The Pack are back in Atlanta for what should hopefully be a great game. It will without a doubt be a stiff test for the Falcons. But as far as fantasy matchups go, this is one of the best you'll see all season. Coming off a six-TD performance last week against the Broncos, Aaron Rodgers will look to light up the dome yet again. If you own any Packers players, I wouldn't hesitate to start them.
As for the Falcons, they also are looking good for week five. Though there was some defensive collapse last week in Seattle, the offense put up 30 points and generally had some good fantasy performances all around. Expect that trend to continue this week as they face a Packers defense that his given up the second-most passing yards in the league. Here's your Falcons start 'em/sit 'em (with updated projections) for week five:
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QB Matt Ryan
numberFire Projections: 16.40 points (22.69 completions, 262.03 yards, 1.7 TDs, 0.94 INTs)
Though only one of Matty Ice's throws made it into the end zone last week, he was also mistake-free for the first time this season. He put solid yardage, made every throw he needed to, and continues to develop good rapport with rookie Julio Jones. As I said, Green Bay's pass defense could make for more yardage and TDs this week. Ryan is also consistently much better when playing in the Georgia Dome.
WR Roddy White
numberFire Projections: 10.26 points (5.31 recs, 77.33 yards, 0.42 TDs)
Rowdy White has gotten off to a slow start this season. He's made a few noticeable drops, but also hasn't been fully healthy for a single game yet. He's likely playing through pain, and it may be affecting his production a little bit. Still, he's a top-five wideout in the NFL and is still getting alot of looks from Ryan week in and week out. He'll get his yardage every week, and unless there's a major injury concern (which there is not for this week) he's still an every-week starter.
WR Julio Jones
numberFire Projections: 8.98 points (4.12 recs, 60.31 yards, 0.48 TDs)
Two straight 100-yard games have really put JJ11 on the fantasy map, and his success should continue into this week. If for some reason he isn't owned in your league, you should absolutely pick him up. Like, right now. He's coming off two straight 100-yard games, and he looks to make it three against a pass defense that "can't stop a nosebleed" in the words of Bart Scott. Jones is well on his way to must-start status in only his fifth professional game. I like.
TE Tony Gonzalez
numberFire Projections: 7.14 points (4.48 recs, 47.20 yards, 0.40 TDs)
You can't spell touchdown with Tony. I recommended sitting Tony G last week, but he continued to prove me wrong. He found the end zone for the fourth time this season, and Ryan has been consistently looking his way every week. I thought perhaps we'd see some decline this season from the future HoFer, but there has been absolutely none so far. Gonzalez is still a great fantasy TE.
K Matt Bryant
numberFire Projections: 7.70 points (1.46 FG, 2.76 XP)
Bryant is a perfect seven-for-seven on field goal tries this season. Need I say more? Especially start him this week with the prospect of a high-scoring game.
SIT--
RB Michael Turner
numberFire Projections: 11.31 points (18.84 carries, 69.59 yards, 0.54 TDs)
This is really the one week I'd recommend stashing Turner on your bench. The Packers have the second best run D in football this season, and if the Falcons are smart they'll turn to exploit Green Bay's weak secondary. I really feel like the Falcons will try to have Jacquizz Rodgers see some more action this week with his scat back skill set, and what's more the O-line really struggled to open up holes last week in Seattle. Definitely a week to sit the Burner.
Atlanta D/ST
numberFire Projections: 5.52 points (21.29 points allowed, 1.46 turnovers, 1.74 sacks, 0.15 TDs)
There's really not much to say here. Allowing 21 second half points to Tarvaris Jackson & Co. has really questioned my faith in this group. Special teams has been basically non-existent, and Rodgers is coming off a 400-yard, six-TD performance against Denver last week. Stay away.
WR Harry Douglas
numberFIre Projections: 3.50 points (2.25 recs, 26.54 yards, 0.14 TDs)
I know I mentioned the possibility for a big game out of HD earlier in the week, but on second thought I would stay away until he actually has himself a decent game. Last week he got zero targets against Seattle, and really wasn't on the field much at all with the Falcons running two-TE sets way more than they should. Not this week, HD.
For more Falcons, check out The Falcoholic. For more Packers, head over to Acme Packing Company.