Atlanta Falcons - NFFC | High Stakes Fantasy Football

Atlanta Falcons

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Tyler Allgeier Tyler Allgeier Could contribute early on Wed, May 4, 2022, 4:23 PM ESPN's Michael Rothstein suggests that Allgeier will have a chance to make an impact as a rookie in the wake of the team having let go Mike Davis. Analysis: The Falcons' running back depth chart is currently topped by Cordarrelle Patterson, a converted wideout, but there's an opportunity for Allgeier to carve out a key complementary role out of the gate, with the fifth-rounder's ability to generate yards after contact having caught the eye of coach Arthur Smith. Damien Williams and Qadree Ollison are also in Atlanta's backfield mix, but Smith adds that "the opportunity is there (for Allgeier). The running back room is wide open." With that in mind, Rothstein hints that it's possible that the BYU product could make a run at the team's Week 1 starting nod, but such an outcome would presumably hinge on the 5-foot-11, 224 pound Allgeier impressing the coaching staff this summer and/or injuries coming into play.
Tyler Allgeier Tyler Allgeier Moves up depth chart sans Davis Tue, May 3, 2022, 3:23 PM Allgeier will compete with Damien Williams and Qadree Ollison for touches after the release of Mike Davis, Josh Kendall of the Athletic reports. Analysis: Allgeier was selected by the Falcons in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft in what was a surprising move given Atlanta also signed Williams and were returning a trio of running backs. However, the pick makes more sense after the dismissal of the veteran Davis. Cordarrelle Patterson likely will lead the backfield once again, but Williams, Allgeier and Ollison will likely all get opportunities throughout the season, especially if Atlanta opts for a run-heavy offense with Marcus Mariota at the helm.
Damien Williams Damien Williams Will compete for touches Mon, May 2, 2022, 12:03 PM Williams will compete with Tyler Allgeier and Qadree Ollison for touches after the release of Mike Davis, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Williams agreed to a one-year deal with the Falcons this offseason after serving as a backup in Chicago last year. Cordarrelle Patterson likely will lead the backfield once again, but the release of Davis and the acquisitions of Allgeier and Williams change the rest of Atlanta's running back depth chart. With Marcus Mariota at the helm, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Falcons feature a heavy dose of the run, so all four backs may get opportunities throughout the season, though Patterson certainly boasts the highest fantasy upside going into training camp.
Olamide Zaccheaus Olamide Zaccheaus Falls to No. 2 on depth chart Mon, May 2, 2022, 11:46 AM Zaccheaus will fall to No. 2 on the depth chart after the Falcons drafted Drake London with the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Zaccheaus signed a $2.433 million RFA tender from the Falcons this offseason and was the de facto No. 1 wideout for awhile with Russell Gage leaving for Tampa Bay and Calvin Ridley suspended for the entire 2022 season. However, the landscape of Atlanta's wide receiver depth chart changed after its selection of London in the first round. Zaccheaus appeared in every game last season and finished with 31 catches on 53 targets for 406 yards and three touchdowns -- all career highs. Matt Ryan previously relied heavily on his runnings backs and tight ends, which impacted Zaccheaus' overall fantasy potential, and it's unlikely Marcus Mariota's passing attack changes things for the 5-foot-8 receiver, especially given London (ankle) and Kyle Pitts will garner the majority of targets for the foreseeable future.
Marcus Mariota Marcus Mariota Expected to open season as starter Mon, May 2, 2022, 11:30 AM Mariota is expected to be the Falcons' starting quarterback to start the 2022 regular season, Josh Kendall of The Athletic reports. Analysis: Mariota signed a two-year contract with the Falcons at the end of March and was the de facto starter with Matt Ryan off to Indianaplis for a third-round pick. However, Desmond Ridder fell to Atlanta in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, sparking speculation that perhaps the rookie could compete for the No. 1 spot, but after the draft coach Arthur Smith said, "With Marcus being the veteran, that's the way it'll go for now." Even with the loss of Calvin Ridley (suspension), Mariota likely will have strong expectations in his first season with Atlanta after they drafted pass catchers with top-10 overall picks in back-to-back years, but the Falcons offense now features a trio of dynamic playmakers in Drake London (ankle), Kyle Pitts and Cordarrelle Patterson.
Olamide Zaccheaus Olamide Zaccheaus Signs tender with Falcons Tue, Apr 19, 2022, 9:36 AM Zaccheaus signed his contract with the Falcons on Tuesday. Analysis: Previously a restricted free agent, Zaccheaus apparently was unable to find an offer that beat the $2.433 million RFA tender from the Falcons. He'd also have a hard time finding a better chance to earn snaps and targets, considering Russell Gage left for the divison-rival Bucs and Calvin Ridley is suspended for the entire 2022 season. The Falcons still figure to add more receivers before Week 1, but Zaccheaus could nonetheless be in the mix for a starting job, joined by a cast of journeymen that includes Damiere Byrd, KhaDarel Hodge and Auden Tate.
