The Atlanta Falcons have their work cut out for them Sunday as they square off against the Denver Broncos and their 5th ranked defense that is only giving up 295.7 offensive yards per game through week ten.
But what does this mean for the Falcons offensive skill players as it relates to fantasy football? We’ll set running back Bijan Robinson aside for this one, as he is locked in as an every-week starter at this point, having scored over 21 points in 5 straight games.
Who I want to talk about here is the Falcons pass catchers, namely Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and Ray-Ray McCloud III.
Drake London is in the unfortunate situation of having to square off against Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II, one of the best young cornerbacks in the NFL. Surtain has had the assignment of shadow covering wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins, DK Metcalf, Garrett Wilson, George Pickens, and Mike Evans this season, and he has not disappointed. None of those receivers surpassed 5 receptions and 56 yards, with none of them finding the end zone. It stands to reason that the biggest benefactor to London receiving the Surtain shadow treatment would be Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney. But this might no necessarily be the case. The Falcons do a great job of moving their wide receivers around.
Drake London lines in the slot on 41% of his routes, whereas Darnell Mooney lines up in the slot on 39% of his. This is where the Falcons receivers will find safety, as Patrick Surtain II only lines up in the slot on 6% of his routes defended. Lining up as the nickel corner, or slot corner on 89% of routes defended will be Ja’Quan McMillan, who while being a fine NFL player, is no Patrick Surtain II. Opposite of Patrick Surtain II, you will find Broncos cornerback Riley Moss, who represents a much easier matchup than Surtain, and is where you will probably find Ray-Ray McCloud III most of the day. While McCloud does not get the volume that would make him a viable starter in 10 and 12 team leagues, he could make a decent flex play for you in a week where we see 4 teams on bye. Kyle Pitts is also an interesting play this week versus the Broncos, who are fresh off of giving up a 20-point fantasy day to Kansas City Chiefs Tight End Travis Kelce. While I would definitely steer away from starting London and Mooney in Daily Fantasy leagues, they still represent enough of chance at a good fantasy day that I would still keep them in my lineups, albeit with lowered expectations. Listen in as I bring you “Fire & Ice” for week 11, whom you should start and sit this week in fantasy football.