NFL 2018: Top 3 Matchups for Week 3

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Ryan Fitzpatrick and Patrick Mahomes

1. New Orleans Saints (1-1) at Atlanta Falcons (1-1)

Image result for falcons vs saints
Matt Ryan and Drew Brees

These two division rivals will be battling it out this Sunday to be the second fiddle the division-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There is a statement I never thought I would make in this season. The Saints and Falcons had rough starts to their 2018 seasons losing in week 1, but they managed to eek out Ws in week 2. Sin Saints

Sinking Saints

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Saints season opened up with a FitzMagic. They happened to be the first team to face the wrath of Fitzpatrick, no one saw coming. The defense which was supposed to be improved was surprisingly non-existent. Even in the Week, 2 W against the Browns was an ugly affair. They were only leading 6-3 at the half which shows that this Saints team is not yet ready to play with the big boy teams in NFC.

The Saints passing offense is still dominant as always. Michael Thomas is making his case to be the Top 3 WR reeling in 28 of his 30 targets in just two games. Thomas is easily the Bress favorite Target followed by Alvin Kamara.

Kamara who won the Offensive Rookie of the Year last year, had a tough start rushing this year. Even though he caught a couple of touchdown passes, he totaled a combined 75 yards of rushing yards in two games, which should be seen as a cause of concern for the Saints offense. The Saints will be facing an Atlanta Defense which saw its fair share of key defenders lose to injuries. This matchup is the perfect match for Kamara to get back to his Rookie year form.

The defense, on the other hand, is a complete mess. They gave up 400 yards and 4 TDs to Ryan Fitzpatrick in the season opener. They even let Cleveland Browns make a comeback in Week 2, where they were bailed by Brees' last-minute game-winning drive. The defense which also had the Defensive Rookie of the year Marshon Lattimore needs to step up, otherwise, they will be burned big by Julio Jones and Matt Ryan, who found his form back in Week 2 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.

Rising Falcons

Matt Ryan and the Falcons had the worst night in the opening night kick off 2018 season. Ryan got overwhelmed by the daunting Super Bowl champion defense, who got their asses handled by FitzMagic. But, Ryan looks to be found his way back in his week 2 matchup against the Panthers tossing 2 touchdown passes while rushing for two more.

Julio Jones continues to get high target share but still not able to find the ball in the end zone. Jones caught a total of 3 TD passes in 2017 season and has none so far. If this team wants to see itself in the postseason they need to get the ball into the hands of Julio Jones more often and this is the game to start.

With the injury to Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman stepped in nicely in the starter role raking up 100+ all-purpose yards in week 2. TE Austin Hooper also had a couple of big receptions including a touchdown thus providing Ryan with more targets.

The defense, which like Chargers lost key players to injuries could not keep up with the offenses. The defense almost let Cam Newton and Panthers make a comeback. The Falcons need to be wary of the Saints and the Brees offense which could be dangerous. they need to stop Michael Thomas in order to have any kind of success in the passing situations.

Fantasy Outlook

Must Start

Tevin Coleman, RB Falcons: Coleman got comfortable in the starter role by raking up 107 total yards in this starter role. Look for his role to increase in week 3.

Julio Jones and Matt Ryan. Ryan silenced his critics in week 2 with his performance and continues to be a good option in week 3 matchup. Jones should be able to finally find the end zone this week against a soft Saints pass defense.

Michael Thomas, WR Saints: 30 targets in 2 weeks...Just Start this guy every week no matter the matchup.

Alvin Kamara, RB Saints: Even though he had a rough start, he should be started because of the matchup he faces, he should be a must-start in PPR format regardless of matchups.

Under the Radar

Benjamin Watson, TE Saints, and Austin Hooper, TE Falcons: Both of these players could see some targets come their way, especially in the red zone situations. Ryan tends not to look at Jones in RZ situations that mean more targets elsewhere.

Caution

Defenses: Both the defenses had terrible start to their season, this is definitely not the week to start either of them.

Prediction

Surprise!! Another shootout. I think almost all the four matchups I have this week have shoot out written allover them. With the Momentum and current form on their side and being a home game as well I will go with Falcons this game.

Falcons 28 Saints 21

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Edited by Victor R. Lopez M.
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