Anthony Firkser Anthony Firkser Signs with ATL Tue, Apr 12, 2022, 2:38 PM Firkser is signing with the Falcons, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports. Analysis: Firkser spent the first four years of his career in Tennessee, where he started three of 58 regular-season games and caught 106 passes for 1,107 yards and five touchdowns. He showed some ability as a receiver but never earned consistent snaps/targets in a run-first offense. The 27-year-old Firkser now serves as depth behind fellow tight end Kyle Pitts, the clear favorite to lead Atlanta in targets this season.
Damiere Byrd Damiere Byrd Moving to Atlanta Fri, Apr 1, 2022, 2:56 PM The Falcons and Byrd agreed to a one-year contract Friday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports. Analysis: Atlanta has lost Calvin Ridley to a season-long suspension and Russell Gage to the Buccaneers in free agency, leaving the team short of capable bodies at wide receiver. Olamide Zaccheaus is the most notable holdover, but he has just 54 catches and 90 targets in 38 games on his career ledger. Meanwhile, Byrd has averaged 12.3 YPC and 8.0 YPT on his 161 targets over the past three seasons. As the WR group stands at the moment, Byrd and Zaccheaus serve as the top two players at the position for new starting quarterback Marcus Mariota.
Auden Tate Auden Tate Another addition for Atlanta Mon, Mar 28, 2022, 6:12 PM Tate signed a one-year contract with Atlanta on Monday. Analysis: Tate will join the second franchise of his career after spending four seasons in Cincinnati. In addition to being buried on the depth chart behind the likes of Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd, Tate was limited to only seven games in 2021 by thigh and calf injuries. As it currently stands, Tate should have the chance for a substantial role in Atlanta's offense, though the team is likely to further bolster its wide receiver corps this offseason.
Qadree Ollison Qadree Ollison Re-signs with Atlanta Mon, Mar 28, 2022, 4:15 PM Ollison signed a one-year deal with the Falcons on Monday. Analysis: Ollison finished the 2021 campaign with 21 rushes for 105 yards and one touchdown, while adding four receptions for 12 yards. With Atlanta returning Cordarrelle Patterson and Mike Davis, Ollison figures to compete with free-agent signee Damien Williams for a reserve role to start the 2022 campaign.
KhaDarel Hodge Khadarel Hodge Bolsters Falcons WR corps Fri, Mar 25, 2022, 3:06 PM The Falcons have signed Hodge to a one-year contract. Analysis: In 16 games with the Lions last season, the 27-year-old recorded 13 receptions on 27 targets for 157 yards. Hodge joins an Atlanta wideout corps currently headed by Olamide Zaccheaus, but the team is far from done in terms of adding depth at the position. With that in mind, it remains to be seen where Hodge settles into the equation for targets, but as things stand he should have an opportunity to compete for a role in the Falcons offense, which is now helmed by QB Marcus Mariota.
Marcus Mariota Marcus Mariota Replacing Matt Ryan in Atlanta Mon, Mar 21, 2022, 2:46 PM Mariota is signing a two-year contract with the Falcons, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com reports. Analysis: The contract was announced about one hour after the Falcons reached an agreement to trade Matt Ryan to Indianapolis for a third-round pick. Mariota thus stands a good chance to be Atlanta's Week 1 starter, though it won't come as much of a surprise if the team adds rookie competition during the upcoming NFL Draft. The 28-year-old QB reunites with Falcons coach Arthur Smith, who was the TEs coach in Tennessee throughout most of Mariota's time there. Smith's first year as offensive coordinator was 2019, the season in which Mariota was benched for Ryan Tannehill after Week 6. After two years with the Raiders in a backup role, Mariota joins a rebuilding Atlanta team that doesn't offer much pass-catching talent beyond second-year tight end Kyle Pitts.
Matt Ryan Matt Ryan Featured in trade talks Mon, Mar 21, 2022, 9:28 AM The Falcons have been fielding trade calls for Ryan, who is scheduled for a $7.5 million roster bonus if he's still on the team at 4:00 p.m. ET on Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Analysis: The Falcons presumably would've traded Ryan if they'd been able to add Deshaun Watson, and while they ultimately lost out to Cleveland, there's apparently still some chance the 36-year-old QB is traded. The Colts are oft-mentioned as a fit, given their ample cap space and obvious need at quarterback, and Rapoport hints that other teams may be interested as well. It is possible for the Falcons to deal Ryan after he's paid the bonus, at which point he'd have a bit more trade value but also would leave behind a larger dead cap charge.
