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#2 Atlanta Falcons (1-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2-1)
This is the second matchup with two favorites that are struggling in 2018 season so far. Falcons had one of the toughest schedules to open the 2018 season. Four of the five games are against the playoff teams and the injuries certainly didn't help their cause. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers got sidetracked with Leveon Bell Controversy and the offense just couldn't get it going.
This is a must win game for both the teams to remain relevant in their tough divisions respectively.
Falling Falcons, Reeling Steelers
Both these teams boast two of the best offensive schemes and players in the NFL. Falcons led by Matt Ryan has been dominant on that side of the ball for the past few seasons. Falcons defense improved last year but injuries to three key players hit early and they couldn't keep with some of the high flying offenses like Saints and a very underrated Bengals.
Julio Jones though putting up though having targets and receptions coming towards him, he is still yet to find the end zone, continuing his touchdown drought from last year, when he had only 3 touchdowns all year despite leading the league in receiving yards. Meanwhile, the first round rookie WR out of Alabama, Calvin Ridley is making his case for Offensive Rookie of the Year reeling in 6 touchdowns in four games so far including three in the loss against Saints.
Ryan and party will face a Steelers defense that has been leaking points of its own. Pittsburgh currently ranks 26 in points allowed. But, Falcons defense who is ranked 30th in points allowed will face a high octane Steelers offense led by Ben Roethlisberger.
Antonio Brown had a relatively slow start to his 2018 campaign. He is yet to have a 100-yard game this season, but he found the end-zone thrice. Second-year running back James Conner who played very well in the first few starts have slowed down a bit in the last couple of weeks has the perfect opportunity to bounce back.
The one player who stood out from the Steelers was the TE Vance McDonald, who is having a ball of a time, by scoring touchdowns and yards after the reception. He is a very good run blocker and a great pass catcher as well.
Fantasy Outlook
Must Start:
All skill position players: This game will be the carbon copy of the Thursday Night game between the Rams and Vikings and every offensive player involved should be a must-start.
Under the Radar:
Of the above skill position players, I would choose Vance McDonald as a fringe TE starter this week along with Falcons' Tevin Coleman even if Devonta Freeman plays this Sunday.
Caution:
Avoid the defenses if possible. This is not the game for defenses. It's highly unlikely there will be many Turnovers involved except for a few sacks.
Prediction
This could come down to whoever has the ball last will win the game. That being said, I will always go with the home team in this kind of games. Steelers will have the ball last, instead of tying it to take to OT, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin will go for the two and Ben Roethlisberger will find Antonio Brown for a game-winning 2-Pt Conversion.
Steelers 36, Falcons 35
