Description: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez has determined that 2013 will be his final season even though he signed a two-year deal. Unlike last season, we believe him this time.
Insight: Gonzalez can still play at a high level as last year's statistics showed - 93 receptions for 930 yards and eight touchdowns. He'll once again be a top-five fantasy tight end this season.
Description: Former Giants DE Osi Umenyiora has officially signed with the Atlanta Falcons on a two-year, $8.5 million contract.
Insight: The Falcons had a void on the defensive line after releasing John Abraham earlier this offseason. Abraham had 36 tackles, 10 sacks and six forced fumbles for the Falcons last season. After picking up 12 sacks as a full-time starter in 2010-11, Umenyiora had just 15 over 25 games as a situational pass rusher the last two seasons. He has 75.5 sacks and 32 forced fumbles in his career.
Description: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez has agreed to a two-year deal to stay in Atlanta.
Insight: Gonzalez can clearly still play, as he had 93 receptions for 930 yards and eight touchdowns last season, and apparently wants one more shot or maybe two, at a Super Bowl title. In the Falcons' pass-happy offense, he'll once again be a top tight end option.
Description: According to multiple reports, former Rams running back Steven Jackson has reached an agreement on a three-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons.
Insight: Jackson will give Atlanta's offense a new dynamic in 2013 and should have plenty of fantasy value as a three-down back who can run and catch the ball. Keep in mind that Michael Turner still carried the ball 222 times last season despite rushing for 3.6 yards per carry and found the end zone 11 times overall. Jackson's signing will relegate Jacquizz Rodgers to a third-down role at best.
Description: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez has "informed the Falcons he's coming back," according to FOX Sports' Jay Glazer.
Insight: Gonzalez said all season that he was 95 percent certain he was retiring but it looks like the five percent won out. He can clearly still play, as he had 93 receptions for 930 yards and eight touchdowns last season, and wants one more shot at a Super Bowl title.
Description: Jim Corbett from USA Today reports that Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez is expected to return for another season.
Insight: Corbett expects the new deal to be worth $7 million for next season. Gonzalez (93 catches, 930 yards, eight TD in 2012) hinted at retirement after the Falcons lost to San Francisco in the NFC Championship but apparently his desire to win a championship was enough to make him return for one more season.
Description: The Falcons officially released Michael Turner on Friday, along with John Abraham and Dunta Robinson.
Insight: Turner only averaged 3.6 yards per carry last season and didn't fit into the team's new up-tempo offensive attack. The 31-year-old will try to catch on as a platoon back with another franchise.
Description: ESPN's Adam Schefter expects the Falcons to release veteran running back Michael Turner this offseason.
Insight: Fantasy owners may not have noticed because Turner was still scoring a ton of touchdowns but 2012 was arguably Turner's worst season as a Falcon. His 3.6 yards per carry was a career-low and his 800 yards on the ground were his fewest since 2007. Jacquizz Rodgers (362 yards on 94 carries last season) should fill the void at running back for Atlanta once Turner's release becomes official.
Description: Atlanta general manager Thomas Dimitroff says it's "50/50" whether or not tight end Tony Gonzalez will return for another season. SOURCE: ProFootballTalk, NBC Sports
Insight: Gonzalez seemed almost certain that he would retire after the Falcons lost the NFC Championship to San Francisco last month but Dimitroff has been trying hard to get Gonzalez to reconsider. Fantasy owners would love to have Gonzalez back for another year. The veteran finished third among tight ends in fantasy points in 2012.
Description: Falcons running back Michael Turner will count $8.9 million against the 2013 salary cap if he is retained but releasing him will free up $6.4 million. SOURCE: ESPN.com
Insight: Turner just turned 31 and isn't getting any faster. He put up 800 yards on 222 carries (3.6 ypc) last season and is likely to be cut. Atlanta needs the money to sign CB Brent Grimes, LT Sam Baker and SS William Moore and will probably look to the draft for a young running back to pair with Jacquizz Rodgers.
Description: ESPN reports that Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff is campaigning for tight end Tony Gonzalez to play one more season.
Insight: Gonzalez told reporters after Atlanta's loss in the NFC Championship game that he would "probably" retire. He did leave the window open a crack so there's always a chance Gonzalez could return to the gridiron in 2013. If Gonzalez does come back for another season, he'll obviously be a top-five fantasy tight end.
Description: A Rotoworld report pointed out that Falcons running back Michael Turner is due for a $1.4 million raise next season.
Insight: Turner averaged a minuscule 3.6 yards per carry in 2012 and netted just 800 yards, his lowest rushing total since 2007. We doubt Atlanta would be willing to pay almost $7 million a year for a player whose clearly in decline. Expect the Falcons to do the sensible thing and cut Turner later this offseason.
Description: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez said that Sunday's game was probably his last.
Insight: It's a shame to lose a great tight end like Gonzalez. He's been at or near the top at his position since 1999. We can always hope he misses it next summer and changes his mind because after a 93-catch, 930-yard, 8 TD season he appears to still be capable of giving fantasy owners quality numbers.
Description: Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was diagnosed with a sprained AC joint in his non-throwing shoulder following Atlanta's loss to San Francisco in the NFC Championship game. SOURCE: Adam Schefter, ESPN
Insight: We're sure Ryan would have been able to play through the injury in the Super Bowl in two weeks if Atlanta had won on Sunday. Ryan will be 100 percent long before OTAs.
