Falcons vs. Vikings 2014: Atlanta Players To Sit & Start

The Falcons come out of their best fantasy football game of the year and get to face the Minnesota Vikings, who are unlikely to provide the bushels of points we all got last Thursday. Alas.

That isn't to say there aren't a few recommended plays against an underrated Vikings defense, however, and the Falcons certainly have the offensive potential to hang 30-plus points on this team, eve on the road.

Start

QB Matt Ryan: Yeah, it's a road game, but the Vikings don't have the league's most intimidating secondary and Ryan should put up QB1 lines in all but a handful of weeks. The only way I'd even consider benching him is if you have a comparable option and the Falcons have multiple receivers out with injuries this week.

RB Steven Jackson: The Vikings have a stout defensive front, but with Antone Smith possibly missing this game and Devonta Freeman not doing a ton with his opportunities just yet, S-Jax should get plenty of carries and a shot at a touchdown or two. Roll with him as an RB2 this week.

WR Julio Jones: Let's be serious: You're not benching Julio Jones. Ever.

TE Levine Toilolo: A conditional play. If the Falcons are down Harry Douglas and/or Roddy White, Devin Hester and Antone Smith, someone's going to have to step in and take on some of those targets. Toilolo could be that guy, and it's not unreasonable to think he'll get 4-5 catches for a new career-high in yardage, plus a chance at a touchdown. Not a terrible Flex play or bye-week replacement, is what I'm saying.

Falcons Defense: This has the potential to backfire, but they're facing a rookie quarterback, a struggling offensive line, a plodding running back and only one truly dangerous weapon in Cordarelle Patterson. They're worth a shot this week in anticipation of a couple of sacks, a turnover and not a lot of scoring.

Sit

RB Jacquizz Rodgers: Just not a good option at this point, even if Antone Smith is out. Rodgers is going to just keep ceding work to Smith and Freeman as the season wears on, and frankly you shouldn't consider playing anyone but Jackson until further notice.

WR Harry Douglas: He's either going to be ruled out early or a game-time decision, and you don't want to be stuck with him in your lineup, either way.

WR Devin Hester: Hester's so dynamic  that he can have a big scoring week any week, but his production will also come and go. Use him as a Flex at your own risk, knowing that the value won't necessarily be there week-to-week.

Who do you plan to play and sit this week?