Tennessee Titans vs. Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons
Quarterback
- Matt Ryan: 35/53, 397 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT, 1 fumble
Matt Ryan’s strange year continues. Despite the talent at the skill positions, the offense remains disjointed. If you read our most recent staff playbook I called for a possible bounce back for Ryan and I could not be more disappointed. However, I think the box score once again is misleading. As evidenced by the total yardage, Ryan was able to move the ball relatively effectively in this game. Inopportune penalties and three turnovers on downs stalled most of the drives. Ryan, as has been consistent all year, looked very poor under pressure, including a bad penalty that gave the Titans good field position. All of these things; penalties, turnovers and play under pressure are generally variant week to week and as much as I want to write off the Falcons I certainly could see a swift turn around for this offense and Ryan’s fantasy numbers.
Running Backs
- Devonta Freeman: 12 carries, 28 yards; 9 targets, 8 catches, 72 yards
- Ito Smith: 2 carries, 11 yards 1 TD; 2 catches, 20 yards
As has been consistent all year, Devonta Freeman found very little running room all day. Game script did not help Freeman’s cause with the Falcons trailing most of the game. Ito Smith, after being inactive last week, did not get much usage but he was able to vulture a touchdown away from Freeman owners. While most of the news out of this game will be negative, it was encouraging to see Freeman used more in the passing game. When Freeman was dominant in past years, it included significant action in the passing game. As I expect Ryan to play better in the coming weeks, I could also see Freeman capitalize on better opportunities moving forward. Freeman is certainly a buy-low candidate in my opinion.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
- Julio Jones: 7 targets, 4 catches, 52 yards
- Calvin Ridley: 6 targets, 3 catches, 32 yards
- Austin Hooper: 11 targets, 9 catches, 130 yards
- Mohamed Sanu: 12 targets, 9 catches, 91 yards
Like everything else with the Falcons right now, this boxscore does not make much sense. Julio Jones was unusually quiet, but he is a stud and will be fine moving forward. Calvin Ridley remains extremely frustrating to own in fantasy. Ridley is reliant on big explosive plays for production and those come and go with the wind. Holding on to Ridley is for the better, but good luck trying to decipher when to play him. Austin Hooper and Mohamed Sanu had very solid unexpected games. The Titans did a very good job of taking away the Falcons’ most dangerous players (Ridley and Jones) so Ryan often reverted to check downs. Hooper and Sanu did make some spectacular games, but had the offense had its way, Jones and Ridley would be the ones making plays.
Tennessee Titans
Quarterback
- Marcus Mariota: 18/27, 227 yards, 3 TD
Just when everyone started to write off the Titans and Marcus Mariota they notch another surprising win. Mariota probably had the best game of his season thus far showing some extremely impressive throws. The second touchdown to AJ Brown was perfect and their connection seems to be growing stronger. The Titans took their foot off the gas very early in this one but it did seem like the Titans would be able to score at will if they wanted too In 2 QB leagues, Mariota owners should be encouraged by the growth of the skill positions as it should continue to support his fantasy output. Mariota is not a fantasy starter in regular leagues but could be a possible streamer given the right matchup.
Running Backs
- Derrick Henry: 27 carries, 100 yards; 1 catch, 8 yards
- Dion Lewis: 4 carries, 16 yards; 4 catches, 4 yards
There is not much to say about this backfield. Derrick Henry is without a doubt the workhorse and saw a massive amount of touches today. Although efficient, this kind of volume virtually guarantees that Henry will put up double-digit points. Dion Lewis is largely living in Henry’s shadow, even though he is the better pass catcher. The Titans offense is catered more towards Henry’s skill set and this game is a perfect example.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
- AJ Brown: 3 targets, 3 catches, 94 yards, 1 TD
- Corey Davis: 6 targets, 5 catches, 91 yards, 1 TD
- Delanie Walker: 2 targets, 1 catch, 4 yards
This receiving corps was the most exciting aspect of the game. AJ Brown was extremely efficient turning three targets into massive game-changing plays. The first touchdown, Brown stopped on a dime and proceeded to outrun the entire Falcons defense. The second touchdown showed off his polished route running as he quickly defeated corner Desmond Trufant and created impressive separation. Brown has been a welcome surprise for this team and has earned the respect and trust of his quarterback. Corey Davis also had himself a nice game after a quiet start to the season. Davis led the team in targets and also had an impressive touchdown after some fancy footwork on the sideline. Delanie Walker went missing in this game, however, that is more from a lack of volume in the passing game than anything else. In fact, it is rare to see three players of this caliber in fantasy share the field in such a lackluster offense. The pecking order will continue to sort itself out, but it is clear Brown will have a significant role moving forward.
-Stephen Dudas