Description: Falcons receiver Julio Jones was uncoverable Sunday in the NFC Championship game against the 49ers. Jones caught all 11 of his targets for 182 yards and two scores with a long of 46 yards but it still wasn't enough to beat San Francisco.
Insight: Jones caught 79 balls for 1,198 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. While the presence of Roddy White will prevent him from reaching the Calvin Johnson tier among fantasy receivers, he could break into the top five next season as White moves into the downside of his career.
Description: Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan threw for 396 yards and three scores on 30-of-42 passing with one pick Sunday in the NFC Championship game versus San Francisco but Atlanta came up short.
Insight: Ryan had a career year in 2012 as the team finally let him air it out. He threw for 4,719 yards and 32 touchdowns while completing 68.6 percent of his passes. While TE Tony Gonzalez is expected to retire, Ryan will still have Roddy White and Julio Jones next season and should easily rank in the top 10 among fantasy quarterbacks.
Description: Jay Glazer from Fox Sports reports that the Falcons are prepared to offer quarterback Matt Ryan a "mega contract" this offseason.
Insight: We could be looking at something close to the five-year, $95 million payday Peyton Manning received when he signed with the Broncos last offseason. If anybody is worth that kind of money it's Ryan, who led the Falcons to an NFL-best 13-3 record during the regular season while throwing for a career-high 4,719 yards and 32 touchdowns.
Description: Atlanta defensive John Abraham will play in Sunday's NFC Championship game against the 49ers.
Insight: Abraham's status had been in question after he re-injured his ankle in last week's win versus the Seahawks. Abraham led the team with 10 sacks in the regular season.
Description: Falcons defensive end John Abraham reinjured his left ankle in the first half of Sunday's game versus Seattle and is questionable for the NFC Championship on Sunday against San Francisco.
Insight: Abraham left the game without recording a tackle. He's planning to rehab the injury and be ready for the 49ers, but we likely won't know until later in the week if he will be available.
Description: Atlanta tight end Tony Gonzalez hauled in his third career playoff touchdown Sunday in a last second victory over Seattle.
Insight: It's Gonzalez's first win in six postseason appearances. He's expected to retire after the season so Sunday's tilt against San Francisco could be his final game in the NFL.
Description: The wait is over. Matt Ryan has finally won a playoff game. The Falcons QB finished with 250 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions Sunday in a 30-28 win over Seattle.
Insight: Ryan was especially impressive on the game's final drive, leading the Falcons 41 yards downfield to set up Matt Bryant's game-winning field goal. Ryan will have a chance to play in his first Super Bowl if Atlanta can hold off the 49ers next Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
Description: Atlanta halfback Michael Turner didn't score any of his trademark one-yard touchdowns Sunday against Seattle but he did have a game-high 98 yards on 14 carries.
Insight: That's a new playoff career-high for Turner. His previous career-high came back in January 2008 when he rushed for 71 yards against Indianapolis.
Description: Falcons defensive end John Abraham reinjured his left ankle in the first half of Sunday's game versus Seattle. He's questionable to return.
Insight: Abraham left the game without recording a tackle. He's still in uniform on the sidelines so there's a chance we could see him back on the field later in the game.
Description: Falcons safety William Moore (hamstring) is probable for Sunday's NFC Divisional Playoff against Seattle.
Insight: Moore, who missed the final four weeks of the regular season, has practiced in full this week and is expected to play. He had one sack, four interceptions and 76 tackles this season
Description: Atlanta defensive end John Abraham is probable for Sunday's NFC Divisional Playoff against Seattle. He's been dealing with an ankle injury and was a limited participant in practice.
Insight: Abraham had 10 sacks, six forced fumbles and 37 tackles this season.
Description: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez mentioned that Sunday's NFC divisional playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks could be the final game of his career. Gonzalez is sticking to his pledge that he is "95 percent" certain he will retire after the season. SOURCE: D. Orlando Ledbetter, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Insight: "It's one and done if we don't win, (so) for me, this could be it," Gonzalez said. "There is no tomorrow. There is no saying, 'We'll get them next year.' It's about going out there and finishing on the right note." Gonzalez is a lock to be in the Hall of Fame as the greatest tight end in NFL history. He has 1,242 receptions, 14,268 receiving yards and 103 touchdowns in his career.
Description: Pat Yasinskas of ESPN believes Falcons running back Michael Turner could be cut after the season.
Insight: The 30-year-old struggled to just 800 yards rushing this season and embarrassed the team by receiving a drunk driving arrest back in September. Jacquizz Rodgers (362 yards on 94 carries this season) would likely take over as the team's starter in 2013 if Turner gets cut.
Description: Atlanta QB Matt Ryan led the NFL with a 68.62 completion percentage in 2012.
Insight: He finished just ahead of Denver's Peyton Manning (68.61). Ryan is headed to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his five-year career after setting new career-highs in yardage (4,719), touchdown passes (32) and QB rating (99.1). His excellent play this season helped guide the Falcons to a 13-3 record and the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Description: Atlanta defensive end John Abraham injured his ankle late in Sunday's loss to the Buccaneers.
