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Game day update: With no Julio Jones on Sunday, Calvin Ridley vaults back into WR1 status for the Falcons. In his last three games, Ridley has recorded 16 receptions (28 targets) for 248 yards and a touchdown. When Atlanta was without Jones in Week 12 against the Raiders, Ridley posted 11 fantasy points.
He should be able to string together another double-digit fantasy performance versus a Chargers defense that is allowing 21.7 fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts. Also, do not forget about Russell Gage, who could have a favorable with a lot of attention being paid to Ridley. ESPN projects Ridley and Gage to score 11.7 and 6.5 fantasy points.
Julio Jones update: The Falcons have ruled Julio Jones OUT due to his hamstring injury. He will not play in Week 14, which boosts Russell Gage’s value.
After a week off because of an injury, Julio Jones was back in action with the Atlanta Falcons last week against the Saints. Targeted 10 times, he came away with six catches for 94 yards. Calvin Ridley also saw 10 targets in that one, catching five for 108 yards. Atlanta’s receivers have a chance to improve their fantasy numbers this week against the Chargers.
Fantasy Football analysis: Falcons WRs Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, Russell Gage
Jones and Ridley are almost always must-start WR1 options, unless one of them is hurt, which has been the case with Jones too often this season. It doesn’t help that their numbers are held back a bit by Atlanta’s overall offensive struggles. But the outlook is better this week.
The Chargers have allowed 12 touchdowns to wide receivers this season, including two last week against the Patriots. Opposing receiving units as a whole are averaging more than 145 yards against them, and the Chargers haven’t faced a duo like Jones and Ridley.
Unfortunately for Gage, Jones and Ridley firing on all cylinders doesn’t leave him much to do. He did have 51 yards and a touchdown last week, but that was his first score since Week 2.
Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation
Start Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley. Sit Russell Gage.