Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, October 15th @ 1:00 PM ET
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Betting Odds: ATL -2.5, 42 total via PFF.com
Network: CBS
Writer: Matthew Cava (@cavaM_ on Twitter/X)
Washington Commanders
Quarterback
Sam Howell (Sit)
Sam Howell had a strong showing last Thursday in the lopsided loss to the Bears. He had 51 attempts, and he completed 37 of them for 388 yards, two touchdowns, an interception, and a 2-PT conversion. It was his second multi-passing touchdown game on the year, and he’ll look to end the three-game losing streak Washington is on against a surprising Falcons defense. Atlanta is allowing an average of 16.40 fantasy points to opposing QBs per CBS Sports, and just last week, held rookie C.J. Stroud. to his worst game since Week 1; 249 yards and just one touchdown.
Running Backs
Brian Robinson (Start, FLEX), Antonio Gibson (Sit)
Brian Robinson didn’t find the end zone against the Bears, and his potential to produce on the ground was stripped away when Washington found themselves down four scores in the 1st half. Robinson caught all four of his targets for 33 yards, and only had 10 rushing yards off six carries. He’ll look to bounce back against the Falcons, but Atlanta ranks third in points allowed with just an average of 8.60 fantasy points, which won’t make the task any easier.
Wide Receivers/Tight End
Terry McLaurin (Start, WR2), Jahan Dotson (Sit), Curtis Samuel (Start, FLEX), Logan Thomas (Start, TE2)
Week 5 was Terry McLaurin’s worst game since Week 1, as he caught four of five targets for 49 yards. Even if he didn’t find the end zone, it’s surprising McLaurin didn’t have a bigger night considering Howell had a career-high in attempts and passing yards. He’s yet to surpass 100 receiving yards on the year, and it might be a bit harder for him to do this week against a Falcons defense that has given up the 27th most fantasy points to WR this season.
Jahan Dotson is trending towards a stint on the wire, especially with the fact that Curtis Samuel has come on in back-to-back weeks. Between Week 4 and 5, Samuel turned 15 targets into 13 receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown, as well as one rushing score. He’s an interesting FLEX candidate this week if you find yourself down the likes of George Pickens and Christian Watson who are on BYE.
Logan Thomas is coming off his best game of the season, having caught nine balls on 11 targets for 77 yards and a touchdown. Not to mention, the matchup is juicy because the Falcons’ defense has struggled against TEs this year, allowing the second most fantasy points to the position.
Atlanta Falcons
Quarterback
Desmond Ridder (Sit)
Desmond Ridder is coming off a career-high outing in the walk-off win against the Texans last week. He completed 28 of 37 attempts for 329 yards and a touchdown, as well as four carries for 10 yards and a rushing score – AND a 2-PT conversion. Another nugget worth mentioning is that Ridder has yet to lose at home at the collegiate and NFL level. This week against the Commanders, he’s a tempting stream, as Washington has allowed the third most fantasy points to QBs this season. However, I would really have to talk myself into starting him in a 1-QB league; if you are looking for an option in a superflex league, Ridder is your guy.
Running Backs
Bijan Robinson (Start, RB1), Tyler Allgeier (Sit)
Week 5 was actually a downer for Bijan Robinson, as he turned 14 carries into 46 yards, but he did have his fantasy day saved with a highlight receiving touchdown. Check it out for yourself!
Behind the back, crossover, touchdown! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Ir4APtKNKR
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 9, 2023
The electric rookie will look to bounce back against a Washington defense that is allowing the 19th most fantasy points to RB’s position this season. Tyler Allgeier actually had three more carries than Robinson with 17, but only had 40 yards and a 2-PT conversion. It’s hard to consider him as a starting option on the weekly, and because of that, he remains an important handcuff in the event that Robinson was to miss any time.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Drake London (Start, WR3), Mack Hollins (Sit), Kyle Pitts (Start, TE2), Jonnu Smith (Sit)
Drake London’s 78 yards against the Texans were a season-high, and the nine targets he saw are something to build on as he is set to face a Commanders defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to WR’s this year. That ranking is largely in part due to the fact that last week, DJ Moore torched them for 230 yards and three touchdowns on just eight receptions.
The Falcons traded for Rams WR Van Jefferson on Tuesday, and time will tell if this new change of scenery will do him any good.
Kyle Pitts, is that you? Coming off a 7-for-87 game against Houston, he led the way in targets (11), yardage, and receptions. This is the Pitts managers have been waiting for. However, the question remains if he can keep it up, or will Jonnu Smith continue to be a part of this offense? For now, roll with Pitts and keep Smith on your bench/the wire, and hope for the best considering the fact that the Commanders are strong against TEs this year. However, Cole Kmet did catch all five of his targets last week for 42 yards and a touchdown.