CB Robert Alford is dealing with an ankle injury ahead of Week 10's game against the Browns.

Analysis: The Browns offense adjusted to its new coaching staff in Week 9 against the Chiefs by scoring 21 points while QB Baker Mayfield threw for 297 yards, two scores and an interception. The Falcons have been a liability defensively this year, allowing over 20 points in six straight games before they shut down the Redskins last week. If Alford can play, it'll help slow down Cleveland's passing attack, especially RB Duke Johnson, who put up 9-78-2 on nine targets this past Sunday against the Chiefs.…read more

The Falcons have allowed a 300-yard passer in five of the last six games. They play the Redskins in Week 9.

Analysis: Atlanta's struggles against the pass are linked to a battered secondary, but QB Alex Smith has been kept under 180 passing yards in each of the last three games, which could provide the Falcons with some relief. However, RB Adrian Peterson appears to be rediscovering his stride, as he had 156 scrimmage yards in Week 8 and a combined 204 in the two previous weeks. The Falcons haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher this season, but the Redskins commitment to the run could change that. The Atlanta D/ST…read more

The Falcons have allowed four of six opposing quarterbacks to compile over 330 passing yards and five of six to throw for three touchdowns. They'll play the Giants in Week 7.

Analysis: The Falcons are clearly hurting from key absences at all three levels of the defense, but some relief may come against the Giants, who rank 18th in the league with 260.8 passing yards per game. QB Eli Manning has had trouble reaching his multiple play-making threats, but if he syncs up with WR Odell Beckham and RB Saquon Barkley continues his dual-threat onslaught, it could be the fourth straight week Atlanta has given up at least 29 points. The Falcons do rank ninth in the league with six…read more

The Falcons have allowed over 37 points in each of their last three games. They'll play the Buccaneers in Week 6.

Analysis: The Bucs will replace Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback with Jameis Winston for the first time of the season. Winston will have plenty of pass-catching talent to work with in his return to the starting lineup, as Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson and Chris Godwin have combined for nine scores in four games. Tampa's porous defense could keep Winston throwing constantly, leading to another hefty total on the opponents' scoreboard. The Falcons haven't shown the ability to make up points in the fantasy…read more

The Falcons allowed 37 points to the Bengals in Week 4. They'll play the Steelers in Week 5.

Analysis: The Falcons have allowed 80 points over the last two weeks and now have another AFC North opponent on tap. The Steelers are still missing star RB Le'Veon Bell, but the offense has remained generally productive most weeks with QB Ben Roethlisberger, WR Antonio Brown and WR JuJu Smith-Schuster still on hand to put up points. Another shootout could be in the works in Week 5, as the Falcons have been especially vulnerable through the air the past two games, surrendering 733 passing yards. Fantasy…read more

FS Ricardo Allen (Achilles) was placed on injured reserve following Week 3's game against the Saints.

Analysis: Allen joins fellow starting safety Keanu Neal (knee) on injured reserve, leaving two untapped defenders to man the position. The Falcons were ranked 26th in the league with 276 passing yards allowed per game before the injury. That signals trouble in Week 4, as the Falcons face off with the Bengals, who have wideouts A.J. Green, Tyler Boyd and John Ross that can extend the field. That's not to mention TE Tyler Eifert that's coming into his own. Atlanta D/ST carries substantial risk.

The Falcons bounced back and won 31-24 over the Panthers in Week 2. They'll face off with the Saints in Week 3.

Analysis: The Saints have been up-and-down, posting 40 points on the Buccaneers then scoring just 21 against the Browns. QB Drew Brees has yet to throw an interception, but the rest of the skill players have coughed up the football four times. Even the opportunity of turnovers may not be enough to diminish how strong the opposing offense is. RB Alvin Kamara hasn't slowed down in Year 2, and WR Michael Thomas has already racked up 28 receptions for 269 yards and three touchdowns. The ceiling is too low…read more

The Falcons defense will enter Sunday's game against the Panthers without injuries.

