Showing posts with label Cordarrelle Patterson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cordarrelle Patterson. Show all posts

Sunday, August 27, 2023

Atlanta Falcons 2023 Fantasy Football Projections

Our Fantasy Football Projections will be viewable by both position and team.

Below you will find our 2023 fantasy football projections for the Atlanta Falcons.

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams

QUARTERBACKS

PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Desmond Ridder447.7286.53089.116.3410.7448.3193.21.45195.46
Taylor Heinicke61.138.8430.82.571.7112.446.50.3130.6

Desmond Ridder: Ridder, who started four games as a rookie, enters 2023 atop the depth chart. In his four starts in 2022, he completed 73-of-115 pass attempts (63.5%) for 708 yards (6.2 Y/A) with only two touchdowns (1.7 TD%) and no interceptions. While the Falcons will continue to rely heavily on their ground game, the team's talented young pass catchers (Drake London, Kyle Pitts and rookie running back Bijan Robinson) will help him develop in his second season.

Taylor Heinicke: If Ridder struggles in 2023, it's possible that Heinicke could make some starts. Neither Ridder nor Heinicke are draftable in single-quarterback leagues.

RUNNING BACKS

PlayerAtt.YardsTDRec.YardsTDPoints
Bijan Robinson25011257.6350.4388.92234.37
Tyler Allgeier137.9606.83.7213.296.80.5102.28
Cordarrelle Patterson36.4160.2122.8211.21.161.14
Godwin Igwebuike8.737.40.223.122.90.19.5
Keith Smith1.55.30.031.510.60.13.12

Bijan Robinson: Robinson is the most talented back to enter the league in several draft cycles, and he landed in a spot where he has a chance to perform as a top-five fantasy back. Robinson profiles as a three-down back with outstanding size, speed, vision and contact balance and his 183 missed tackles forced over the past two seasons were 56 more than the next closest back, per PFF. Only the Bears (56.19%) ran the ball on a higher percentage of plays than the Falcons (55.29%) in 2022, but Robinson is also outstanding as a receiver as well.

Tyler Allgeier: Allgeier was a player I liked as a sleeper last year, and the fifth-rounder out of BYU eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark as a rookie. He finished 2022 with 210 carries for 1,035 yards (4.9 YPC) and three touchdowns and added 16 receptions for 139 yards and a score. With the Falcons drafting Robinson at No. 8 overall, it obviously delivers a huge blow to Allgeier's fantasy stock.

WIDE RECEIVERS

PlayerRec.YardsTDRushYardsTDPoints
Drake London82.81001.45.5000174.54
Mack Hollins37.4469.92.600081.29
KhaDarel Hodge15.9181.3100032.08
Scotty Miller8.8105.60.600018.56
Josh Ali3.742.20.20007.27

Drake London: Atlanta was/is a low-volume passing attack, but London led the Falcons in targets (117, 29.25%), receptions (72), yards (866) and touchdowns (four) as a rookie. Among wide receivers with 35-plus targets in 2022, London ranked 14th in yards per route run (2.07), per PFF. When Kyle Pitts (knee) was sidelined down the stretch, London was at his best. He finished with 31/428 on 48 targets over the final five games of the year.

Mack Hollins: Hollins set career highs in targets (94), receptions (57) and yards (690) last season with the Raiders. Now with the Falcons as he enters his age-30 season, Hollins will be no better than fourth in the offensive pecking order behind Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson.

TIGHT ENDS

PlayerRec.YardsTDRushYardsTDPoints
Kyle Pitts59.47113.7000123
Jonnu Smith19.5207.71.200037.72
MyCole Pruitt4.2440.20007.7
Parker Hesse2.626.40.20005.14

Kyle Pitts: A knee injury prematurely cut his second season short, but Pitts eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark as a rookie (68/1,026/1) in 2021. If it weren't for the lack of touchdowns (one), his rookie season would have been viewed as a smashing success. Before his injury last year, his production dropped significantly (12.7 Y/R, 35.6 YPG, 47.5% catch rate and 1.69 Y/RR) compared to 2021 (15.1 Y/R, 60.4 YPG, 61.8% and 2.01 Y/RR). That said, the upside remains high going into his age-23 season.

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Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Atlanta Falcons 2023 Fantasy Football Projections

Our Fantasy Football Projections will be viewable by both position and team.

Below you will find our 2023 fantasy football projections for the Atlanta Falcons.

