2012 Team Outlook: Atlanta
QB Matt Ryan, ATL (QB - #4) - Solid/Safe Pick
Matt Ryan has the potential to develop into one of the elite quarterbacks in fantasy football, but has yet to elevate his game to that level in four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. Ryan established new career highs across the board, including reaching the 4,000 yard plateau for the first time in his career last season. Ryan has a plethora of weapons at his disposal with veterans like Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez, along with breakout candidate Julio Jones in the fold; which makes him a solid fantasy option with legitimate upside this season.
QB Domanique Davis, ATL - Not Draft Worthy
From undrafted rookie out of East Carolina to Falcons backup quarterback now that Atlanta released veteran Chris Redman. Obviously the Falcons thought enough of the new guy that in addition to dumping Redman, they waived fourth-year player John Parker Wilson. Should Matt Ryan go down, Davis or newly signed Luke McCown would step in. The Falcons passing would then likely go a long way down in terms of potency.
QB Luke McCown, NO (QB - #52) - Not Draft Worthy
Signed by Atlanta after the Falcons released backuo Chris Redman, McCown has thrown nine touchdown passes over a longer than you think but as spotty as can be NFL career, but none since 2007. Last season threw for 256 yards and four interceptions over four games with the Jaguars. Undrafted rookie Dominique Davis may be No. 2 on the depth chart, so McCown's presence may be no more than hand holder should Matt Ryan be sidelined.
QB Chris Redman, --- - Not Draft Worthy
Chris Redman re-signed with the Atlanta Falcons during the offseason and will serve as Matt Ryan's backup. Unless Ryan misses an extended period of time due to injury, Redman will not see any action this season.
RB Jacquizz Rodgers, ATL (RB - #37) - Sleeper (undervalued)
Jacquizz Rodgers will serve as Michael Turner's primary backup this season, which makes him the ideal handcuff for Turner's fantasy owners on draft day. Rodgers, dual threat who excels in the passing game, rushed for 205 yards and a score on 57 carries as well as caught 21 passes for 188 yards and a score as a rookie last season. If Turner goes down with an injury, Rodgers will have a significant fantasy impact this season, which makes him worthy of a selection in the late rounds of all fantasy drafts.
RB Jason Snelling, ATL (RB - #73) - Deep-league Only
Jason Snelling has seen his role in the Falcons offense diminish in each of the last two seasons and is now third on the depth chart thanks to the emergence of rookie Jacquizz Rodgers last season. If Turner were to go down, Rodgers would get the first shot at the starting job, but Snelling has excelled when given the opportunity in the past; keep an eye on Snelling this season, he could be worth a speculative pickup off the wavier wire at some point.