Insight: It didn't look good but luckily the Falcons are off next week so perhaps Abraham will be back to full strength by the time the Falcons play again. If not, Lawrence Sidbury would likely start in his place.
Description: Atlanta cornerback Dunta Robinson injured his head in the first quarter of Sunday's game against Tampa Bay and will not return.
Insight: Backup CB Robert McClain has come on to take Robinson's place. The Falcons will be on bye next week, which gives Robinson an extra week to recover in case he suffered a concussion.
Description: Atlanta wideout Roddy White will play Sunday against Tampa Bay despite missing practice earlier in the week with a knee injury.
Insight: White's perfect attendance record (he's never missed an NFL game in eight seasons) will remain in tact. The Falcons have already wrapped up homefield advantage for the playoffs so we wouldn't expect White to see his usual workload this week against the struggling Buccaneers. ESPN's John Clayton listed White (87 receptions, 1,309 yards, seven TD) among the year's biggest Pro Bowl snubs earlier this week.
Description: Falcons receiver Roddy White (knee) has never missed a game in eight seasons and it doesn't look like he's about to start now. He'll play Saturday night. SOURCE: Adam Schefter, ESPN
Insight: White's status was never in much doubt. The veteran only had two catches in Week 15 but we think it had more to do with Matt Ryan only having to throw 28 passes. White saw five targets, two fewer than Tony Gonzalez and one fewer than Julio Jones. There's no reason to bench him in Week 16.
Description: Falcons receiver Roddy White, who practiced Thursday, is listed as questionable but we have no doubts that he'll be on the field Saturday against Detroit.
Insight: White didn't practice at all last week and still played in the game. He's never missed a game in eight seasons. Although he didn't have a good game, blame that on the non-competitive Giants who were blown out 34-0. Matt Ryan and the passing game weren't needed much. He should improve this Saturday.
Description: Don't blame Falcons receiver Roddy White's bum knee for his sub par two-catch, 16-yard afternoon in Week 15. Blame the Giants for not being competitive.
Insight: White was targeted five times, just two less than Tony Gonzalez's team-leading seven targets, but quarterback Matt Ryan threw a season-low 28 passes in the 34-0 blowout win. White should bounce back against Detroit in Week 16.
Description: Falcons receiver Roddy White is officially active for Sunday's game against the Giants.
Insight: White missed practice due to a knee injury this week but he's giving it a go today against New York's 27th-ranked passing defense. He hauled in five catches for 52 yards against the Giants in a playoff game last year.
Description: ESPN reports Falcons wideout Roddy White is expected to play Sunday against the Giants.
Insight: White had been listed as questionable with an injured knee. If White is able to play (and it looks like he will be), it will extend the wide receiver's consecutive games played streak to 126.
Description: Falcons wideout Harry Douglas is questionable for Sunday's game against the New York Giants with a rib injury
Insight: With Roddy White also questionable, there could have been a chance Douglass would see more targets than normal, but only if he's on the field will he get that opportunity.
Description: Falcons receiver Roddy White (knee) is a game-time decision Sunday. He didn't practice Thursday for the second time this week. SOURCE: Atlanta Falcons' official Twitter account
Insight: Falcons' coach Mike Smith insisted the knee injury was minor on Wednesday but the outlook has chaged, according to ProFootballTalk.com. While Atlanta is coming off a drubbing at the hands of Carolina, the Falcons are still 11-2 and have one of the byes well in hand so they can afford to be cautious with White.
Description: Falcons receiver Roddy White only had one reception on seven targets in Week 13 but he hit the 100-yard plateau in Week 14 against the Panthers. White caught nine balls for 117 yards and a touchdown in the loss.
Insight: White crossed 1,000 yards for the sixth consecutive season back in Week 12, but he's going to have to keep up this type of production if he wants to reach 100 catches for the third straight campaign.
Description: As he's done all season, Falcons running back Michael Turner crossed the goal line to rescue fantasy owners from a lackluster game.
Insight: Turner only had 14 yards on seven carries but scored a one-yard garbage time touchdown with 0:53 left. He's scored in four straight games while averaging 40 rushing ypg in that span.
Description: Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan threw multiple touchdown passes Sunday against the Panthers for the first time since Week 10.
Insight: Ryan came in with a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 2-6 with an average of 273 yards passing over his last three games but recorded 342 yards and two scores with one interception Sunday in a loss to Carolina.
Description: Falcons running back Michael Turner (elbow) will play Sunday against the Panthers. SOURCE: Adam Schefter, ESPN
Insight: Turner is in danger of finishing under 1,000 yards for the first time since 2009 but he's been able to maintain fantasy value by finding the end zone eight times this season (7 rushing, 1 receiving).
Description: ESPN's John Clayton doesn't believe fantasy owners have anything to worry about when it comes to Falcons running back Michael Turner. Despite being listed as questionable because of a sore elbow, he's expected to play Sunday against Carolina.
Insight: Turner is in danger of finishing under 1,000 yards for the first time since 2009 but he has still been able to reward fantasy owners with seven touchdowns this season. He's scored in four of his last five games and should have a chance to find paydirt again in Week 14 against the Panthers' 25th-ranked run defense.
Description: Atlanta cornerback Asante Samuel is questionable for Thursday's game against New Orleans. Samuel hurt his shoulder in Week 11's win over Arizona and couldn't finish Sunday's game with Tampa Bay.