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams

QUARTERBACKS

PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Desmond Ridder454.1290.63133.316.5710.947.51901.43197.39
Taylor Heinicke61.939.3436.42.61.7312.245.80.3130.84

Desmond Ridder: Ridder, who started four games as a rookie, enters 2023 atop the depth chart. In his four starts in 2022, he completed 73-of-115 pass attempts (63.5%) for 708 yards (6.2 Y/A) with only two touchdowns (1.7 TD%) and no interceptions. While the Falcons will continue to rely heavily on their ground game, the team's talented young pass catchers (Drake London, Kyle Pitts and rookie running back Bijan Robinson) will help him develop in his second season.

Taylor Heinicke: If Ridder struggles in 2023, however, it's possible that Heinicke could make some starts. Neither Ridder nor Heinicke are draftable in single-quarterback leagues.

RUNNING BACKS

PlayerAtt.YardsTDRec.YardsTDPoints
Bijan Robinson248.51118.37.5851.1394.52234.31
Tyler Allgeier133.2586.13.613.498.20.599.73
Cordarrelle Patterson34.6152.20.9523.1214.21.160.49
Godwin Igwebuike9.741.70.242.114.30.18.69
Keith Smith1.55.30.031.510.70.13.13

Bijan Robinson: Robinson is the most talented back to enter the league in several draft cycles, and he landed in a spot where he has a chance to perform as a top-five fantasy back. Robinson profiles as a three-down back with outstanding size, speed, vision and contact balance and his 183 missed tackles forced over the past two seasons were 56 more than the next closest back, per PFF. While Robinson is an outstanding receiver as well, only the Bears (56.19%) ran the ball on a higher percentage of plays than the Falcons (55.29%) in 2022.

Tyler Allgeier: Allgeier was a player I liked as a sleeper last year, and the fifth-rounder out of BYU eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark as a rookie. He finished 2022 with 210 carries for 1,035 yards (4.9 YPC) and three touchdowns and added 16 receptions for 139 yards and a score. With the Falcons drafting Robinson at No. 8 overall, it obviously delivers a huge blow to Allgeier's fantasy stock.

WIDE RECEIVERS

PlayerRec.YardsTDRushYardsTDPoints
Drake London81.79875.5000172.55
Mack Hollins37.9476.62.600082.21
KhaDarel Hodge12.9157.10.800026.96
Penny Hart11.5123.20.700022.27
Scotty Miller8.196.40.500016.69
Josh Ali333.90.20006.09

Drake London: Atlanta was/is a low-volume passing attack, but London led the Falcons in targets (117, 29.25%), receptions (72), yards (866) and touchdowns (four) as a rookie. Among wide receivers with 35-plus targets in 2022, London ranked 14th in yards per route run (2.07), per PFF. When Kyle Pitts (knee) was sidelined down the stretch, London was at his best. He finished with 31/428 on 48 targets over the final five games of the year.

Mack Hollins: Hollins set career highs in targets (94), receptions (57) and yards (690) last season with the Raiders. Now with the Falcons as he enters his age-30 season, Hollins will be no better than fourth in the offensive pecking order behind Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson.

TIGHT ENDS

PlayerRec.YardsTDRushYardsTDPoints
Kyle Pitts59.7715.73.7000123.62
Jonnu Smith18.1192.81.100034.93
Parker Hesse4.542.80.20007.73
John FitzPatrick1.312.50.10002.5

Kyle Pitts: A knee injury prematurely cut his second season short, but Pitts eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark as a rookie (68/1,026/1) in 2021. If it weren't for the lack of touchdowns (one), his rookie season would have been viewed as a smashing success. Before his injury last year, his production dropped significantly (12.7 Y/R, 35.6 YPG, 47.5% catch rate and 1.69 Y/RR) compared to 2021 (15.1 Y/R, 60.4 YPG, 61.8% and 2.01 Y/RR). That said, the upside remains high going into his age-23 season.

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Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Atlanta Falcons 2023 Fantasy Football Projections

Our Fantasy Football Projections will be viewable by both position and team.

Below you will find our 2023 fantasy football projections for the Atlanta Falcons.

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams

QUARTERBACKS

PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Desmond Ridder454.1290.63133.316.5710.947.51901.43197.39
Taylor Heinicke61.939.3436.42.61.7312.245.80.3130.84

Desmond Ridder: Ridder started four games as a rookie, and he enters 2023 atop the depth chart. In his four starts in 2022, he completed 73-of-115 pass attempts (63.5%) for 708 yards (6.2 Y/A) with only two touchdowns (1.7 TD%) and no interceptions. While the Falcons will continue to rely heavily on their ground game, the team's talented young pass catchers (Drake London, Kyle Pitts and rookie running back Bijan Robinson) will help him develop in his second season.

