When the Atlanta Falcons play the St. Louis Rams Sunday, it will be the first road game they've played in over a month. Three home games with a bye week mixed means the Falcons haven't left Georgia since Oct. 17 when they fell to the Philadelphia Eagles. Over the Falcons next five games, four of them are on the road. This is a brutal stretch that will either reinforce the Falcons as a legitimate contender or expose them as a team that can only win home games. Their quest for the former starts this week. Now on to to the fantasy-relevant information.
Start
Danny Amendola: The Falcons' secondary continues to be less-than-dominant and opposing wide receivers have enjoyed great fantasy days against Atlanta. The Falcons have allowed 10 touchdowns to wide receivers in the last four games and the Rams' best receiver, Danny Amendola, has scored in three straight games. That's some easy two-plus-two math. If your league gets points for return yardage, Amendola's value gets a boost as well.
Matt Bryant: Outside of Michael Turner and Roddy White - whom you're starting regardless - the Falcons have a tough fantasy matchup this week. The best recommendation I can offer is to play Matt Bryant. He's fifth in the NFL in scoring and the Rams are near the bottom of the league in stopping opposing kickers. The Falcons offense can move the football so when they aren't scoring touchdowns, Bryant will cash in with field goals.
Sit
Tony Gonzalez: As mentioned before, you're not benching Turner or White even if their playing the '85 Bears. The Rams' pass defense is solid and has been particularly tough against opossing tight ends. If you have comparable options this week, Tony Gonzalez and even Matt Ryan may find a spot on your bench in this one. I will not question your judgment though if you stick with Ryan after his incredible performance against the Rams.
Josh Brown: The Falcons are seventh against the run, but if you own Steven Jackson, you're playing him anyway. The only real sit recommendation here is Josh Brown. The Falcons are best against opposing kickers and the Rams are second-worst in the NFL in points scored.