Analysis: The Falcons were able to hold the Panthers to just 20 points in Week 9 and forced two turnovers. Carolina's offense will be fully healthy as well, and this offense hasn't failed to score 20 points since Week 8. Atlanta has a good shot as slowing down QB Cam Newton and the Panthers, but Newton has been so frugal with the ball -- just two picks in his last seven starts -- that it lowers the ceiling on this unit. With a lot on the line for both squads, no starters will be rested in Week 17, and…read more

The Falcons are injury-free headed into Sunday's game against the Saints.

Analysis: In contrast to the Falcons' defense, Saints WR Ted Ginn (ribs) may be limited in Sunday's game. This could help limit the deep ball, but the Saints still have the two-headed beast in the back field with Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram. Both running backs have over 1,300 yards from scrimmage this season, and they've combined for at least 100 rushing yards in nine of their last 10 games. In these teams' first matchup of the season, Kamara left after the first series with a concussion and the Saints…read more

The Falcons are expected to be fully healthy for Monday's game against the Buccaneers.

Analysis: In these teams' first matchup this season, the Bucs scored 20 points and put up 373 yards while refusing to give up a turnover. While Tampa consistently puts up big numbers in the yardage game, the Bucs are coming off of a five-turnover performance in Week 14 against the Lions. This likely won't be replicated, but it leaves a sturdy floor for the Falcons defense. Still, turnovers are flaky and the Falcons haven't been able to force them consistently, so with their fantasy value riding on…read more

Cornerbacks Desmond Trufant (concussion) and Brian Poole (back) will play Thursday against the Saints.

Analysis: Having two top corners back Thursday will be helpful for the Falcons, but the Saints have a very balanced offense that beats teams on the ground and through the air. The Saints have at least 100 rushing yards in each of their last eight games, and they have compiled 20 or more points in every game since Week 1. However, Saints RB Mark Ingram (toe) is questionable for Thursday, which would leave rookie Alvin Kamara, who has over 1,000 yards from scrimmage already this season, to take a bulk of…read more

CB Desmond Trufant is in concussion protocol and his status isn't clear for Sunday's game against the Vikings.

Analysis: Trufant isn't the only secondary member dealing with injury, as Brian Poole (back) is also on the injury report. If these injuries keep them out of Sunday's game, the Falcons could be in big trouble against a strong Vikings passing game. The Vikings have been beating teams on the ground too, as Jerick McKinnon and Latavius Murray have combined for over 300 yards in their last two games. Minnesota has also allowed just five interceptions this season, while the Falcons have forced just three.…read more

The Falcons will enter Sunday's game against the Buccaneers with a fully healthy defense.

Analysis: The Bucs' interim QB Ryan Fitzpatrick hasn't been flashy in the absence of Jameis Winston (shoulder), but he's completed almost 55 percent of his passes for 530 yards, four touchdowns and just one interception. The Falcons' tenth-ranked defense matches up well against a Bucs team that has only scored more than 15 once in their last four games and consistently struggles in the run game. However, the Falcons aren't apt at forcing turnovers, leaving them with a low ceiling, but they can still be…read more

DT Grady Jarrett is dealing with a knee ailment ahead of Monday's game against the Seahawks.

Analysis: Jarrett is key in the run stop as he has 34 tackles (21 solo) through nine games, but his injury wouldn't be devastating against the Seahawks' poor run game. However, Seattle has been rolling lately, racking up over 400 yards in three of their last four matchups, but only posting over 25 points once in that span. Still, whenever a defense matches up with a talented, running quarterback with a deep threat like Russell Wilson has, it's difficult to consider that unit for most fantasy formats.…read more

DT Grady Jarrett is nursing a rib injury ahead of Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

Analysis: If Jarrett's unable to play, the Falcons will only have two healthy defensive tackles left, meaning the possibility of some odd formations for Atlanta. The Falcons have continuously been keeping opponents around 20 points, and they've lucked into a matchup that will be without Cowboys' RB Ezekiel Elliott (suspension). The Falcons have only forced six turnovers this year, though, keeping their ceiling low, even though they boast the 10th-best pass defense in the league. There seems to be plenty…read more