Taylor Heinicke: If Ridder struggles in 2023, however, it's possible that Heinicke could make some starts. While neither Ridder nor Heinicke are draftable in single-quarterback leagues, Heinicke is rosterable at a late-round pick in super flex or two-QB leagues.

RUNNING BACKS

PlayerAtt.YardsTDRec.YardsTDPoints
Bijan Robinson254.61145.77.7750.1389.12237.15
Tyler Allgeier119.4525.43.2212910.589.96
Cordarrelle Patterson44.3194.91.2225.1228.51.269.41
Caleb Huntley7.833.50.18214.30.17.46
Keith Smith1.55.30.031.510.70.13.13

Bijan Robinson: Robinson is the most talented back to enter the league in several drafts, and he landed in a spot where he has a chance to perform as a top-five fantasy back. Robinson profiles as a three-down back with outstanding size, speed, vision and contact balance and his 183 missed tackles forced over the past two seasons were 56 more than the next closest back, per PFF. While Robinson is an outstanding receiver as well, only the Bears (56.19%) ran the ball on a higher percentage of plays than the Falcons (55.29%) in 2022.

Tyler Allgeier: Allgeier was a player I liked as a sleeper last year, and the fifth-rounder out of BYU eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark as a rookie. He finished 2022 with 210 carries for 1,035 yards (4.9 YPC) and three touchdowns and added 16 receptions for 139 yards and a score. With the Falcons drafting Robinson at No. 8 overall, it obviously delivers a huge blow to Allgeier's fantasy stock.

WIDE RECEIVERS

PlayerRec.YardsTDRushYardsTDPoints
Drake London76.79215.1000161.05
Mack Hollins39.6490.82.700085.08
Penny Hart12.91410.800025.35
KhaDarel Hodge11.4139.20.700023.82
Frank Darby8.298.20.500016.92
Scotty Miller8.196.40.500016.69

Drake London: London led the Falcons in targets (117, 29.25%), receptions (72), yards (866) and touchdowns (four). When Kyle Pitts (knee) was sidelined down the stretch, London was at his best. He finished with 31/428 on 48 targets over the final five games of the year.

Mack Hollins: Hollins set career highs in targets (94), receptions (57) and yards (690) last season with the Raiders. Now with the Falcons as he enters his age-30 season, Hollins will be no better than fourth in the offensive pecking order behind Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson.

TIGHT ENDS

PlayerRec.YardsTDRushYardsTDPoints
Kyle Pitts59.2710.43.7000122.84
Jonnu Smith17.3183.81.100033.63
Parker Hesse4.542.80.20007.73
John FitzPatrick1.312.50.10002.5

Kyle Pitts: A knee injury prematurely cut his second season short, but Pitts has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark as a rookie (68/1,026/1). If it weren't for the lack of touchdowns (one), his rookie season would have been viewed as a smashing success. Before his injury last year, his production dropped significantly (12.7 Y/R, 35.6 YPG, 47.5% catch rate and 1.69 Y/RR) compared to 2021 (15.1 Y/R, 60.4 YPG, 61.8% and 2.01 Y/RR). That said, the upside remains high going into his age-23 season.

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Sunday, September 4, 2022

Atlanta Falcons Fantasy Football Projections 2022

Our 2022 Fantasy Football Projections will be viewable by both position and team.

Below you will find our 2022 fantasy football projections for the Atlanta Falcons.

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams

QUARTERBACKS

PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Marcus Mariota342.7210.82467.414.398.5749.6287.72.36182.05
Desmond Ridder228.5138.81622.49.035.4832.3145.41.29112.34

Marcus Mariota: Good news first: Mariota enters 2022 as the starter for the Falcons. The bad news? There's a strong chance that Desmond Ridder makes starts at some point this season. Mariota is off the fantasy radar in single-QB re-draft leagues, but his ability as a runner -- 264/1,574/13 (6.0 YPC) career rushing -- gives him some upside in daily fantasy tournaments, when starting.

