Fantasy football advice, Week 6: Who to start/sit for Falcons vs. Saints on Thursday night

There was a time, not very long ago really, that a game between the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints would be one of the hottest offerings of an NFL weekly schedule. Both teams were above average, contenders, good. Suddenly, this year, it looks like a mismatch. The Falcons sit as one of the league’s four 5-0 teams, while the Saints are 1-4, with their only win coming in overtime against a team quarterbacked by Brandon Weeden. Still, the two teams play on Thursday, with the Saints hoping an old familiar opponent will inspire their comeback to relevance.

Three of the Falcons’ top fantasy contributors appeared on this week’s injury report, though running back Devonta Freeman and wide receivers Julio Jones and Leonard Hankerson are all probable to play. Jones might be a bit limited in the game, but he should be active through his hamstring issues. On the New Orleans side, the Saints will be without wide receiver Marques Colston after a Week 5 shoulder injury.

The Saints host the Falcons Thursday, with game time scheduled for 8:25 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:

Start ‘em: There’s a definite ceiling to most of Matt Ryan’s fantasy performances, but there’s also (usually) a high floor. Against a bad defense, he’s a must-start. ... Devonta Freeman went from “can’t win a starting gig” to “one of the league’s best running backs” faster than anyone I can ever remember. ... Even a limited Julio Jones is a must-start Julio Jones. The risk of him being a decoy is worth the chance of him breaking off one or two super-deep plays. ... Leonard Hankerson has played himself almost into must-start territory in general, but the chances the team takes it easy on Jones makes him even more appealing. ... This offense is strong enough to always give Matt Bryant plenty of kicking chances.

Start ‘em?: Week 5 was a big game for Jacob Tamme, and the Saints tend to struggle against opposing tight ends. ... The Falcons’ defense is at least competent, while the Saints’ offense is only competent.

Sit ‘em: As long as Freeman is producing like he is, Tevin Coleman is nothing but a handcuff for fantasy. ... Roddy White has fallen out of favor in the Atlanta offense.

Start ‘em: He hasn’t been a monster, peaking with 15 fantasy points, but Mark Ingram has been helpful every week, with 10.6 fantasy points a game and at least six every week.

Start ‘em?: You like Drew Brees more at home, in a dome, but what’s his upside? His 22-point game came primarily on a fluke play. Take out one 80-yard catch-and-run that shouldn’t have happened, and Brees is averaging 14.5 fantasy points a game. That’s not great. ... Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead have basically become 1 and 1a in the Saints’ receiving corps. There’s no telling who will be better in a given week, but both should offer some value.

Sit ‘em: I feel like I say this every week, but with Ingram performing well, there just aren’t enough touches for Khiry Robinson or C.J. Spiller. I’d prefer Robinson to Spiller but wouldn’t use either. ... Brandon Coleman has slipped down the depth chart. ... We aren’t getting much weekly consistency from Benjamin Watson or Josh Hill. ... The struggles of the Saints in general keeps Zach Hocker from kicking for many points. ... The Saints’ defense is averaging only 1.4 fantasy points a game, and now draws one of the league’s best offenses.

Start in every league: Matt Ryan, Devonta Freeman, Julio Jones, Leonard Hankerson, Matt Bryant, Mark Ingram
Start if you’re desperate: Jacob Tamme, Atlanta defense, Drew Brees, Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead
Bench: Tevin Coleman, Roddy White, Khiry Robinson, C.J. Spiller, Brandon Coleman, Benjamin Watson, Josh Hill, Zach Hocker, New Orleans defense