FanProphet

Atlanta Falcons

There are quite a few players to talk about and possibly the sleeper (Jerious Norwood) of the draft however, within this Atlanta Falcons franchise I do not see one player worthy of a 1st through 4th round fantasy draft selection. We all know that Vick has the ability to run, but unless he proves that he can consistently make plays downfield these Falcons will remain an average team.

Michael Vick: Fantasy stud and a starting QB on any fantasy franchise. Maybe!
Vick made owners look like geniuses in last seasons fantasy playoffs. In week 15 he had a career game where he threw 4 Td’s, passed for 237, and rushed for another 56 yards. During championship week he threw 2 picks, rushed for 32 yards, and only passed for 109 yards.

That has been the story for Vick’s entire career and this type of inconsistency has been totally intolerable for most owners. The week you need him to perform, it’s overkill. The following week when you need only a little production, Vick’s missing and ends up with negative points. If you have him you have to start him because the week you decide not to, he’ll rush, pass, and probably catch a TD. I personally do not want to be in these types of situations.

Maybe this is the year for Vick to show consistency, but don’t look for another 1,000 rushing yards. Most writers have Vick in the top 10 Qb’s, but that’s overall points and when you consider his inconsistent play, you have to make an adjustment.  

Warrick Dunn: If Atlanta benched Dunn or cut his game play in half until December then they could expect a great run at the playoffs. Dunn is definitely an overachiever and worthy of a spot on any roster.  However, do not expect too much in the TD category. As it stands, fantasy owners are almost guaranteed yards and a great start to the season, but don’t expect much during the later weeks of this rigorous NFL schedule.

Joe Horn: Leadership, great hands, speed, and unselfishness! All the attributes you need in a great player/person. Great receivers can play anywhere and Horn has proven this. However, Horn is probably on his way out and I believe his game play will suffer due to the lack of consistency in Atlanta’s passing game. Mid-late round selection.

Michael Jenkins: Buckeye boy! Six feet four, 217! Good hands, runs well, scores touchdowns, gets open. Oh, this is the NFL and not the Madden Challenge. Maybe this is the year for Jenkins but with Horn and ‘Crump’ look for only a little improvement. Late round selection

Alge Crumpler: Right up their with Gonzalez, Winslow, and Shockey. A surefire TE starter on any fantasy roster.

Jerious Norwood: This could be the sleeper on this franchise. About quarter of the way through the season look for Norwood to increase his load. He showed big play ability last season as he scored on touchdown runs of 78 and 69 yards respectively. If the Falcons stay in games Norwood could play huge in fourth quarters. Big sleeper in the draft!

DEFENSE: According to the Falcons strength of schedule they play the 4th easiest in the NFL. According to my evaluations this defense plays one of the toughest, especially against the run. I simply do not see how they will stop anybody this season. If you like them draft them, but not until the finishing rounds.

Roddy White: Plenty of reps but not enough ball to go around on this franchise. Not ready but do to the ever present injury factor, White is a late round selection.

Brian Finneran: Out for the season.