Yes, the Falcons will be squaring off against the Green Bay Packers for the first time since, I don't know, some playoff game that had a score I don't remember. I'd also like to point out that as a defense mechanism, I have a selective memory, and block out ones that are painful and/or traumatizing. Or at least I wish I did.
The Packers march into Atlanta playing some of the best football in the league right now. They put up 49 points against the Broncos last week. On the other side of the ball, however, Green Bay has the second-worst passing defense in the NFL. While that may not translate into a Falcons win, it makes for a great matchup from the fantasy perspective.
Week five fantasy projection, courtesy of numberFire:
- QB Matt Ryan: 13.62 points (19.60 completions, 217.92 yards, 1.6 TDs, 1.22 INTs)
- RB Michael Turner: 13.50 points (20.00 carries, 84.49 yards, 0.71 TDs)
- WR Roddy White: 9.97 points (5.81 recs, 76.50 yards, 0.39 TDs)
- WR Julio Jones: 6.27 points (3.66 recs, 54.85 yards, 0.20 TDs)
- WR Harry Douglas: 2.23 points (1.39 recs, 18.45 yards, 0.07 TDs)
- TE Tony Gonzalez: 6.30 points (4.23 recs, 41.83 yards, 0.35 TDs)
- K Matt Bryant: 7.74 points (1.46 FG, 2.26 XP)
- Atlanta D/ST: 7.55 points (19.61 points allowed, 1.80 sacks, 1.80 turnovers)
One Falcon that'll make you look smart: Harry Douglas.
Like Julio Jones last week, this pick is based on matchup. Julio ate up yards against Brandon Browner all day, as expected. Against the Pack, Douglas will be matched up with Sam Shields (assuming Shields is fully healthy). If not, then he'll line up across from former Auburn Tiger Pat Lee. If you're looking for a deep sleeper, Douglas just might fit the bill.
One Falcon to stay away from: Michael Turner
I was going to say Atlanta D/ST, but felt that was stating the obvious. This will, in all likelihood, be a shootout type of football game. The Packers have a very weak secondary, and Ryan will look to get all of his receivers involved in the passing game this time. In addition, the Packers are allowing a paltry 71.0 rushing yards per game, the second best mark in the league. I know Turner had two TD runs last week, but I'm still not confident that the O-line can consistently open up holes. If there's one week you stay away from the Burner, make it this one.
For more on the Falcons, check out The Falcoholic. For more Packers, head over to Acme Packing Company.