Insight: Samuel is fourth among active players with 47 career interceptions. If Samuel can't play, Robert McClain would take his place in the starting lineup, but facing Drew Brees with a makeshift secondary doesn't bode well for Atlanta's chances to slow him down.
Description: Falcons receiver Julio Jones wasn't slowed by his ankle injury Sunday against Tampa Bay. He caught six passes for 147 yards and a touchdown.
Insight: Jones saw nine targets, most on the team. He was able to get by Tampa Bay's defense for an 80-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown.
Description: If you need anymore incentive to play Falcons receiver Julio Jones (active) versus the Buccaneers, there's this, per Jeff Darlington of the NFL Network: "Jones looked just fine in warmups today. Falcons staff agrees. Source added Jones looked good in practice all week."
Insight: Jones was only able to play 35 of Atlanta's 73 offensive snaps last Sunday versus Arizona and could play a limited number again this week, but against Tampa Bay's weak pass defense that should still be enough.
Description: It's official, Atlanta wideout Julio Jones (ankle) is active for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay.
Insight: Jones was only able to play 35 of Atlanta's 73 offensive snaps last Sunday versus Arizona and could play a limited number again this week, but against the Bucs' pass weakened defense that should still be enough.
Description: Atlanta wideout Julio Jones (ankle) is expected to play Sunday against the Buccaneers. SOURCE: Adam Schefter, ESPN
Insight: Jones was only able to play 35 of Atlanta's 73 offensive snaps last Sunday versus Arizona. NFL.com's Jeff Darlington said Saturday that the pace of the game could determine how many snaps Jones plays against Tampa Bay. We expect a shootout so you'd have to have several very good options to bench Jones.
Description: Atlanta wideout Julio Jones (ankle) remains questionable for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay with a lingering ankle sprain. His usage rate will depend on the pace of the game, according to NFL Network's Jeff Darlington.
Insight: Jones was only able to play 35 of Atlanta's 73 offensive snaps last Sunday versus Arizona. The game has the potential to be a shootout -- both teams possess elite passing offenses -- and Atlanta might be forced to throw the ball against Tampa Bay's No. 1 ranked run defense. Still, Jones is a risky play and there's really no way to predict how he'll be utilized Sunday.
Description: Atlanta cornerback Asante Samuel will be a game-time decision Sunday against Tampa Bay. Samuel hurt his shoulder in Week 11's win over Arizona.
Insight: Samuel is fourth among active players with 47 career interceptions. If Samuel can't play, Robert McClain would take his place in the starting lineup.
Description: Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was a full participant in Friday's practice. He's been dealing with a left finger issue.
Insight: Ryan suffered through his worst game of the season last weekend, throwing five interceptions and zero touchdowns, but the Falcons still won the game. Facing the Bucs' underperforming secondary, Ryan should return to top-five fantasy form.
Description: Atlanta wideout Julio Jones (ankle) practiced for the second straight day Friday, though on a limited basis.
Insight: Jones didn't practice at all last week and didn't play well before getting knocked out of the game. It's encouraging that he practiced on back-to-back days. Playing against the vulnerable Tampa Bay Bucs's secondary could make him a solid choice, if he can play the entire 60 minutes.
Description: Atlanta wideout Julio Jones (ankle) returned to practice Thursday in a limited session.
Insight: Jones played through the injury last week and was ineffective (three catches, 33 yards in a win over the Cardinals). He's likely to be a game-time decision again in Week 11 versus Tampa Bay. If he's able to play it will be difficult to sit him considering how poor the Buccaneers have been versus the pass this season.
Description: Atlanta wideout Julio Jones did not participate in practice on Wednesday. He's dealing with an injured right ankle.
Insight: Jones played through the injury last week and was ineffective (three catches, 33 yards in a win over the Cardinals). He's questionable for Sunday's matchup with Tampa Bay.
Description: Falcons' cornerback Asante Samuel is questionable for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay due to a shoulder injury.
Insight: Samuel has played well this season and will be needed to help control the Bucs' receiving duo of Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams. If Samuel is inactive, his backup is Robert McClain.
Description: Falcons receiver Julio Jones is questionable for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay with a right ankle injury. Jones only played in about half of Atlanta's 73 offensive plays last week and very few in the fourth quarter after hobbling to the sideline.
Insight: Jones' fantasy owners would certainly love him to be healthy and facing the Buccaneers' vulnerable pass defense, but that may not be the case. If he's active he's a must start, but is sounds like this will be a game-time decision.
Description: Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan won't have fond memories from Sunday's game versus the Cardinals. He was picked off five times and didn't connect on a single touchdown pass.
Insight: Ryan did reach the 300-yard barrier, but that certainly doesn't make up for the five turnovers he committed. He'll have an opportunity to bounce back next week against Tampa Bay.
Description: Chris Mortensen of ESPN believes Falcons receiver Julio Jones could be limited Sunday against Arizona. Jones has been declared active for today's game after previously being labeled as a game-time decision.
Insight: Jones is struggling with an ankle injury and probably won't have the burst that we're used to seeing from him when he takes the field Sunday versus the Cardinals. Matt Ryan could look to give the ball to Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez more than usual with Jones hobbled but we're guessing he'll still see enough action to warrant a start in most fantasy leagues.