RUNNING BACKS

PlayerAtt.YardsTDRec.YardsTDPoints
Cordarrelle Patterson142.3583.44.2744.6441.72.2163.63
Tyler Allgeier107.8468.93.0218.2143.10.993.82
Damien Williams78.7330.51.9717.3130.90.871.41
Keith Smith5.418.90.118.459.30.314.48
Avery Williams15.163.40.33.730.70.214.26

Cordarrelle Patterson: Perhaps unfair to refer to him as an age-30 breakout (since he was a four-time first-team All-Pro as a returner before 2021), but in terms of fantasy/offensive output, 2021 was by far Patterson's best. C-Patt shattered previous career highs with 205 touches, 1,166 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2021. While I like Tyler Allgeier as a sleeper, the Falcons waited until the 151st pick to draft him. In other words, Patterson remains the team's RB1.

Tyler Allgeier: The draft pedigree (fifth round) doesn't scream featured back, but he has the frame (5' 11", 224 pounds), power and vision to shoulder a heavy workload. A former linebacker (26 tackles in 2019 at BYU) as well, Allgeier was highly productive over the past two seasons with 2,731 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns over that stretch.

WIDE RECEIVERS

PlayerRec.YardsTDRushYardsTDPoints
Drake London72922.25.1000158.82
Bryan Edwards42.3574.63.300098.41
Olamide Zaccheaus32.7419.22.500073.27
Damiere Byrd11.9143.10.700024.46
KhaDarel Hodge785.90.500015.09
Jared Bernhardt1.620.40.10003.44

Drake London: With Calvin Ridley suspended and Russell Gage now in Tampa, London, the eighth overall pick in 2022, is the clear top wide receiver in Atlanta for the 2022 season. A former dual-sport athlete with basketball at USC, London knows how to use his large frame and wide catch radius to win at the catch point. One of the youngest prospects in this year's draft class (turned 21 in July), London hauled in 88 receptions for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns in just eight games last year before a broken ankle prematurely ended his season.

TIGHT ENDS

PlayerRec.YardsTDRushYardsTDPoints
Kyle Pitts73.9936.65.4000163.01
Parker Hesse9.6110.40.700020.04
John FitzPatrick3.842.90.30007.99
Feleipe Franks2.628.60.20005.36

Kyle Pitts: Scoring only one touchdown in 2021 was a bummer for fantasy managers, but Pitts is now one of only two tight ends in NFL history to reach 1,000 yards as a rookie. The former Gator creates matchup nightmares for opposing defenders and has the talent to finish as fantasy's TE1 overall as a sophomore (even if we have Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews ranked ahead of him).

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Saturday, August 6, 2022

Atlanta Falcons Fantasy Football Projections 2022

Our 2022 Fantasy Football Projections will be viewable by both position and team.

Below you will find our 2022 fantasy football projections for the Atlanta Falcons.

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams

QUARTERBACKS

PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Marcus Mariota428.4263.53084.517.9910.7158.2337.62.76224.24
Desmond Ridder142.886.81013.95.643.4323.7106.70.9572.63

Marcus Mariota: Good news first: Mariota enters 2022 as the starter for the Falcons. The bad news? There's a chance that Desmond Ridder makes starts at some point this season. Mariota is off the fantasy radar in single-QB re-draft leagues, but his ability as a runner -- 264/1,574/13 (6.0 YPC) career rushing -- gives him some upside in daily fantasy tournaments, when starting.

RUNNING BACKS

PlayerAtt.YardsTDRec.YardsTDPoints
Cordarrelle Patterson142.3583.44.2744.7442.62.1163.17
Tyler Allgeier131.55723.6818.6147.51109.33
Damien Williams61.5258.31.5415.8114.80.859.25
Keith Smith5.418.90.118.459.40.314.49
Avery Williams8.636.10.173.730.70.210.75

Cordarrelle Patterson: Perhaps unfair to refer to him as an age-30 breakout (since he was a four-time first-team All-Pro as a returner before 2021), but in terms of fantasy/offensive output, 2021 was by far Patterson's best. C-Patt shattered previous career highs with 205 touches, 1,166 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2021. While I like Tyler Allgeier as a sleeper, the Falcons waited until the 151st pick to draft him. In other words, Patterson remains the team's RB1.

Tyler Allgeier: The draft pedigree (fifth round) doesn't scream featured back, but he has the frame (5' 11", 224 pounds), power and vision to shoulder a heavy workload. A former linebacker (26 tackles in 2019 at BYU) as well, Allgeier was highly productive over the past two seasons with 2,731 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns over that stretch. There is a path for him to lead the team in carries as a rookie.

