Falcons vs. Titans preseason 2013: Fantasy football preview
The Falcons take on the Titans in each team’s “dress rehearsal” third game. We break down the fantasy implications.
Atlanta and Tennessee both have roster with several fantasy storylines to keep an eye on. Let’s look at what owners will be watching for.
How does Steven Jackson run?
The Falcons offensive line is one of the biggest concerns this year. In their first preseason game, Jackson picked up just eight yards on five carries with awful blocking. But when Atlanta traveled to Baltimore the following week, the veteran running back tore apart the Ravens defense, rushing for 42 yards on eight carries and catching one pass for 13 yards. How does the run game go tonight?
Tony Gonzalez returns
The veteran tight end has been taking time off in preseason, but he's officially back and will debut against the Titans. His training always keeps him in top shape, so there's no need to worry about his time off. Roddy White is out with an ankle sprain, leaving Gonzalez and Julio Jones to see plenty of targets in the passing game. Gonzalez is easily a TE1.
Is Chris Johnson going to be a RB1 again?
A revamped offensive line in Tennessee could lead to a huge season for Johnson. He only saw two carries in the preseason opener, and he finished with 60 yards and a touchdown. Last week he averaged 4.3 yards per carry. Shonn Greene and Jackie Battle are looking for carries as well, which seems to be pushing Johnson to work harder. His showing against Atlanta will be a good indication if he's still the same boom-or-bust runner.
Who steps up in the Titans passing game?
Kendall Wright is out for the preseason with a sprained knee. Kenny Britt, Nate Washington, Damian Williams and Justin Hunter are all in the mix for targets from Jake Locker. We'll see who Locker favors. Britt is the most talented, but he never provides the consistency fantasy owners hope for.
