The Falcons have held five straight opponents under 200 passing yards. They play the Panthers in Week 16.

Analysis: The Falcons' success against the pass has come against capable teams, but Panthers QB Cam Newton racked up 335 passing yards and another 42 on the ground in their Week 3 meeting. Newton will be shuttered for the final two weeks with a shoulder injury, opening the door for backup Taylor Heinicke to run the offense in Week 16. With an unproven option under center, expect the Panthers to lean heavily on RB Christian McCaffrey, who has eclipsed 100 scrimmage yards in seven straight outings. The…read more

The Falcons rank 29th in the league with 11 turnovers. They play the Cardinals in Week 15.

Analysis: The Cardinals offense has been lethargic with rookie Josh Rosen under center, ranking last in the league with 13.7 points per game and turning the ball over 23 times in 13 games. Their offensive power hasn't turned up lately, but they have a better grasp on the ball with just two turnovers in the last three contests. The Falcons struggle to take the ball away, so they may not have an easy time reversing the trend. Nevertheless, the floor is solid as they'll likely be able to hold the Cardinals…read more

The Falcons have held their last three opponents below 200 passing yards. They play the Packers in Week 14.

Analysis: The Packers are playing with house money at this point with slim playoff chances and an interim head coach. They haven't performed when it matters, but the Falcons are in line to be the first-ever target of Aaron Rodgers without Mike McCarthy. It's impossible to tell what's in store, but the playbook should be aggressive at home. That's not to mention RB Aaron Jones, who is having a breakout campaign and will feast on the Falcons 27th-ranked run defense. The Falcons have little upside with just…read more

The Falcons have allowed over 130 rushing yards in each of the last three games. They play the Ravens in Week 13.

Analysis: The Ravens have a new toy in RB Gus Edwards, who appeared out of nowhere and surpassed 115 rushing yards in each of the last two games. The Falcons don't look well-equipped to handle him and add run-happy QB Lamar Jackson to the mix and it's a troubling combination. Jackson has been able to do damage in the air against soft secondaries the last two weeks, and the Falcons' injured bunch will be vulnerable to the same collapse. The rookie signal caller has thrown three picks in the last two…read more

The Falcons rank 29th in the league with 284.1 passing yards allowed per game. They play the Saints in Week 12.

Analysis: Some may have been willing to give the Atlanta defense a spin after it held the Redskins to just 14 points three weeks ago, but there's no sensible way this unit is viable in fantasy versus the Saints, who torched them for 43 points in Week 3. That only proved to be a sign of what was to come, as Saints have scored 45 or more points in each of their last three outings. They shown no mercy, either, going for it on fourth down and throwing deep in Week 11 despite a comfortable 30-point lead…read more

The Falcons defense has produced one turnover per game this year. They play the Cowboys in Week 11.

Analysis: The Dallas offense has been unpredictable on a week-to-week basis, as they got shut down by the Titans earlier this month but racked up 27 points to beat the Eagles in Week 10. They've been smart with the ball, averaging just 1.1 turnovers per contest, but QB Dak Prescott has been dropped a whopping 32 times. Atlanta's pass rush isn't one to fear -- 17 sacks in nine games -- and they've shown an inability to get off the field with opponents converting on 51.9 percent of third downs. The Falcons…read more

CB Robert Alford is dealing with an ankle injury ahead of Week 10's game against the Browns.

Analysis: The Browns offense adjusted to its new coaching staff in Week 9 against the Chiefs by scoring 21 points while QB Baker Mayfield threw for 297 yards, two scores and an interception. The Falcons have been a liability defensively this year, allowing over 20 points in six straight games before they shut down the Redskins last week. If Alford can play, it'll help slow down Cleveland's passing attack, especially RB Duke Johnson, who put up 9-78-2 on nine targets this past Sunday against the Chiefs.…read more

The Falcons have allowed a 300-yard passer in five of the last six games. They play the Redskins in Week 9.

Analysis: Atlanta's struggles against the pass are linked to a battered secondary, but QB Alex Smith has been kept under 180 passing yards in each of the last three games, which could provide the Falcons with some relief. However, RB Adrian Peterson appears to be rediscovering his stride, as he had 156 scrimmage yards in Week 8 and a combined 204 in the two previous weeks. The Falcons haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher this season, but the Redskins commitment to the run could change that. The Atlanta D/ST…read more

The Falcons have allowed four of six opposing quarterbacks to compile over 330 passing yards and five of six to throw for three touchdowns. They'll play the Giants in Week 7.

Analysis: The Falcons are clearly hurting from key absences at all three levels of the defense, but some relief may come against the Giants, who rank 18th in the league with 260.8 passing yards per game. QB Eli Manning has had trouble reaching his multiple play-making threats, but if he syncs up with WR Odell Beckham and RB Saquon Barkley continues his dual-threat onslaught, it could be the fourth straight week Atlanta has given up at least 29 points. The Falcons do rank ninth in the league with six…read more

The Falcons have allowed over 37 points in each of their last three games. They'll play the Buccaneers in Week 6.

Analysis: The Bucs will replace Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback with Jameis Winston for the first time of the season. Winston will have plenty of pass-catching talent to work with in his return to the starting lineup, as Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson and Chris Godwin have combined for nine scores in four games. Tampa's porous defense could keep Winston throwing constantly, leading to another hefty total on the opponents' scoreboard. The Falcons haven't shown the ability to make up points in the fantasy…read more

The Falcons allowed 37 points to the Bengals in Week 4. They'll play the Steelers in Week 5.

