Fantasy News

Ricky Ortiz catches one pass in Week 16.

Ortiz gained four yards on his lone reception versus the Panthers. Atlanta’s fullback is not a recommended fantasy option, as he’s a much better real-life contributor.

12/24/18 - 07:34 AM ET

Julio Jones scores against the Panthers.

Jones caught four passes (on five targets) for 28 yards and a touchdown in the Falcons’ Week 16 win. The score came in the first quarter on a crossing route in the goal line where Matt Ryan hit Jones on a designed rollout. Julio also had a noticeable impact on a 75-yard touchdown by Calvin Ridley on a deep ball, as the safety came screaming up the field when Jones ran a deep crossing route that took the attention of the defense. One of the game’s greatest players concludes the regulars season next weekend against the Buccaneers.

12/24/18 - 07:33 AM ET

Austin Hooper catches two passes against the Panthers.

Hooper gained 36 yards on his two Week 16 receptions. He was targeted just twice in the game, so it was slightly disappointing in a good matchup in fantasy title weeks, but he’ll look to have a bigger game in Week 17. Those with titles on the line to conclude the season can play Hooper as a TE1 option to end the season against the Bucs.

12/24/18 - 07:31 AM ET

Calvin Ridley scores long touchdown against the Panthers.

Ridley caught three passes for 90 yards and a touchdown in the Falcons’ Week 16 win, with the score coming on a 75-yard deep ball in the third quarter. On the touchdown, the rookie receiver was wide-open deep down the field, as the safety appeared to come screaming up the field when he saw All-Pro Julio Jones running a deep crossing route. It was the longest play of Ridley’s first NFL season. Ridley is up to nine receiving touchdowns this season, so he has a chance to make it double-digits in the season finale next weekend against the Bucs.

12/24/18 - 07:29 AM ET

Mohamed Sanu scores in Week 16.

Sanu caught five passes for 81 yards and a touchdown along with two carries for 29 yards in the Falcons’ win over the Panthers. The score was a 44-yarder on a deep crossing route where he was wide-open and went untouched through the defense for the touchdown. This was Sanu’s first touchdown since Week 6, which came against his next opponent, the Bucs.

12/24/18 - 07:27 AM ET

Brian Hill goes over 100 yards in Falcons’ win.

Hill carried eight times for 115 yards, including a run of 60 yards, against the Panthers. He also lost a fumble in the Week 16 victory. While the 60-yard run accounted for half of Hill’s yardage in the game, he still ran the ball well throughout the contest. With Tevin Coleman (groin) uncertain for Week 17, Hill should be one of the top waiver-wire adds heading into Week 17. He’ll be at least a FLEX option if he’s the starter against Tampa Bay to conclude the season.

12/24/18 - 07:25 AM ET

Matt Ryan throws three touchdowns in Falcons’ Week 16 win.

Ryan was 15/26 for 239 yards and three touchdowns along with one fumble lost (on a strip sack) against the Panthers. The first touchdown was to Julio Jones on a roll out at the goal line; the second was to Calvin Ridley on a 75-yarder where Ridley got wide-open deep down the field against a busted coverage and Ryan did a great job of laying the ball out there while under pressure; and the third was to Mohamed Sanu on a 44-yarder on a deep-crossing route. Matty Ice is now up to 33 touchdowns, the second highest mark of his career, and he should finish the regular season out on a strong note next week against the Bucs. Keep him locked into fantasy lineups as a QB1 for fantasy championships.

12/24/18 - 07:18 AM ET