WIDE RECEIVERS

PlayerRec.YardsTDRushYardsTDPoints
Drake London68.7883.24.8000151.47
Bryan Edwards38.2526.63.100090.36
Olamide Zaccheaus28.93752.200065.15
Auden Tate13.1178.31.300032.18
Damiere Byrd15.4184.40.900031.54
KhaDarel Hodge3.545.10.30008.06

Drake London: With Calvin Ridley suspended and Russell Gage in Tampa, London, the eighth overall pick in 2022, is the clear top wide receiver in Atlanta for the 2022 season. A former dual-sport athlete with basketball at USC, London knows how to use his large frame and wide catch radius to win at the catch point. One of the youngest prospects in this year's draft class (turned 21 in July), London hauled in 88 receptions for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns in just eight games last year before a broken ankle prematurely ended his season.

TIGHT ENDS

PlayerRec.YardsTDRushYardsTDPoints
Kyle Pitts73922.15.1000159.31
Anthony Firkser15.4157.81.200030.68
John FitzPatrick1.818.40.20003.94
Parker Hesse1.212.30.10002.43

Kyle Pitts: Scoring only one touchdown in 2021 was a bummer for fantasy managers, but Pitts is now one of only two tight ends in NFL history to reach 1,000 yards as a rookie. The former Gator creates matchup nightmares for opposing defenders and has a chance to finish as fantasy's TE1 overall as a sophomore.

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Saturday, January 1, 2022

Atlanta Falcons Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Atlanta Falcons rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 23 (23rd)
  • Best ranking: 22 (NFL.com)
  • Worst ranking: 24 (USA Today)

Below you will find a Week 17 roundup for the Falcons in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 23

Non-QB MVP: RB Cordarrelle Patterson

After spending the majority of his career as a special teams dynamo who showed flashes of offensive ability, Patterson became a revelation in 2021, setting career highs in almost every category, including rushing yards (579) and receiving yards (523). He also has 11 touchdowns from scrimmage, a career high, and has accounted for 39.2% of Atlanta's total rushing and receiving scores. Without Patterson on the field earlier this season, Atlanta went scoreless for six straight quarters. While cornerback A.J. Terrell and tight end Kyle Pitts could make strong cases, Patterson has such a crucial down-to-down role for the Falcons that is impossible to match. -- Michael Rothstein

NFL.com -- Rank: 22

We can sit here and talk about how the Falcons aren't a worthy playoff contender until we're blue in the face -- hell, I've done that for two months on the Around The NFL Podcast -- but give Arthur Smith's team credit: The kids stay in the picture. Sure, they needed a goal-line interception in the final minute to hold off Tim Boyle and the Lions on Sunday, but there's something to be said for Atlanta's ability to win close games with regularity. Here's the fun fact: The Falcons have won seven of nine one-possession games, including four victories by 4 points or less. Luck? Skill? It doesn't matter.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 23

They kept their slim playoff hopes alive by beating the Lions. Now they have to try to keep it that way by winning a road game at Buffalo. Good luck.

USA Today -- Rank: 24

Their average margin of victory in seven wins: 4.7 points. Their average margin of defeat in eight losses: 19.4 points.

The Athletic -- Rank: 23

Is he The Guy? No. Matt Ryan has been average this season -- 21st in overall offensive expected points added, per TruMedia, and 15th in touchdowns. And while it is never easy to move on from a franchise quarterback who has meant as much to a team as Ryan has, history will eventually show it was a mistake for the Falcons not to make a move to select Ryan's successor in the 2021 draft.

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Saturday, October 16, 2021

Atlanta Falcons Week 6 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Atlanta Falcons rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 25.4 (26th)
  • Best ranking: 25th (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 26th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 6 roundup for the Falcons in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 26

Most improved player: RB Cordarrelle Patterson

How they've improved: Patterson is the answer for almost everything Falcons at this point, isn't he? But in this case, it's wildly accurate. Patterson might be the most improved player in the NFL -- period. With 25 catches and 295 yards, he's already put up his best season numbers since 2017, and he's already matched his career-high in receiving touchdowns (four). As a runner, his 173 yards are the third-highest season total of his career. And, again, it's Week 5. Falcons coach Arthur Smith has become the playcaller who finally figured out how to use Patterson best in the former first-round pick's ninth season and fifth team. -- Michael Rothstein

NFL.com -- Rank: 25

The Falcons flew high over London thanks to a vintage performance by Matt Ryan. The veteran signal-caller might not be able to sling the ball like he did five years ago, but he showed against the Jets that he can still pick apart a young and inexperienced defense with surgical precision. It helps to have a stud like Kyle Pitts around. With Calvin Ridley out, the No. 4 overall pick finally enjoyed the breakout game many had been waiting for; Pitts went off, hauling in nine catches for 119 yards and his first career touchdown against a New York defense ill-equipped to handle his rare combination of size and speed. Pitts' special skill set deserves a Darren Waller-level target share.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 25

At 2-3, they head to their bye off a nice victory in England over the Jets. Matt Ryan has had a nice start to this season, even if the offense has been undermanned at times.