Description: ESPN's Chris Mortensen tweeted that Atlana wideout Julio Jones will play Sunday against Arizona. Jones had been deemed a game-time decision after suffering an ankle njury last week against New Orleans.
Insight: Jones has reeled in at least 75 receiving yards in each of his last three games and in four out of his last five. He's a must-start in all formats, regardless of whatever limitations this injury might cause.
Description: Falcons wideout Harry Douglas could be thrust into the starting lineup Sunday against the Cardinals if Julio Jones is unable to play.
Insight: There's always touchdown potential in Atlanta's high-octane offense, so Douglas could be a decent Sunday morning waiver-wire pickup if you're in need of a wide receiver. Jones is a game-time decision with an injured ankle.
Description: Falcons receiver Julio Jones (ankle) missed Friday's practice and remains a game-time decision for Sunday. SOURCE: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Insight: Jones left Week 10's game against the Saints with an ankle injury but returned after missing 28 offensive snaps and made a 52-yard catch. The Falcons indicated Thursday that they'll wait as long as possible to make a determination on Jones for Sunday.
Description: Falcons receiver Julio Jones (ankle) missed practice again Thursday. Coach Mike Smith indicated that he and linebacker Sean Weatherspoon are basically game-time decisions. SOURCE: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Insight: "These guys are so close and moving in the right direction that we'll make a determination as late as we possibly can," Smith said. Jones left Sunday's game against the Saints with an ankle injury but returned after missing 28 offensive snaps and made a 52-yard catch.
Description: Falcons receiver Julio Jones was held out of Wednesday practice.
Insight: Jones came out of last weekend's game with a right foot injury but returned after missing a couple of series. At this point we aren't concerned, but we will watch to make sure he gets at least one practice this week.
Description: At Monday's press conference Falcons coach Mike Smith wasn't concerned about receiver Julio Jones, who left the game with New Orleans for a brief time due to a right ankle injury.
Insight: Jones came back into the game and appeared to run without much problem, so we aren't overly concerned for the Week 11 matchup with Arizona, but check back later in the week to make sure he's ready to go.
Description: Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan threw for a season-high 411 yards and had his fifth three-touchdown game this season Sunday against the Saints.
Insight: Atlanta lost for the first time this season but Ryan turned in one of his best fantasy performances of the season. The Falcons QB has 20 touchdown passes and is averaging 307.9 yards per game through nine contests.
Description: Falcons receiver Julio Jones, who walked to the locker room late in the first quarter with a right ankle injury, has returned to the game.
Insight: Jones made a short catch which required him to plant, so he must be reasonably healthy. Quarterback Matt Ryan has featured Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White in Jones' absence.
Description: Falcons receiver Julio Jones walked to the locker room late in the first quarter with a right ankle injury.
Insight: Jones had two catches for 14 yards when he left and 40 catches for 628 yards and five touchdowns heading into Sunday's game with New Orleans. Harry Douglas will fill the spot until/if Jones can return to the game.
Description: Falcons halfback Michael Turner rumbled his way to 102 yards rushing Sunday in a 19-13 win over the Cowboys.
Insight: Turner has had an up and down season but is still on pace to rush for over 1,000 yards. He's not one of the league's elite backs anymore but Turner is still a serviceable flex or RB2 option for fantasy owners.
Description: Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan turned in his third 300-yard passing performance of the season Sunday against Dallas.
Insight: Ryan wasn't able to reward fantasy owners with any touchdown passes but he didn't throw any interceptions either. His QB rating after eight games sits at 103.0, good for third-best in the NFL behind Peyton Manning (108.6) and Aaron Rodgers (107.4).
Description: Julio Jones took his turn as Matt Ryan's No. 1 receiver Sunday in the Falcons' victory over Philadelphia. Jones caught five balls for 123 yards and a touchdown.
Insight: Meanwhile, Roddy White had just three catches for 38 yards. Through seven games, Jones has 499 yards and five touchdowns on 35 catches to White's 591 and four scores on 40 catches.
Description: Falcons QB Matt Ryan returned from the bye week with 262 yards and three touchdowns on 22-of-29 passing Sunday against the Eagles.
Insight: Ryan threw three picks his last game in what was by far his worst peformance of the season. The only issue with the Falcons' offense is that it was so efficient in the first half Ryan barely had to do anything following halftime.
Description: Atlanta receiver Harry Douglas won't play Sunday against Philadelphia. He's been dealing with knee and ankle injuries.
Insight: With Julio Jones, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez getting most of the targets from quarterback Matt Ryan, Douglas doesn't carry much fantasy value even when he's healthy.
Description: Atlanta running back Michael Turner had a tough game Sunday against the Raiders. He finished with 33 yards on 11 carries.
Insight: Turner failed to score a touchdown on Sunday, the first time he's gone without a score since Week 1. Turner and the Falcons will be on bye next week before returning to action in Week 8 at Philadelphia.
Description: Falcons QB Matt Ryan threw a season-high three interceptions Sunday in a win over Oakland.
Insight: Ryan produced a 59.1 QB rating, his lowest of the year. Despite the shaky performance, Ryan and the Falcons will head into their bye week with a perfect 6-0 record. Ryan's next game will be two weeks from now against Philadelphia.
