You're starting Michael Turner and Roddy White no matter who the Falcons are playing. They are must-starts that you simply plug-and-play. As for the rest of the fantasy-relevant players, matchups play an important role in deciding which player is worthy of a precious roster spot. Jason Kirk thinks Tony Gonzalez and Matt Ryan make strong plays but appears to be on the fence about Josh Freeman. With your playoffs looming, we analyze which player in the Falcons-Bucs game could lead you to fantasy glory and which one will sink your dream season. Onward!
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WR Mike Williams: The rookie from Syracuse is on pace for 65 receptions, 1,020 yards and nine touchdowns. He's putting together the second-most impressive rookie campaign for a Bucs wide receiver since Michael Clayton went 80-1193-7 back in 2004. The Falcons secondary continues to allow a ton of receiver points and Week 9 against the Falcons he hauled in four catches for 89 and a touchdown. Williams should be able to find room to work regardless of whether or not Dunta Robinson is on him.
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Buccaneers Running Backs: This is a blanket recommendation for all Tampa Bay RBs. LeGarrette Blount and Cadillac Williams are not solid options against a Falcons rush defense that has been very stout this season. In Week 9 in Atlanta, Blount was held to 3.5 yards per carry while managing only 46 yards on 13 rushes. Williams fared much worse with only 13 yards on eight carries (1.6 yards per rush). Since the bye week, the Falcons have allowed and average of 52 yards per game to opposing running backs. Throw in the fact they haven't allowed a rushing touchdown to a running back since Week 2 and neither Buccaneer ball carrier makes an attractive play.