The Falcons recorded four sacks and a fumble recovery in the 27-26 loss to the Saints in Week 1.

Analysis: The Falcons allowed two passing touchdowns, and they gave up 151 yards on the ground as well. That was basically a ceiling performance for the Falcons, who are weak in the box and have an average secondary. They shouldn't be on fantasy radars in Week 2 against the Rams. Even though QB Matthew Stafford struggled against the Bills in the opener, the Falcons aren't in the same galaxy as the Bills in terms of defense. The Falcons may have some fantasy appeal again in Week 3 against the Seahawks.

The Falcons placed Deion Jones (shoulder) on injured reserve.

Analysis: Jones will miss the first four games of the season as he rehabs his shoulder injury, and he could be a cut candidate upon return. The Falcons will start Rashaan Evans -- an experienced starter -- and Mykal Walker at inside linebacker for the time being. The Falcons' secondary may be better than last season with A.J. Terrell and Casey Hayward at the helm, but they lack a consistent pass rush to provide fantasy value.

LB Deion Jones (shoulder) was activated from the PUP list and has been practicing with the team.

Analysis: Jones isn't a guarantee to make the 53-man roster, but he should rack up tackles if he's with the team Week 1. Regardless, Jones won't make or break this defense; it's already broken. They ranked 29th last season with 27 points allowed per game and last in the league with 18 sacks. The Falcons didn't make a concerted effort to address these weaknesses. This defensive unit has minimal appeal in season-long leagues.

LB Deion Jones (shoulder) is on the PUP list to begin Falcons' training camp.

Analysis: Jones has finished second on the team in tackles each of the past three years, but his outlook is up in the air after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. The Atlanta D/ST is coming off another poor campaign, and Jones' availability is unlikely to significantly move the needle on the unit's relevance in 2022.

The Falcons ended last season ranked 26th in total defense (364.4 YPG) and tied-29th in scoring defense (27.0 PPG).

Analysis: The Atlanta D/ST also finished last in the NFL with only 18 sacks, though it was middle of the pack with 20 takeaways. The Falcons added CB Casey Hayward via free agency to start opposite A.J. Terrell, but the rest of the secondary has more limited upside. Grady Jarrett inked an extension and will remain an anchor up front, the the lacking pieces around will likley continue to limit his production after recording one sack in 2021. The Falcons' outlook is unlikely to improve significantly this…read more

The Falcons allowed 351 yards and 29 points during the Week 17 loss to the Bills and play the Saints on Sunday.

Analysis: The Atlanta D/ST managed three takeaways, one sack and a safety during the contest to provide a solid fantasy performance. The unit has been mostly an afterthought this season and shouldn't return to the radar for the season finale. The Saints haven't been electric with QB Taysom Hill helming the offense, but he's been able to limit the turnovers the past few games. The Falcons D/ST is a below-average option for Week 18.

The Falcons allowed 338 yards and 16 points during the Week 16 win over the Lions and play the Bills on Sunday.

Analysis: Going up against backup QB Tim Boyle didn't lead to a fruitful day for the Atlanta D/ST, which finished with zero sacks and one takeaway. Now it will be going up against one of the best offenses in the league, and QB Josh Allen has nine total touchdowns and two interceptions over the past three games. The Falcons D/ST is off the fantasy radar for Week 17.

The Falcons allowed 397 yards and 31 points during the Week 15 loss to the 49ers and play the Lions on Sunday.

Analysis: San Francisco averaged 7.1 yards per play as the Atlanta D/ST managed one takeaway and zero sacks. The Falcons have been a poor defensive unit all season, but it has a favorable matchup for this weekend, though the Lions are coming off their most complete game of the campaign. The Falcons D/ST is an above-average option for Week 16 on the streaming radar, but it still has limited appeal.

The Falcons allowed 334 yards and 21 points during the Week 14 win over the Panthers and play the 49ers on Sunday.

Analysis: The Atlanta D/ST had one sack and three takeaways, including a pick-six from Mykal Walker, which marks the second straight game with a defensive score. It was the best production of the campaign for the Falcons, though it shouldn't be expected to become a trend. QB Jimmy Garoppole's struggles with consistency remain apparent, but overall the San Francisco offense is solid, especially with TE George Kittle healthy. The Falcons D/ST is off the fantasy radar for Week 15 following last week's…read more

The Falcons gave up 425 yards and 30 points during the Week 13 loss to the Buccaneers and play the Panthers on Sunday.

