Atlanta Falcons

Falcons vs. Saints: 5 Fantasy Players to Grab

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

With Week 3 approaching quickly for the NFL, fantasy football leagues are in full swing. As we crawl through the season, injuries start to pile up, and some players that were slated for breakout seasons are underwhelming. As a result, many fantasy players are looking elsewhere to pick up new players. In next week’s game, your Atlanta Falcons take on the New Orleans Saints in what will likely be a shootout. Here are some players from our side that will be able to help your team put up enough points to conquer the competition in Week 3.

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

5. WR Justin Hardy

The Saints’ secondary is absolutely horrific. They are currently missing their top two cornerbacks in Delvin Breaux and P.J. Williams, and their defense has been a mess so far this year. They have allowed almost 800 passing yards in their first two games. While they are currently 0-2, the Saints have been in it until the end most times, and are often let down due to their secondary—allowing a two-point conversion to Michael Crabtree against the Raiders, and giving up a crucial third down catch for 34 yards to Victor Cruz against the Giants. It’s time for fantasy owners to pick up any receiver they can get their hands on that will be playing against Who Dat Nation, and Hardy is a solid option at WR2/Flex.

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

4. WR Aldrick Robinson

Again, you can’t really go wrong with any receiving option on the Falcons this week. Robinson has shown a little promise, but has been lodged behind Hardy at the No. 4 receiver spot. Look for Atlanta to use many 5-wide sets with their wide-outs, and look for them all to prosper against such a porous defense in Week 3. Robinson is hardly owned in any leagues, and is a solid flex option for this week. He may not be a WR1, but he can provide enough points to help you get by.

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

3. TE Austin Hooper

Hooper gave fans a glimpse of what he can do with his game last week against the Raiders with 3 catches for 84 yards, including a 44-yard catch, and people want more. Look for him to step up his game this week against the Saints, as tight ends can collect numerous catches for ample yards against their defense. The Falcons have been looking for a standout tight end since Tony Gonzalez retired a couple years ago, and this could be Hooper’s showcase game as a rookie.

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

2. The Falcons Defense

While the Falcons’ defense has been lackluster, if you’re being complementary, and playing against a Saints’ offense that managed to only score 13 points against the Giants could be a strong resume-builder for future games. Another major point to add here is that in the most recent Saints practices, both WR Willie Snead and LT Terron Armstead were not participants. RT Zach Strief and TE Josh HIll were both limited in Thursday’s session as well. This could mean a chance for the Falcons to actually get to the quarterback for what seems like the first time all season. Also, with top receiving options in Snead and Hill potentially missing, the secondary can focus their attention on Brandin Cooks and the running game.

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

1. WR Mohamed Sanu

While Sanu is owned in over 60% of leagues—if he is available in yours, he should be an instant add to your lackluster receiving corps. While he is often not projected to score high fantasy numbers, he is a good pickup against this nightmarish secondary the Falcons are facing, and it will likely be a high scoring game for him and his other teammates at the position.

An honorable mention is also given to Matt Ryan, who, if all goes according to plan, will light up New Orleans’ defense and score all of these receiving options listed a generous amount of points. Fantasy owners should be on the lookout for these Falcons players, as they can make the difference between winning and losing your league.

You can see all your projections and results prior to Week 3 here.