2008 Preseason Fantasy Football Team Previews: Atlanta Falcons

NFC South (Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)


Atlanta Falcons Fantasy Preview:

Last season the Falcons were a fantasy football nightmare. They were bad on offense. They were bad on defense. Their quarterbacking was suspect at best, thanks to the incarceration of Michael Vick. Their offensive line was offensive. Their coach quit. Just terrible. If there was one bright spot, it was the emergence of Roddy White at receiver. A new GM showed the door to many of the holdover "stars" on the team: RB Warrick Dunn, QB Byron Leftwich, TE Alge Crumpler and CB DeAngelo Hall . . . all gone. Brought in to change the direction of the team were RB Michael Turner (San Diego), K Jason Elam (Denver) and #3 overall draft pick QB Matt Ryan (Boston College). Only time will tell if or when these guys can turn the fortunes of the franchise around. There are a LOT of questions surrounding this team . . . again. Can Matt Ryan or holdover Chris Redman carry this team this season, and take advantage of another potential breakout season by talented WR Roddy White? Can Michael Turner shoulder the load and be effective behind that offensive line? Will they ever get Jerious Norwood the ball more? Can they replace Crumpler's production at TE? Will the defense stop anyone? You might want to temper your expectations from this team with all these questions yet to be answered.

Once again, the defense wasn't very good. Chances are, it won't be very good again this season, and could spend a LOT of time on the field. Stay away.

Matt Ryan was drafted #3 overall to be the new offensive savior of this franchise. It remains to be seen if he can, in fact, make everyone in Atlanta forget about the Mike Vick era. He has some skills, but I wasn't too impressed with him in college, and wouldn't be surprised if Chris Redman takes the majority of the snaps this year. Still, Ryan could turn into a good dynasty choice. Unfortunately, I don't see him as more than a bye week fill-in this year.


Fantasy Surprise for 2008: Michael Turner, RB

I'm sold. Even though he's an obvious choice, he's also the safest choice given the state of the offense and the commitment that was made to him. Turner has the size and speed to be a great #2 RB, and should be the focal point of the offense. There will again be struggles at QB, but hopefully there will be enough decent play to keep defenses from keying on Turner. WR Roddy White should help keep teams honest, and Turner should have a breakout fantasy season in his first opportunity to be a feature back. Grab him in Round 3 or 4, and you'll be happy you did.

Fantasy Disappointment for 2008: Matt Ryan, QB

Can anyone be a disappointment on a team that no one expects anything from? Maybe not, but I think some people will over value Ryan because he was a high draft pick. Most rookie QBs struggle coming out of the gate, and Ryan should be no different. Temper your expectations greatly for this guy, who sort of reminds me of David Carr coming out of college.

Best Fantasy Draft Value for 2008: Chris Redman, QB

I know Matt Ryan was a high draft pick. I know a lot of money was invested in him. I also know that throwing QBs to the wolves isn't the best way to get a good return on your investment. In a perfect situation, Chris Redman would play most of the season and give Ryan a chance to learn the ropes before he starts running for his life. Redman did a decent job of getting the ball to Roddy White last year, and with a decent running game to fall back on, could surprise this year. He could be a good backup QB this year, and may even have a few surprisingly good games. He'll be dirt cheap in any draft.

Up Next: Carolina Panthers