Analysis: QB Tom Brady was generally able to do whatever he pleased on 51 pass attempts, though DT Marlon Davidson did manage an unexpected pick-six on an attempted screen pass. That was the only positive for the Atlanta D/ST, as it was its lone takeaway to go with zero sacks. QB Cam Newton hasn't exactly stabilized Carolina's offense, and RB Christian McCaffrey (ankle) is now lost for the season. The Falcons D/ST is on the streaming radar this week since it's a strong matchup, but it's a risky option…read more

The Falcons allowed 357 yards and 14 points during the Week 12 win over the Jaguars and play the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Analysis: The Atlanta D/ST didn't take full advantage of the matchup but still had a solid day with one sack and two takeaways. The unit still ranks 31st in scoring defense (27.5 PPG) this season. The Falcons D/ST isn't worth fantasy consideration for Week 13 while going up against Tom Brady and the reigning Super Bowl champs.

The Falcons allowed 308 yards and 19 offensive points during the Week 11 loss to the Patriots and play the Jaguars on Sunday.

Analysis: The Atlanta D/ST forced only four incompletions on 26 pass attempts, but all things considered it wasn't a terrible performance with one takeaway and three sacks. QB Trevor Lawrence has endured his share of rookie growing pains for Jacksonville, and he hasn't received much help from the rest of the offense. The Jags averaged only 15.9 points and have 17 giveaways this season. The Falcons D/ST remains a poor long-term option, but it's on the streaming radar for Week 12 thanks to the attractive…read more

The Falcons allowed 43 points and 431 yards during the Week 10 loss to the Cowboys and play the Patriots on Thursday.

Analysis: QB Dak Prescott averaged 9.1 yards per pass as the Atlanta D/ST mustered one takeaway and zero sacks. The Falcons rank last in the league in sacks (11) and tied-26th in takeaways (eight) while giving up 29.2 PPG. New England is averaging 27.5 PPG with rookie QB Mac Jones, though it does rank tied-24th in giveaways (14) and and 15th in sacks allowed (19). This isn't a terrible matchup but the Falcons D/ST hasn't shown enough warrant significant fantasy consideration.

The Falcons allowed 25 points and 376 yards during the Week 9 win over the Saints and play the Cowboys on Sunday.

Analysis: The Atlanta D/ST had one takeaway and one sack for yet another quiet fantasy performance. Meanwhile, The Cowboys offense was shut down by the Broncos last week and is a prime candidate for an offensive explosion this weekend. QB Dak Prescott is another week removed from his calf injury, and the Falcons D/ST is a poor option for Week 10 in this matchup.

The Falcons allowed 332 yards and 19 points during the Week 8 loss to the Panthers and play the Saints on Sunday.

Analysis: The Atlanta D/ST was unable to offer much fantasy production against what's been a broken offense without RB Christian McCaffrey, recording just one takeaway and zero sacks. The Falcons are allowing 27.9 PPG and rank 32nd in sacks (10) and tied-27th in takeaways (six), so there's minimal upside here. New Orleans will be rolling with either Taysom Hill or Trevor Siemian under center with Jameis Winston (knee) sidelined), but that only lifts the Falcons D/ST to the fringe fantasy radar, and it…read more

The Falcons allowed 281 yards and 28 points during the Week 7 win over the Dolphins and play the Panthers on Sunday.

Analysis: The Atlanta D/ST had two takeaways and one sack, but it spoiled a better fantasy performance by allowing QB Tua Tagovailoa to lead two touchdown drives in the fourth quarter. QB Sam Darnold has thrown seven interceptions and lost a fumble across the past four games, while top WRs D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson have struggled with drops. The Falcons rank 30th in scoring defense (29.3 PPG), 30th in sacks (10) and tied-27th in takeaways (five) this season, so it remains nothing more than a…read more

The Falcons are coming off their bye week and play the Dolphins on Sunday.

Analysis: The Atlanta D/ST had a matchup with the Jets prior to the bye week, but it provided a flat fantasy effort with two sacks and one takeaway while giving up 20 points to the worst offense in the league. QB Tua Tagovailoa is back in action for Miami, so the offense is getting back on track, despite a loss to Jacksonville last week. The Dolphins don't present an unattractive matchup, though the Falcons D/ST hasn't shown enough to garner more than passing consideration.

The Falcons surrendered 412 yards and 34 points during the Week 4 loss to Washington and play the Jets on Sunday.

