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You're likely heading into your fantasy football playoffs this week or next—unless you're me and all your teams suck—so it's time to prepare by figuring out which Falcons you can trust to have quality weeks.
Getting a grasp on who to play this week may be a little challenging, primarily because they have such a difficult matchup. Let's dive in.
START
QB Matt Ryan: He found a little bit of his old magic last week against the Cardinals, and the Packers defense is cagey and tough to plan for, but ultimately they're miles away from being the most difficult unit the Falcons have faced in 2014. Ryan will likely have something along the lines of a 300/2/1 line, making him a good QB2 play.
RB Steven Jackson: I think we're going to see Jackson string together a few nice performances at the end of the year. A lot of his value is dependent on scoring, but he's the volume back here and could put up 80-100 on the Packers defense. I'd recommend him as a flex play.
WR Julio Jones: Jones is a recommended play every week, of course, but especially this one. The Packers will attempt to take him away but will be dealing with Roddy White (hopefully), Harry Douglas, Devin Hester and possibly even Drew Davis as the Falcons try to keep the offense humming. He'll get his opportunities, and he's by far the most likely Falcon to put up
WR Harry Douglas: Douglas is chiefly recommended in PPR formats, because he tends to soak up plenty of targets, especially when Jones and White are covered or not on the field. He almost never scores, however, so don't count on that.
SIT
RB Devonta Freeman: We all suspect Freeman's going to have a big breakout week at some point, but it may be after the fantasy season concludes. Don't trust him just yet.
WR Roddy White: No matter what Roddy says about his confidence in returning next week, you can't be sure he'll be back and at 100%. I would sit him for this one.
TE Levine Toilolo: Obviously he can't be trusted, even with a relatively weak crop of tight ends out there. If you've got a two TE format, consider him as a gambling man's option for a touchdown, but nothing more.
Falcons Defense: Aaron Rodgers, Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams and Eddie Lacy. At home. I wouldn't touch the Falcons defense with a pole I could hold straight out and scratch my back with.
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