USA Today -- Rank: 25

If only they could play a New York team every week. But fear not, Atlanta fans, your team gets to go to Buffalo in Week 17.

The Athletic -- Rank: 26

Breakout player: It feels a little weird to be naming a 30-year-old, nine-year veteran as a breakout player, but it's like the category was built for Cordarrelle Patterson, who is shattering the expectations any of us had for him in Atlanta. Patterson, who is now officially listed as a running back instead of a wide receiver, already has 41 rushing attempts (his career high is 64, last year with the Bears). He's averaging 4.2 yards per carry and 11.8 yards per catch. Perhaps his production is an indictment of the Falcons' overall offensive play, but it's still exciting to see a player enjoy this sort of career renaissance.

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Monday, September 20, 2021

Fantasy Football Week 3 WR Waiver Wire

Every week, we examine players that may be available on your league's waiver wire that could help your team in the short and/or long term.

For a player to be listed, he must be rostered in 50 percent (or less) of Yahoo! leagues. The goal is to provide recommendations of players that have a greater chance of being available on your league's waiver wire. Of course, your league's size and settings could significantly impact whether these players (or better options) are available in your particular league(s).

With that said, here are some wide receiver waiver-wire options to consider heading into Week 3 (Yahoo! % rostered in parenthesis):

[Note: Players listed below are sorted by our preference to add.]

1. Rondale Moore, Arizona Cardinals (33%)

Fantasy managers can't always count on 77-yard touchdowns, but Moore showed off his elite speed in Sunday's win. It wasn't just one big play for the rookie, however, as he actually led the team in targets (eight) in Week 2 and finished with seven catches for 114 yards and a score.

Moore now has solid performances in back-to-back games. He finished with 4/68 in Week 1. The Cardinals get a soft matchup in Week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have now lost 17 consecutive games.

2. Darnell Mooney, Chicago Bears (45%)

One of my favorite sleepers heading into this season, Mooney has a chance to build upon his impressive rookie season. The former fifth-rounder out of Tulane had a 61/631/4 line last season and Matt Nagy talked up Mooney earlier this offseason by saying that he "has a rare element of speed, combined with route-running, hands and passion. And commitment."

The second-year receiver led the team in receptions (six), yards (66) and targets (eight) in Week 2. With Allen Robinson commanding much of a defense's attention, Mooney has the talent and potential to develop into a WR3/flex option.

3. Tim Patrick, Denver Broncos (22%)

Patrick had three catches for 37 yards and a score against the Jaguars on Sunday and has now scored in back-to-back games. While both Courtland Sutton and Noah Fant had more targets than Patrick (four), he was more targeted than fellow wideout K.J. Hamler (three). With Jerry Jeudy (high-ankle sprain, IR) out, Patrick and the Broncos get another favorable matchup in Week 3 against the New York Jets.

4. Cordarrelle Patterson, Atlanta Falcons (13%)

A RB/WR hybrid in fantasy, Patterson now has seven carries in back-to-back games. Even though he gained only 11 yards on his seven carries this week, he added five catches for 58 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns against the Buccaneers.

Mike Davis has had at least 16 touches in each of the team's first two games this season, but C-Patt has a total of 21 touches through two weeks. With Wayne Gallman a healthy scratch, the only other back to get touches this season has been Keith Smith (seven).

On his fifth team since entering the league in 2015, Davis has career averages of 3.7 YPC and 6.5 Y/R. Through his first two games as a Falcon, he's averaging just 3.63 YPC and 4.8 Y/R. Patterson may never be the team's RB1 as long as Davis is healthy, but if he continues to be much more efficient than Davis, it's not an impossibility either.

5. Elijah Moore, New York Jets (31%)

It was a brutal performance by the offense as Jets rookie quarterback Zach Wilson threw four interceptions on Sunday. Targeted eight times (24.24% target share) on Sunday, Moore finished with four catches for 47 yards. The Jets have a tough matchup in Denver in Week 3, but there are some softer pass defenses on the schedule after that as they face the Titans and Falcons in Weeks 4 and 5, respectively.