Analysis: QB Taylor Heinicke averaged 9.8 yards per pass and tossed three TDs as the Atlanta D/ST mustered one sack and zero takeaways in a pitiful performance. The Falcons appeared to be on the rise after a solid showing against the Giants in Week 3 only to show minimal defense versus the Football Team. A matchup against turnover-prone rookie QB Zach Wilson and the Jets should theoretically put the Atlanta D/ST on the streaming radar for Week 5, but it remains a dangerous option at best with only seven…read more

The Falcons allowed 14 points and 346 yards during the Week 3 win over the Giants and play Washington on Sunday.

Analysis: Atlanta had two sacks and one takeaway while managing to limit New York to a two field goals, a touchdown and a two-point conversion. A Washington offense led by fill-in QB Taylor Heinicke had three giveaways at Buffalo last week and has struggled with consistency since taking over for Ryan Fitzpatrick (hip). The Falcons D/ST shouldn't all of the sudden be on the fantasy radar long-term, but it could be a dark horse streaming option in Week 4 if options are limited.

The Falcons allowed 341 yards and 35 offensive points during the Week 2 loss to the Buccaneers and play the Giants on Sunday.

Analysis: Atlanta recorded three sacks and a takeaway but unsurprisingly had a difficult time keeping Tampa Bay out of the end zone. CB A.J. Terrell also suffered a concussion and could be sidelined for Week 3. QB Daniel Jones has taken good care of the ball through two games as New York has only one giveaway, though he's also been sacks six times. The Atlanta D/ST hasn't shown enough to be worth any consideration more than a dart throw in this matchup.

The Falcons gave up 32 points and 434 yards during the Week 1 loss to the Eagles and play the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Analysis: There was low expectations for the Atlanta D/ST coming in, but it still managed to underperform with one sack and zero takeaways while allowing 5.6 yards per carry. Week 2 doesn't get any easier, as defending Super Bowl champs Tampa Bay and QB Tom Brady put up 31 points in Week 1 despite an uncharacteristic four giveaways. There's no reason to consider the Falcons D/ST for this week.

CB Kendall Sheffield (undisclosed) won't play Sunday against the Eagles after being placed on injured reserve.

Analysis: Sheffield played 524 defensive snaps for Atlanta last year but will be sidelined for at least the first three weeks of 2021. The Eagles now have Jalen Hurts as the unquestioned starter at quarterback, and the receiving corps will be led by 10th overall pick DeVonta Smith and tight end Dallas Goerdert. RB Miles Sanders should also lead a solid rushing attack. The Falcons D/ST is coming off another poor defensive campaign and is unlikely to make significant strides this season after minimal…read more

DT Deadrin Senat (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve in early August.

Analysis: Senat was ruled out for the preseason early in camp, and the 2018 third-round pick is poised to miss the full 2021 campaign. Luckily for Atlanta, the defense as a whole made it through the preseason in good health, though that won't be enough to make the unit fantasy relevant barring a drastic transformation.

The Falcons enter training camp with all 11 starters and most of the defensive depth chart healthy.

Analysis: There's a long way to go before Week 1, but Atlanta's defense won't enter camp dealing with any pre-existing injuries. The Falcons didn't make any significant defensive additions during the offseason after ranking 29th in total defense (398.4 YPG) last year, so the unit can't afford to open the season much less than 100 percent. The Falcons D/ST is unlikely to have much fantasy relevance in 2021 outside the most favorable matchups.

The Falcons finished 29th in total defense (398.4 YPG) in 2020 and were unable to make any significant defensive additions during the offseason besides second-round pick Richie Grant at safety.

Analysis:

The Falcons gave up 395 yards and 17 points during the Week 16 loss to the Chiefs and play the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Analysis:

The Falcons surrendered 416 yards and 31 points during the Week 15 loss to the Buccaneers and play the Chiefs on Sunday.

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The Falcons gave up 345 yards and 20 points during the Week 14 loss to the Chargers and play the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Analysis:

The Falcons gave up 21 points and 424 yards during the Week 13 loss to the Saints and play the Chargers on Sunday.

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The Falcons gave up 243 yards and six points during the Week 12 win over the Raiders and play the Saints on Sunday.

Analysis:

The Falcons allowed 378 yards and 24 points during the Week 11 loss to the Saints and play the Raiders on Sunday.

Analysis:

The Falcons come out of their bye week ranked 30th in total defense (410.0 YPG) and 25th in scoring (27.9 PPG) as they prepare to face the Saints on Sunday.

Analysis:

The Falcons allowed 17 points and 304 yards during the Week 8 win over the Panthers and play the Broncos on Sunday.