Description: Atlanta receiver Roddy White, who exploded for 169 yards and two touchdowns in Week 4, was mostly quiet on Sunday in the face of constant double teams.
Insight: Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez both benefitted from the attention White got from the Redskins secondary. It appears each week Ryan is going to take what the defense gives him, instead of forcing in to a receiver. For fantasy owners it will be hard to predict which of the Falcons three receivers will star each week.
Description: All the preseason talk about the Atlanta offense moving away from running back Michael Turner hasn't hurt his fantasy numbers as much as many expected.
Insight: Turner's 18 carries for 67 yards and a score on Sunday gave him double-digit fantasy points for the fourth consecutive week.
Description: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez looks like he has a lot left in the tank. The veteran snagged 13 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown Sunday against the Redskins.
Insight: With Roddy White and Julio Jones on the outside, Tony Gonzalez is owning the middle of the field. The future Hall of Famer has 39 receptions for 388 yards and four TDs in five games.
Description: Falcons receiver Julio Jones stepped up for fantasy owners in Week 5, catching 10 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown.
Insight: Jones is over the hand laceration that limited him last week. He benefitted from the Redskins doubling Roddy White most of the game following White's monster game in Week 4.
Description: Falcons OC Dirk Koetter said Julio Jones' hand was not 100 percent and it hindered him in Week 4, but that shouldn't be a problem this week.
Insight: Jones faces a Redskins defense which is yielding 326 ypg. He should get his fair share of the targets and both Jones and Roddy White should have big days.
Description: Falcons OC Dirk Koetter receiver said Julio Jones' hand is still not 100 percent and hindered him in Week 4, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Insight: Jones lacerated his hand in Week 3 but it didn't prevent him from finishing that game or playing Sunday against the Panthers. Still, he had just one catch for 30 yards Sunday despite seeing eight targets.
Description: Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan enjoyed another strong outing Sunday in a win versus Carolina. He threw for a season-high 369 yards and three touchdowns.
Insight: Ryan has thrown for at least two touchdowns and each of his four games this season. Right now he's on pace to reach 4,000 yards passing for the second year in a row.
Description: Atlanta halfback Michael Turner put up a season-best 103 yards rushing on 13 carries Sunday in a win over the Panthers.
Insight: Turner also had three catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. He's back up to a respectable 257 yards for the season, giving Turner a chance to extend his streak of 1,000-yard rushing seasons to three in a row.
Description: Falcons receiver Julio Jones didn't make his first catch of the afternoon until mid-way through the fourth quarter. He finished Sunday's game with just one reception for 30 yards.
Insight: Jones has been a bust since Week 1, hauling in just 10 catches for 111 yards over his last three contests. Jones will try to get back on track next week against Washington.
Description: Atlanta receiver Roddy White exploded for 169 yards and two touchdowns Sunday in a last minute victory over the Panthers.
Insight: White keyed the game-winning drive with a 59-yard catch against double coverage. Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez both had sub-par games so the Falcons really needed White to step up. Luckily for fantasy owners, White was up to the task.
Description: Atlanta wideout Julio Jones (hand) had a full practice on Friday and should be ready to go on Sunday.
Insight: There never was any doubt whether Jones would play as he suffered the hand injury in the game against the Chargers and came back into that game. Jones has three touchdown catches but he hasn't exploded since Week 1. Matt Ryan has been very even-handed in his distribution of passes to his top-three receivers. Tight end Tony Gonzalez leads the team with 28 targets, Roddy White has 27 amd Jones 23.
Description: Atlanta wideout Julio Jones suffered a laceration on his right hand during the team's first drive and went to the locker room but he returned and finished with five catches for 67 yards and a touchdown.
Insight: Jones has three touchdown catches but he hasn't exploded like we expected after his 100-yard, two-TD game in Week 1. Ryan has been very even-handed in his distribution of passes to his three top receivers. Tight end Tony Gonzalez leads the team with 28 targets, Roddy White has 27 amd Jones 23.
Description: Atlanta wideout Julio Jones injured his hand during the team's first drive and went to the locker room but he returned and finished with five catches for 67 yards and a touchdown.
Insight: Jones has three touchdown catches but he hasn't exploded like we expected after his 100-yard, two-TD game in Week 1. Through three weeks, the young receiver has 15 catches for 189 yards and three scores.
Description: Falcons running back Michael Turner had his best game of the 2012 season in Week 3, rushing for 80 yards on 14 carries and punching in a short touchdown.
Insight: Atlanta had a 36:14 to 23:46 time of possession advantage over San Diego and Turner took advantage of a gassed Chargers defense in the second half. The running back had 15 yards on eight carries in the first half when Atlanta was still going full throttle with its no-huddle offense so we wouldn't exactly say that Turner is back to form.
Description: Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan turned in another top-notch fantasy performance Sunday against the Chargers, though his day could have been better if San Diego would have put up more of a fight.
Insight: Ryan threw for 275 yards and three touchdowns, but all three came prior to halftime. The Falcons led 20-0 at the half and Ryan didn't have to throw much in the third and fourth.
Description: Atlanta wideout Julio Jones is questionable to return after injuring his hand on the team's opening drive Sunday versus the Chargers.
Insight: This would be a huge blow for the undefeated Falcons if Jones has to sit out some games. In the meantime, expect Matt Ryan to target Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez in the passing game with Michael Turner getting carries as the featured halfback.