Analysis: The Falcons have allowed 80 points over the last two weeks and now have another AFC North opponent on tap. The Steelers are still missing star RB Le'Veon Bell, but the offense has remained generally productive most weeks with QB Ben Roethlisberger, WR Antonio Brown and WR JuJu Smith-Schuster still on hand to put up points. Another shootout could be in the works in Week 5, as the Falcons have been especially vulnerable through the air the past two games, surrendering 733 passing yards. Fantasy…read more

FS Ricardo Allen (Achilles) was placed on injured reserve following Week 3's game against the Saints.

Analysis: Allen joins fellow starting safety Keanu Neal (knee) on injured reserve, leaving two untapped defenders to man the position. The Falcons were ranked 26th in the league with 276 passing yards allowed per game before the injury. That signals trouble in Week 4, as the Falcons face off with the Bengals, who have wideouts A.J. Green, Tyler Boyd and John Ross that can extend the field. That's not to mention TE Tyler Eifert that's coming into his own. Atlanta D/ST carries substantial risk.

The Falcons bounced back and won 31-24 over the Panthers in Week 2. They'll face off with the Saints in Week 3.

Analysis: The Saints have been up-and-down, posting 40 points on the Buccaneers then scoring just 21 against the Browns. QB Drew Brees has yet to throw an interception, but the rest of the skill players have coughed up the football four times. Even the opportunity of turnovers may not be enough to diminish how strong the opposing offense is. RB Alvin Kamara hasn't slowed down in Year 2, and WR Michael Thomas has already racked up 28 receptions for 269 yards and three touchdowns. The ceiling is too low…read more

The Falcons defense will enter Sunday's game against the Panthers without injuries.

Analysis: The Falcons were able to hold the Panthers to just 20 points in Week 9 and forced two turnovers. Carolina's offense will be fully healthy as well, and this offense hasn't failed to score 20 points since Week 8. Atlanta has a good shot as slowing down QB Cam Newton and the Panthers, but Newton has been so frugal with the ball -- just two picks in his last seven starts -- that it lowers the ceiling on this unit. With a lot on the line for both squads, no starters will be rested in Week 17, and…read more

The Falcons are injury-free headed into Sunday's game against the Saints.

Analysis: In contrast to the Falcons' defense, Saints WR Ted Ginn (ribs) may be limited in Sunday's game. This could help limit the deep ball, but the Saints still have the two-headed beast in the back field with Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram. Both running backs have over 1,300 yards from scrimmage this season, and they've combined for at least 100 rushing yards in nine of their last 10 games. In these teams' first matchup of the season, Kamara left after the first series with a concussion and the Saints…read more

The Falcons are expected to be fully healthy for Monday's game against the Buccaneers.

Analysis: In these teams' first matchup this season, the Bucs scored 20 points and put up 373 yards while refusing to give up a turnover. While Tampa consistently puts up big numbers in the yardage game, the Bucs are coming off of a five-turnover performance in Week 14 against the Lions. This likely won't be replicated, but it leaves a sturdy floor for the Falcons defense. Still, turnovers are flaky and the Falcons haven't been able to force them consistently, so with their fantasy value riding on…read more

Cornerbacks Desmond Trufant (concussion) and Brian Poole (back) will play Thursday against the Saints.

Analysis: Having two top corners back Thursday will be helpful for the Falcons, but the Saints have a very balanced offense that beats teams on the ground and through the air. The Saints have at least 100 rushing yards in each of their last eight games, and they have compiled 20 or more points in every game since Week 1. However, Saints RB Mark Ingram (toe) is questionable for Thursday, which would leave rookie Alvin Kamara, who has over 1,000 yards from scrimmage already this season, to take a bulk of…read more

CB Desmond Trufant is in concussion protocol and his status isn't clear for Sunday's game against the Vikings.

Analysis: Trufant isn't the only secondary member dealing with injury, as Brian Poole (back) is also on the injury report. If these injuries keep them out of Sunday's game, the Falcons could be in big trouble against a strong Vikings passing game. The Vikings have been beating teams on the ground too, as Jerick McKinnon and Latavius Murray have combined for over 300 yards in their last two games. Minnesota has also allowed just five interceptions this season, while the Falcons have forced just three.…read more

The Falcons will enter Sunday's game against the Buccaneers with a fully healthy defense.

Analysis: The Bucs' interim QB Ryan Fitzpatrick hasn't been flashy in the absence of Jameis Winston (shoulder), but he's completed almost 55 percent of his passes for 530 yards, four touchdowns and just one interception. The Falcons' tenth-ranked defense matches up well against a Bucs team that has only scored more than 15 once in their last four games and consistently struggles in the run game. However, the Falcons aren't apt at forcing turnovers, leaving them with a low ceiling, but they can still be…read more

DT Grady Jarrett is dealing with a knee ailment ahead of Monday's game against the Seahawks.

Analysis: Jarrett is key in the run stop as he has 34 tackles (21 solo) through nine games, but his injury wouldn't be devastating against the Seahawks' poor run game. However, Seattle has been rolling lately, racking up over 400 yards in three of their last four matchups, but only posting over 25 points once in that span. Still, whenever a defense matches up with a talented, running quarterback with a deep threat like Russell Wilson has, it's difficult to consider that unit for most fantasy formats.…read more

DT Grady Jarrett is nursing a rib injury ahead of Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

Analysis: If Jarrett's unable to play, the Falcons will only have two healthy defensive tackles left, meaning the possibility of some odd formations for Atlanta. The Falcons have continuously been keeping opponents around 20 points, and they've lucked into a matchup that will be without Cowboys' RB Ezekiel Elliott (suspension). The Falcons have only forced six turnovers this year, though, keeping their ceiling low, even though they boast the 10th-best pass defense in the league. There seems to be plenty…read more