ranks #4 in most fantasy settings and although the next two games certainly aren’t ideal, the Skins weeks 11-16 schedule looks ripe for scoring. If you have the space on your roster, I’d stash them, and if need be, I’d be comfortable starting them this week.
Predictions!
Even with LT Trent Williams unlikely to play in this one, I expect a BIG game from the NFL’s phoenix Adrian Peterson, though on the flip side, even with Jamison Crowder unlikely to play, I wouldn’t expect much from Paul Richardson unless he by chance catches a deep touchdown. Although I wouldn’t call him much of a sleeper, I am hopeful Jordan Reed will have a big day on Sunday.
Boom! = Adrian Peterson
Bust! = Paul Richardson
BSleeper! = Jordan Reed
-Alex Silverman