Description: Falcons running back Michael Turner will start Sunday despite his arrest for DUI and speeding during the week.
Insight: Just because Turner is starting for the Falcons doesn't mean he should be in your fantasy lineup. The Chargers have allowed an NFL-low 41.5 rushing yards per game and 2.8 ypc this season.
Description: Falcons running back Michael Turner was pulled over for a DUI/speeding following Monday night's win over Denver.
Insight: Atlanta jumped to an early lead and Turner received an increase to 17 attempts, up from 11 in the season opener. He rushed for 42 yards and a touchdown. The usual penalty from the NFL for a first offense is a fine, so fantasy owners should not expect to lose Turner for any playing time.
Description: Atlanta wideout Roddy White is active and in the starting lineup for the Falcons as they compete against Denver on Monday Night Football. White had been listed as questionable because of a groin injury.
Insight: White had six catches for 87 yards in the opener and we'd expect him to play a similar role in tonight's game. Start him as you usually would.
Description: Falcons receiver Roddy White is questionable for Monday's game but he should play after practicing fully Saturday.
Insight: White was a limited participant in practice Thursday and Friday but he was a full-go Saturday. Since the Falcons play on Monday night in Week 2, you're taking a gamble that White will play but it doesn't seem to be that large of a gamble at this point.
Description: Cornerback Brent Grimes suffered an Achilles injury on Sunday and will miss the remainder of the season according to Dan Hanzus of NFL.com
Insight: With Peyton Manning coming to town for Week 2, the Falcons will have to be prepared for a passing display like the show the Broncos' quarterback put on against the Steelers in Week 1. This Week 2 matchup should be an aerial shootout.
Description: Falcons running back Michael Turner only received 11 carries in the team's first game of the season, and he turned them into 32 yards.
Insight: Turner just doesn't fit in this new high-octane Falcons offense. The best his fantasy owners can hope for is that he pounds in 10 short touchdowns again, but he couldn't even get that in Week 1 as Matt Ryan vultured a five-yard rushing score.
Description: Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez returned to Kansas City for the first time since he joined his new team and he reminded Chiefs fans how unstoppable he used to be, snagging five passes for 53 yards and a touchdown.
Insight: Gonzalez is the third option in this passing offense but that doesn't mean he's not a TE1. There seem to be plenty of targets to go around with this team.
Description: While Julio Jones found pay dirt twice, there were still plenty of targets to go around for Falcons receiver Roddy White Sunday against the Chiefs. White caught six passes for 87 yards.
Insight: White only caught eight touchdowns a year ago so it's not like his value is directly tied to his scoring. Ninety catches seems likely, with a third-straight 100-grab season a strong possibility.
Description: Falcons receiver Julio Jones lived up to expectations in Week 1, physically dominating an injury-ravaged Chiefs secondary for six catches, 108 yards and two touchdowns.
Insight: Matt Ryan went to Jones early and often, hitting him three times on the opening drive. The second-year receiver is going to be a tough cover every week, especially with Roddy White on the other side and Tony Gonzalez at tight end.
Description: Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan cashed in against an injury-ravaged Chiefs defense Sunday, throwing for 299 yards and three scores and rushing for a touchdown.
Insight: Ryan looked the part of an elite fantasy quarterback Sunday. While it's too early to say if he'll be able to do this on a week-to-week basis, the myriad weapons the Falcons possess makes him a good bet to post career numbers across the board.
Description: Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was already a strong play Sunday against Kansas City, but the entire Atlanta offense gets an upgrade after the Chiefs announced their inactives.
Insight: Kansas City will be without its best pass rusher in Tamba Hali, top cornerback Brandon Flowers, starting free safety Kendrick Lewis and nose tackle Anthony Toribio. The Chiefs will start a player who hasn't played an NFL game since 2009 in cornerback Jacques Reeves.
Description: Falcons running back Jason Snelling is questionable for Sunday's game against Kansas City with a leg injury.
Insight: Snelling has proven in the past to be a reliable option for Michael Turner, but in the Falcons' new pass-first offense, the team seems to be turning more to speedy Jacquizz Rodgers. At this point I would not draft Snelling.
Description: Falcons running back Michael Turner rushed 10 times for 35 yards in Atlanta's 23-6 romp over Miami.
Insight: While all the news this preseason has been about Turner's fantasy value dropping due to changes in the team's philosophy, Turner will still be the Falcon's primary running back and goal line guy. He may not see 280 carries, but he should still crack 1,000 yards and double digit touchdowns.
Description: Falcons wideout Julio Jones leads all receivers with 240 yards receiving through the first three preseason games.
Insight: Atlanta receivers coach Terry Robiskie thinks second-year wideout Jones can catch 80 passes this season "sleepwalking," according to Yahoo! Sports. We believe he'll finish well above that figure as long as he stays healthy. He caught 54 for 959 yards and 8 TDs last year while missing three-plus games.
Description: Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan completed 18 passes in 26 attempts for 220 yards and a touchdown on Friday in Atlanta's third preseason game.
Insight: Ryan leads all preseason quarterbacks with 549 passing yards and as we have suspected all winter, the Falcons have become a pass-first offense. We believe Ryan will join the elite quarterbacks this season because of the team's change in philosophy and the talented receiving group of Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez.