Analysis: Atlanta continues its upward trend defensively, as it's giving up 21.5 points over the past four games. The Falcons had three sacks and one turnover, so there wasn't a ton of fantasy production. Denver ranks near the bottom of the league in total offense (326.9 YPG) and scoring (21.0 PPG) and is tied-22nd in sacks allowed, so this is a solid matchup. However, the Falcons D/ST hasn't provided much fantasy scoring this season despite their improved play of late, so they remain a subpar option for…read more

The Falcons allowed 386 yards and 23 points during the Week 7 loss to the Lions and play the Panthers on Thursday.

Analysis: Atlanta held Detroit to 13 points for the first 55-plus minutes of the contest, but they scored 10 points over the final three minutes and 16 seconds, including a 75-yard touchdown drive from Matthew Stafford in the final one minutes and four seconds. The Falcons offered little else with two sacks and zero takeaways. The Atlanta D/ST has certainly improved in the past three weeks with 23 points allowed in each contest, but it's not being disruptive enough to warrant fantasy consideration…read more

The Falcons allowed 23 points and 365 yards during the Week 6 win over the Vikings and play the Lions on Sunday.

Analysis: The final numbers don't really do the performance justice as Atlanta performed well defensively, as it held Minnesota scoreless until midway through the third quarter and then gave up two garbage-time touchdowns in the final four minutes of the game. The Falcons had one sack and three takeaways to provide some fantasy value. Detroit broke 30-points for the first time all season in Week 6 against Jacksonville, with rookie RB D'Andre Swift leading the way with 116 rushing yards and two scores.…read more

The Falcons surrendered 437 yards and 23 points during the Week 5 win over the Panthers and play the Vikings on Sunday.

Analysis: It was the best defensive performance of the season for Atlanta, though that's not saying much as it was the first time the opponent didn't reach at least 30 points. The Falcons had zero sacks and zero takeaways as QB Teddy Bridgewater averaged 8.5 yards per pass, helping lead to the firing of head coach Dan Quinn. WRs Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson represent significant matchup problems for Week 6, as the Atlanta D/ST is worth passing over once again.

The Falcons surrendered 30 points and 403 yards during the Week 4 loss to the Packers and play the Panthers on Sunday.

Analysis: Atlanta was without starting safeties Keanu Neal (hamstring) and Ricardo Allen (elbow) while Green Bay was without top WRs Davante Adams (hamstring) and Allen Lazard (abdomen), and QB Aaron Rodgers had no issues picking apart the defense. The Panthers haven't been anything special offensively, but given the state of the Falcons D/ST, both in health and talent, there's no reason to given it a second look for Week 5.

Atlanta gave up 437 yards and 30 points during the Week 3 loss to Chicago and play Green Bay on Monday.

Analysis: The Falcons held a 16-point lead and limited the Bears to 10 points through most of the game, but QB Nick Foles came off the bench to put up 20 points over the final seven minutes as the Falcons endured another brutal collapse. They're now allowing 36.0 points and 463.3 yards through three games and have a matchup against QB Aaron Rodgers, who's leading the highest-scoring team in the league (40.7 PPG). On top of that, the Packers have zero giveaways and have allowed only two sacks. The Atlanta…read more

The Falcons surrendered 570 yards and 40 points during the Week 2 loss to the Cowboys and play the Bears on Sunday.

Analysis: Atlanta had one sack and three takeaways and took a 29-10 lead into halftime, but Dallas put up 30 points during the second half to complete the comeback. The Bears certainly don't have an offense to shy away from, but the Falcons have given up 78 points and 953 yards through the first two games and aren't worth fantasy consideration given their inability to prevent points.

The Falcons gave up 38 points and 383 yards during Sunday's loss to the Seahawks and play the Cowboys in Week 2.

Analysis: Atlanta had three sacks and failed to force a turnover, as QB Russell Wilson threw as many touchdown passes as incompletions (four). The Cowboys had one of the top offenses in the league last season, but they put up only 17 points in the season opener against the Rams. The Falcons D/ST didn't show enough in Week 1 to overcome its personnel deficiencies and be on the fantasy radar for this week.

The Falcons will play the Seahawks in the season opener Sunday at 1 P.M ET.

Analysis: Seattle finished in the top half of the league in passing (6.7 NY/A) and rushing (4.6 YPC) last season, and the offense returns most of the same pieces, along with veteran tight end Greg Olsen. Russell Wilson remains a top-tier QB and could easily pick apart the Falcons if the run game falters. Atlanta finished tied-29th in sacks last year and seems unlikely to have much luck making plays against Wilson and Seattle.

DE Vic Beasley and CB Desmond Trufant moved on during the offseason after the Falcons finished tied-29th in sacks and tied-19th in turnovers last season.