6. Henry Ruggs III, Las Vegas Raiders (34%)

While few, if any, started Ruggs in Week 2, he posted a big game (5/113/1 on seven targets) against a difficult defense (Steelers). Given his rare speed, there's always the potential for the big play (61-yard TD on Sunday), but it was encouraging to see the seven targets. The first receiver off the board in the 2020 NFL Draft, Ruggs is worth the bench stash for now to see if he's able to earn consistent volume in his second season.

7. K.J. Osborn, Minnesota Vikings (2%)

Osborn is now two-for-two in strong performances this season. After a 7/76 outing in Week 1, the second-year receiver had five catches for 91 yards and a touchdown on Sunday.

Even if he's clearly a distant third behind Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen in rest-of-season expectations, Osborn has 12 catches on 15 targets for a team-high 167 yards and a touchdown through two games. Osborn should be rostered in deeper leagues and the Seahawks-Vikings matchup has an early 55-point total in Week 3.

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Fantasy Football Week 3 RB Waiver Wire

Every week, we examine players that may be available on your league's waiver wire that could help your team in the short and/or long term.

For a player to be listed, he must be rostered in 50 percent (or less) of Yahoo! leagues. The goal is to provide recommendations of players that have a greater chance of being available on your league's waiver wire. Of course, your league's size and settings could significantly impact whether these players (or better options) are available in your particular league(s).

So that means that players like Tony Pollard (53% rostered) will be excluded from our list due to our self-imposed restrictions, but he's clearly worth adding in your league whether you roster Ezekiel Elliott or not.

With that said, here are some running back waiver-wire options to consider heading into Week 3 (Yahoo! % rostered in parenthesis):

[Note: Players listed below are sorted by our preference to add.]

1. James White, New England Patriots (42%)

Once again, White appears on this list.

In his two final seasons playing with Tom Brady (2018-2019), White had a minimum of 95 targets, 72 receptions and 645 receiving yards each season. Through two games with Mac Jones, White is on pace to better those numbers.

White now has six receptions in back-to-back games and has a total of 32 rushing yards and a touchdown plus 12 receptions for 94 yards on 13 targets. Heading into Monday Night Football, White is fantasy's RB14 (half-PPR) and the RB9 in full PPR formats.

2. Michael Carter, New York Jets (50%)

The UNC rookie generated positive buzz early in camp despite beginning the season as part of an uninspiring three-headed RBBC. Based on talent, it wouldn't be surprising if Carter emerged as an RB3/flex option at some point during the season.

In a game where there were very few bright spots, Carter averaged more than five yards per carry as he gained 59 yards on 11 carries and added a couple of receptions for 29 yards. Through two games, here are the team's running back touches: Carter (18), Ty Johnson (17) and Tevin Coleman (14). Johnson had 12 carries for 50 yards on Sunday.

The Jets have a difficult matchup against the Denver Broncos in Week 3, but they face softer matchups in Weeks 4 (Tennessee Titans) and 5 (Atlanta Falcons).

3. J.D. McKissic, Washington Football Team (29%)

McKissic was a non-factor in Week 1 (one carry for eight yards), but the usage was much better in Week 2. Not only did he haul in five catches for 83 yards on six targets, but he added 10 rushing yards and a score as well.

Antonio Gibson had five targets in Week 1, but he only had two in Week 2. That's clearly frustrating for those that roster Gibson, but McKissic is one of the league's best receiving backs and only Alvin Kamara (83) had more receptions than McKissic (80) in 2020.

4. Cordarrelle Patterson, Atlanta Falcons (13%)

A RB/WR hybrid in fantasy, Patterson now has seven carries in back-to-back games. Even though he gained only 11 yards on his seven carries this week, he added five catches for 58 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns against the Buccaneers.

Mike Davis has had at least 16 touches in each of the team's first two games this season, but C-Patt has a total of 21 touches through two weeks. With Wayne Gallman a healthy scratch, the only other back to get touches this season has been Keith Smith (seven).

On his fifth team since entering the league in 2015, Davis has career averages of 3.7 YPC and 6.5 Y/R. Through his first two games as a Falcon, he's averaging just 3.63 YPC and 4.8 Y/R. Patterson may never be the team's RB1 as long as Davis is healthy, but if he continues to be much more efficient than Davis, it's not an impossibility either.