Description: Falcons receivers coach Terry Robiskie thinks second-year wideout Julio Jones can catch 80 passes this season "sleepwalking," according to Yahoo! Sports.
Insight: Robiskie compared listening to Jones running to being at a morning workout at the Kentucky Derby, and said the team will have some new wrinkles designed to get the ball in the young wideout's hand faster "so he can get it and go." Quarterback Matt Ryan said the Falcons' goal is to become an offense that is impossible to cover, and they just might reach it this season with Jones, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez putting up monster numbers.
Description: Falcons second-year wideout Julio Jones has caught nine passes for 150 yards and a touchdown in his first two preseason games.
Insight: Jones showed great flashes in 2011 but he also missed three games with hamstring injuries. The second-year wideout has all the talent in the world and is part of an offense that is looking to air it out more in 2012, but he'll have to stay healthy to justify his second-round price tag.
Description: Falcons running back Michael Turner rushed three times for minus-three yards Thursday in the team's second exhibition game.
Insight: Turner has just eight carries for 14 yards (1.8 ypc) in his first two preseason games. Meanwhile, starting QB Matt Ryan has attempted 34 passes in that span. Continue to downgrade Turner, as it appears he is being phased out of the offense in favor of a high-powered passing attack.
Description: Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan completed 18 passes in 21 attempts for 174 yards and a touchdown Thursday in the team's second preseason game.
Insight: Ryan has thrown 34 passes versus eight carries for Michael Turner in the first two exhibition games. Ryan appears poised to move into the elite level of fantasy QBs as the team airs it out this season.
Description: Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan showed off his team's wide receiver talent in their brief time on the field during Atlanta's first exhibition game. Ryan hit Julio Jones six times for 109 yards and Roddy White three times for 46 yards.
Insight: The Falcons have thrown the ball in increasing numbers in each of Ryan's first three seasons from 570 to 577 to 594. In 2012, the Falcons are expected to be a pass-first offense and you should expect increasing fantasy values for Ryan, Jones, White, Tony Gonzalez and even running back Jacquizz Rodgers.
Description: In the team's first preseason game, Falcons second-year wideout Julio Jones caught six balls for 109 yards.
Insight: We've been touting the virtues of Jones all offseason and he's the No. 3 receiver in the Sports Network's fantasy position rankings behind only Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald.
Description: "It is about throwing the football and being able to move the ball through the air," Falcons coach Mike Smith told Brian McIntyre of NFL.com.
Insight: More proof of what we have been saying for most of the offseason - Atlanta is going to be a pass-first offense. Turner will still get 225-250 carries, but not the 300 or more he's received in three of the past four seasons. Continue to upgrade quarterback Matt Ryan, wideouts Roddy White, Julio Jones and tight end Tony Gonzalez at the expense of Turner.
Description: ESPN.com NFC South beat writer Pat Yasinkas said he thinks the Atlanta Falcons have big plans for second-year pro Jacquizz Rodgers at running back.
Insight: Falcons coach Mike Smith said Rodgers has the skill set to play on all three downs. He also praised Rodgers' pass protecting ability. While it remains to be seen what value Rodgers will have in fantasy leagues, it is looking more and more like Michael Turner will have his touches slashed significantly.
Description: The latest rumor concerning Michael Turner is that he can to camp on the "hefty" side. Added to other rumors that Jacquizz Rodgers would see more playing time and Turner's ADP has fallen from 15.7 in 2011 to 30 in 2012.
Insight: The improving Matt Ryan and the high quality receiving corps in Atlanta is going to see a bigger piece of the Falcons offensive production in 2012. We believe Turner's drop from the second round to the third round is warranted.
Description: Falcons running back Michael Turner said Wednesday that Atlanta may throw the ball more in 2012.
Insight: That was to be expected with Julio Jones now in his sophomore season and Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez still on board. Not only will more passing mean less carries for Turner, but less field time in general for the 30-year-old back. Turner has caught just 51 passes in 118 seasons, so he's never been a major part of the passing attack.
Description: Atlanta Falcons No.3 wideout Harry Douglas will likely add punt and kickoff duties to his resume along with catching passes in 2012.
Insight: Former Atlanta kick returner Eric Weems is now in Chicago. Doulgas posted a career-high
39 receptions for 498 yards last season, but is limited by the two highly talented receivers in front of him - Roddy White and Julio Jones. The added value could make Douglas a low-end starter in leagues which use kick return yardage.
Description: Atlanta wide receiver Roddy White said he doesn't expect to dominate the Falcons receiving corps as he has in the past. White has led the NFL in targets over the past two seasons with 179 in each year.
Insight: We suspected that talented wideout Julio Jones would become a more dynamic target in his second season, but this just emphasizes that fact. White has cracked the 100-catch mark the last two seasons, but that may be more of a challenge in 2012. White will still be a valuable fantasy asset, but antasy owners take note and adjust your rankings accordingly.
Description: Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter is expected to use a lot more no-huddle offense which could lead to higher fantasy totals for Matt Ryan, Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez.
Insight: The Falcons have thrown the ball in increasing numbers in each of Ryan's first three seasons from 570 to 577 to 594. In the no-huddle, Ryan will be calling the plays which likely means an even better mix for the Falcons talented receiving corps.