Analysis: First-round pick CB A.J. Terrell and free-agent signing Dante Fowler represent solid replacements, and perhaps even improvements for the two major departures, but it's difficult to see where the defense significantly upgraded its talent. LB Deion Jones and DT Grady Jarrett are dependable building blocks, but overall the group remains unexciting. Atlanta finished last season 20th in total defense (355.8 YPG) and 23rd in scoring (24.9 PPG), and a similar finish in 2020 wouldn't be surprising.

The Falcons allowed 288 yards and 12 points to the Jaguars in Week 16 and play the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Analysis: Atlanta had three sacks and one takeaway while not allowing Jacksonville into the end zone until the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay is coming off a five-giveaway performance, putting them at 38 giveaways (six more than the next worst team). The Atlanta D/ST has been much improved in the second half of the season and is a solid option for the finale given QB Jameis Winston's turnover issues.

The Falcons gave up 313 yards and 22 points during Sunday's win over the 49ers and play the Jaguars on Sunday.

Analysis: Atlanta had one sack and two takeaways, including a fumble return for a touchdown on the last play of the game as San Fran attempted desperation laterals. The Falcons have been revitalized since their Week 9 bye, and the matchup with the Jaguars provides a solid opportunity to finish the season-long fantasy campaign on a strong note. Jacksonville hasn't exceeded 20 points in its last six games, making the Atlanta D/ST a mid-tier option with a decent floor.

CB Marcus Trufant (forearm) was placed on injured reserve this week as the Falcons play the 49ers on Sunday.

Analysis: Atlanta is coming off an impressive five-sack, four-takeaway performance against Carolina, but a matchup with San Fran in Week 15 presents a more problematic matchup. The 49ers just put up 48 points on the Saints -- which feature a much better defense than the Falcons -- and are fourth in the league in total offense (388.6 YPG) and second in scoring (30.5 PPG). The Atlanta D/ST has provided some value of late, but nowhere near enough to be utilized versus San Fran in the fantasy playoffs.

Atlanta allowed 279 yards in the 26-18, Week 13 loss to New Orleans and will play the Panthers on Sunday.

Analysis: Despite the low yardage total, the Falcons provided nothing of note in this contest, with zero takeaways and zero sacks. Their own offensive issues (nine sacks and three giveaways) led to the Saints running only 49 plays, which may have been a blessing in disguise. The Panthers are coming off a loss to the Redskins in which they had two giveaways and seven sacks allowed, keeping them near the bottom of the league in both categories. There's plenty of fantasy potential in this matchup, but it's…read more

Atlanta surrendered 446 yards and 28 offensive points during Sunday's 35-22 loss to Tampa Bay and will play the Saints on Thursday.

Analysis: The Falcons picked off QB Jameis Winston twice but were otherwise unable to slow down the Buccaneers through the air, as they allowed 11.2 yards per pass and didn't record a sack. Atlanta has looked better defensively since the Week 9 bye and shut down New Orleans only a couple weeks ago, but it seems ill-advised to expect a repeat performance after Sunday's game. The Saints have scored 34 points in back-to-back contests and make the Falcons D/ST a risky play in Week 13.

The Falcons allowed 347 yards and three points Week 11 against the Panthers and will play the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Analysis: Atlanta entered their Week 9 bye with only four takeaways and seven sacks for the season, but over the last two games they have turned things around with four takeaways and 11 sacks. Kenjon Barner also added a punt return for a touchdown versus Carolina. The Falcons appeared to be an unstartable defensive unit only a few weeks ago, but their recent performance and the Week 12 matchup with the turnover-happy Buccaneers (25 giveaways) brings them back on the fantasy radar. The horrible first…read more

The Falcons had six sacks and gave up only nine points to the Saints in Week 11 and will play the Panthers on Sunday.

Analysis: Atlanta entered the game with only seven sacks all season, but it came out of the bye week swinging and limited New Orleans to only 310 yards. Unfortunately for the Falcons, one outstanding performance doesn't erase eight games of poor play, as they still rank dead last with only four takeaways -- the next closest team has seven -- and tied-28th in scoring defense (28.8). Until it shows any sort of consistency the Atlanta D/ST needs a great matchup to be worthy of fantasy consideration, and…read more

The Falcons come out of their bye week giving up 31.2 PPG and 379.5 YPG and will play the Saints on Sunday.

Analysis: The Seahawks had 27 points and 322 yards in the Week 8 win over the Falcons, but the result should have been significantly worse as Seattle went conservative on offense after taking a 24-0 lead into halftime. Atlanta has only four takeaways this season and isn't worth fantasy consideration going up against red-hot New Orleans.