Nov 4, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Roddy White (84) and guard Peter Konz (66) in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE
Vital Info
Opponent: New Orleans Saints
Location: Mercedes-Benz Superdome (Away)
Record: 8-0
Quarterback
Matt Ryan isn’t in that elite category of fantasy quarterbacks yet but he has finally proven himself to be a reliable starter almost every week. With the Saints getting torched by everyone with even Michael Vick getting plenty of yards against them, Ryan is a lock to start for you this week.
Running Back
Michael Turner isn’t a 30+ carry per game back any more but he has shown he can still put up numbers. His overall numbers are still touchdown dependent – he’s not the type of back who will consistently run for a lot of yards – but when he gets a good matchup he will usually deliver and the Saints are one of the softest there is. He’s a strong RB2. As for the young Jacquizz Rodgers, you’re starting to see him get more involved in the offense. It’s obvious that he’s gradually taking on an Ahmad Bradshaw type of role to Turner’s Brandon Jacobs. He’s not there yet but in deeper leagues Rodgers is worth strong consideration to start this week given the matchup – 5 carries for 30-35 yards and 2-3 receptions for 40-50 yards with a touchdown would be a nice result that is certainly possible here.
Wide Receiver
Roddy White and Julio Jones are arguably the best WR duo in the NFL right now and that is no different in fantasy – Roddy is my #1 WR right now and Julio is right around #10. You start both every week and this week you expect both to give you a lot of production – I’ll go so far as to say that one of them will get 150+ yards and 2 TDs. For fantasy purposes, this is where it ends. Harry Douglas is a better football player on the field than he is in fantasy and he just doesn’t get targetted enough to bother with.
Tight End
Takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’ – Tony Gonzalez is, in my opinion, the greatest tight end that the NFL has ever seen and even as his career is drawing to a close he can still play better than most. If you own Gonzo, you are starting him every week no matter what and I predict this week he finds his way to the end zone.