Cordarrelle Patterson Cordarrelle Patterson Returning to Atlanta Sat, Mar 19, 2022, 11:50 AM Patterson signed a two-year, $10.5 million contract with the Falcons on Saturday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. Analysis: There was some concern Patterson's breakout season might price the Falcons out of re-signing the do-it-all threat, but the market for running backs never materialized, thus allowing the 31-year-old to return. The Falcons did add former Chiefs and Bears backup Damien Williams on a one-year deal, which theoretically could cut into Patterson's carries, but it's hard to imagine the former really impacting Patterson's targets given Williams is averaging 7.6 yards-per-catch across his entire career. Given Patterson has tallied a combined 1,455 yards and eight touchdowns across his previous four seasons, it's certainly fair to wonder if the veteran is simply a one-year wonder, but with little standing in the way from a depth chart perspective, Patterson at least appears to be the frontrunner to start next season.
Damien Williams Damien Williams Going to the Falcons Thu, Mar 17, 2022, 5:15 PM The Falcons and Williams agreed to terms on a one-year contract Thursday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Analysis: Aside from opting out in 2020, Williams has earned work in each of the seven pro campaigns that he's been on a roster. Most recently, he turned 56 touches into 267 yards from scrimmage and three total TDs in 12 games with the Bears last year. He'll join a backfield led by Mike Davis (ribs) -- at least for the time being -- meaning Williams is poised to have some type of role out of Atlanta's backfield this season.
Olamide Zaccheaus Olamide Zaccheaus Tendered by Atlanta Tue, Mar 15, 2022, 10:46 AM The Falcons tendered Zaccheaus at the right of first refusal level Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Analysis: The transaction sets Zaccheaus up for a $2.433 million salary in the 2022 season, unless any teams attempt to enter a bidding contest for his services. With Calvin Ridley (suspension) out for all of next season and Russell Gage on the move, Atlanta could scarce afford to part ways with a wideout already familiar with the offensive scheme. Zaccheaus, who has spent his entire NFL tenure with the Flacons since going undrafted out of Virginia back in 2019, logged a career-best 31-406-3 statline in 2021.
Matt Ryan Matt Ryan Reworks contract Sat, Mar 12, 2022, 9:53 AM Ryan agreed to restructure his contract Friday, clearing $12 million in salary-cap space for Atlanta ahead of the new league year, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Analysis: Ryan wasn't forced to take a pay cut as a result of restructuring of his deal, so the transaction simply gives the Falcons more flexibility heading into the 2022 season. The quarterback previously had a cap number of $48.66 million for 2022, but it now sits at $36.66 million after he converted $7.5 million in scheduled salary and a $7.5 million roster bonus into a signing bonus.
Calvin Ridley Calvin Ridley Suspended for 2022 season Mon, Mar 7, 2022, 2:47 PM The league announced Monday that Ridley has been suspended for the 2022 season for betting on NFL games, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Analysis: The NFL's statement indicates that the wideout bet on games last season during a five-day stretch in late November while he was away from the Falcons on the reserve/non-football illness list. Per Ben Baby of ESPN.com, Ridley -- who last played on Oct. 24 -- is eligible for reinstatement Feb. 15, 2023. Ridley has three days to appeal the suspension.
Daniel Helm Daniel Helm Signs with Atlanta Thu, Jan 20, 2022, 3:09 PM The Falcons signed Helm to a reserve/future contract Thursday. Analysis: Helm spent the 2021 campaign in the Raiders' organization and appeared in nine regular-season games. He had a minimal offensive impact and hauled in one of two targets for minus-1 yard, but he'll now attempt to carve out a role with Atlanta.
Calvin Ridley Calvin Ridley Not in contact with team yet Sat, Jan 15, 2022, 12:23 PM Ridley, who did not play after Week 7 to focus on his mental health, has not contacted members of the Falcons' front office regarding plans for next season, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. Analysis: There's still very little information regarding Ridley's abrupt leave of absence from the Falcons and it doesn't seem as if the franchise or player has any intentions of accelerating the issue anytime soon. Garafolo even went on to say it's possible both sides could mutually seek a trade this offseason, though that's by no means something that has been confirmed by either party. The 2018 first-round pick had his $11.12 million fifth-year option exercised this past offseason, though it remains to be seen if that compensation would be fully guaranteed given that distinction is normally reserved for injury only. The 27-year-old finished the 2021 season with 31 receptions for 281 yards and two touchdowns across five games.