5. Peyton Barber, Las Vegas Raiders (10%)

As uncomfortable as I'd be having to start Barber, the journeyman back handled the bulk of early-down opportunities in the absence of Josh Jacobs in Week 2. If Jacobs isn't available in Week 3, it's possible that Barber sees another 10-15 carries. Jon Gruden has called Jacobs "very questionable" for Week 3.

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Sunday, September 5, 2021

Fantasy Football Projections 2021: Atlanta Falcons

Our 2021 Fantasy Football Projections will be viewable by both position and team.

Below you will find our 2021 fantasy football projections for the Atlanta Falcons.

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams

QUARTERBACKS

PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Matt Ryan574.3376.74249.826.4211.4931.7101.41.11269.49
Josh Rosen30.218.6214.41.180.864.510.80.0412.9

Matt Ryan: There are a number of offseason changes that will impact Ryan's 2021 fantasy outlook -- new coaching staff, drafting Kyle Pitts, trading away Julio Jones, etc. While Arthur Smith may prefer to operate a run-first offense, personnel and game script may dictate a less run-heavy offense than some may otherwise expect. Even with a 17th regular-season game added to the schedule, Ryan's streak of three consecutive seasons with at least 608 pass attempts could come to an end in 2021.

RUNNING BACKS

PlayerAtt.YardsTDRec.YardsTDPoints
Mike Davis204785.45.9244.5328.12.3182.92
Wayne Gallman1365784.089.975.90.597.82
Keith Smith12.526.30.25433.50.210.68

Mike Davis: Filling in for a mostly-injured Christian McCaffrey in 2020, Davis performed as a top-15 (half-PPR) fantasy running back last season. Relatively limited competition for running back touches makes Davis a back-end RB2 or high-end flex option in 2021 with Arthur Smith taking over as Atlanta's head coach. That said, Wayne Gallman poses a much bigger threat to Davis' workload than Qadree Ollison did before him.

Wayne Gallman: The odd man out in San Francisco, Gallman lands in a spot that makes him an ideal late-round sleeper. With Saquon Barkley lost for most of the season, Gallman finished 2020 as a top-33 back with 147/682/6 rushing (4.6 YPC) and 21/114/0 receiving. It may not be the most likely of scenarios, but Gallman leading Atlanta's backs in fantasy production is not exactly the longest of long shots either.

WIDE RECEIVERS

PlayerRec.YardsTDRushYardsTDPoints
Calvin Ridley100.41348.27.94.520.30.09234.99
Russell Gage59.3658.53.72.390.03118.78
Cordarrelle Patterson20.4185.31.156.7283.51.773.88
Olamide Zaccheaus32.2399.52.21.13.30.0169.64
Christian Blake17.4187.51.100034.05
Frank Darby5.562.50.300010.8
Tajae Sharpe2.635.70.20006.07

Calvin Ridley: Ridley closed the season the same way he started it -- with 100-plus yards in four of five games. Along with Davante Adams (six) and Stefon Diggs (three), Ridley was one of three receivers to finish as a top-two weekly fantasy receiver at least three times in 2020. Ridley finished last season with 90 catches on 143 targets for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns and is a top-four fantasy wide receiver in 2021 with Julio Jones in Tennessee.

Russell Gage: With the Falcons trading Julio Jones to Tennessee, Gage should rank second or third on the team in receiving behind Calvin Ridley and possibly/likely rookie Kyle Pitts in 2021. Gage set career highs across the board in 2020 with 72 catches, 110 targets, 786 yards and four touchdowns.

TIGHT ENDS

PlayerRec.YardsTDRushYardsTDPoints
Kyle Pitts63.2776.85.3000141.08
Hayden Hurst32.23372.300063.6
Lee Smith3.835.70.30007.27

Kyle Pitts: It's typically a difficult transition to the NFL for rookie tight ends, but Pitts isn't the typical tight end. The definition of a mismatch player in the mold of Darren Waller, Pitts has the potential to develop into fantasy's overall TE1 within a couple of years. The John Mackey Award winner, Pitts won't turn 21 until October, runs like a receiver (4.44 forty) and no pass-catcher over the past 20 drafts has had a larger wingspan.

Hayden Hurst: Hurst performed as the TE9 in half-PPR/PPR formats and the TE11 in non-PPR formats as he set career highs in targets (88), receptions (56), yards (571) and touchdowns (six) in year one in Atlanta. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, his weekly performance was inconsistent as he had five games with single-digit receiving yards. While Arthur Smith will run a TE-friendly offense, Kyle Pitts will make Hurst even more of a TD-dependent option in 2021.

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