In a 32-part series leading up to the start of the 2021 National Football League season, we will take a look at each NFL franchise from a fantasy perspective. The second team we will review is the Atlanta Falcons.
Heading into 2021, the Atlanta Falcons seem to be the direct opposite of the Arizona Cardinals when it comes to offense. They are a younger team with a veteran quarterback. Last season Atlanta was dead last in the NFC at four wins and 12 losses.
It might have been a surprise to some that Matt Ryan is still the quarterback. The team appears to be in somewhat of a rebuilding mode, but the new management must like having an experienced QB at the helm. Ryan, at 36 years old, is currently ranked 14th among NFL quarterbacks in fantasy. Last season he led the NFL with 407 completions in his 13th season in Atlanta.
At the NFL Draft, the Falcons made headlines in selecting tight end Kyle Pitts out of Florida. If you think selecting a tight end so high in the NFL draft might appear to be a little strange, it is. No other tight end has ever been selected as high as fourth before.
In selecting a tight end in fantasy, one needs to be careful. There are huge expectations for Pitts. However, one must realize that he is only 20 years old, and Atlanta may be patient with him throughout the year as he understands the complexity of the NFL a little more. Yes, the sky is the limit, but there is a lot to the tight end position when it comes to not only catching the pigskin, but blocking too. It also should be noted that Pitts did not play at all in Atlanta’s 23-3 loss to Tennessee in their preseason opener.
Your safer bet in selecting a Falcons offensive player is at running back. New head coach Arthur Smith loves to run the football. While with the Tennessee Titans last year as their offensive coordinator, Derrick Henry led the NFL with 2027 yards. The run-first philosophy should provide ample opportunities for Mike Davis, who Atlanta signed on March 25 to a two-year deal worth $5.5 million. Even though he only had 147.5 standard fantasy points last year in Carolina, it appears Davis will be given a strong workload, which is something fantasy owners love. Now fantasy owners will hope Atlanta’s offensive line improves so Davis will make the most of his chances.
The best fantasy player on the Falcons a year ago was Calvin Ridley, who was ranked fourth among wide receivers. Last season, Ridley had 90 catches for 1374 yards and nine touchdowns. He is Atlanta’s clear number one wideout now with Julio Jones in Tennessee. Don’t be surprised if you see a drop in production in Ridley this year. as he will be double-teamed in passing situations, and the fact Atlanta seems committed to the run.
Finally, do not hesitate in drafting a Falcons kicker. Younghoe Koo, who is the best NFL player ever to come out of South Korea, was second last year in fantasy points with 186. He only trailed Jason Sanders of the Miami Dolphins, who had 196 fantasy points.
