The Week 1 matchup between the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons features two division rivals looking to gain the early edge in the NFC South. We've got all the fantasy projections for you, courtesy of NumberFire.
Fantasy football projections, Week 1: Saints vs. Falcons featuring Drew Brees, Jimmy Graham, Matt Ryan and Julio Jones
We break down the Week 1 matchup between the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons.
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New Orleans Saints
The Saints' high-powered passing attack projects to roll on with gun-slinging quarterback Drew Brees under center. New Orleans will feature its three-headed rushing attack. Running back Mark Ingram figures to see the majority of the early down work, with Pierre Thomas featured on passing downs and Khiry Robinson also sprinkled into the mix.
Fantasy's top tight end Jimmy Graham projects as the team's top target. Wide receiver Marques Colston is over his foot injury that has limited him in the last two seasons and will draw a healthy number of targets. Receiver Kenny Stills has been ruled out, which makes way for rookie first-round pick Brandin Cooks to get more looks along with Joe Morgan. Both have the potential to stuff the stat sheet if Brees can spread the ball around.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons will attempt to move on with All-Pro tight end Tony Gonzalez now retired. Stud wide receiver Julio Jones and Roddy White still represent one of the league's top receiving duos. Jones appears to be over his foot injury and has the potential to pull off a top-three receiver fantasy campaign if he can stay healthy. White is now 32 years old but he still has plenty of play-making ability left. Receiver Harry Douglas can also wreak havoc in the slot.
Quarterback Matt Ryan will look to rebound from a subpar 2013 season and offers substantial bounce-back appeal. Starting running back Steven Jackson is entering his 11th season, and it's fair to wonder how much he has left in the tank. Jacquizz Rodgers and rookie Devonta Freeman will see some work but don't project as a high-powered rushing attack. Atlanta didn't do much to improve last year's porous defense, so Ryan could easily find himself in plenty of shootouts.
