Team report: Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons

Top player in 2006

Michael Vick, QB: Throwing for just 20 touchdowns isn't going to get many fantasy owners excited, however his NFL-record 1,039 rushing yards for a quarterback will. That equals out to 100 extra fantasy points over the course of a season, about 80 or so more than most other stars at the position typically run for on the ground. You'd like to see him run for more than two touchdowns, but that will likely happen this year.

Top sleeper in 2006

Jerious Norwood, RB: Many thought last year was the one in which Norwood would breakout, but it turned out to be a three-headed running attack for the Falcons, who led the NFL in that category. Despite two 1,000-yard rushers on the team, though, Norwood was still able to run for over 600 yards, catch for over 100 more and score a pair of touchdowns on the season. When the Falcons failed to trade Dunn away before the season, many didn't believe they'd still get strong numbers out of Norwood, but those aren't bad for someone who touched the ball just 111 times on the year.

Top flop in 2006

Roddy White, WR: You want this guy to live up to all the potential he owns, but it just won't seem to happen for him. The second-year receiver out of UAB was inserted into the starting lineup, but still caught just 30 balls for 506 yards and failed to find the end zone all season. With the signing of Joe Horn, you can probably expect him to be moved back to the bench again.

Top off-season moves

Joe Horn, WR: If Horn can stay healthy this season, he could be a real asset to the Falcons' offense. He's just the veteran presence someone like Vick needs to be able to look to in clutch situations, since he's the type of guy who always makes the big catch. Unfortunately, he's missed nine games over the past two seasons, which ruined a stratch of five straight years with 900 or more yards receiving.

Joey Harrington, QB: When the team traded Matt Schaub to the Texans this off-season, they knew they needed to acquire an experienced backup quarterback in case Vick's injury woes returned at some point. Harrington ended up being that man. He threw for 2,236 yards and 12 touchdowns in 11 games as a backup in Miami last season, but his 15 interceptions were a problem. Hopefully he can be more successful in smaller doses.

Lewis Sanders, CB: With DeAngelo Hall on one side of the field, you can expect the corner on the opposite side to see a ton of action. That man this season will be former Brown and Texan, Lewis Sanders. He started seven games for Houston in '06, but failed to make an interception and has just five in his six-year career. Look for the heat to be put on him by opposing quarterbacks early and often.

Ovie Mughelli, FB: One of the better blocking backs in the NFL makes the move to the best rushing team in the NFL. This seems to be a great fit for the Falcons and could make their rushing game even more potent than it already is.

Top fantasy players for 2007

Michael Vick, QB: It seems apparent that Vick has still just begun to scratch the surface of his fantasy potential. The rushing yards are unbelievable, but the passing number are average at best. Horn's arrival could be a boost to those numbers, as is having yet another year to work with guys like White, Alge Crumpler and Michael Jenkins.

Alge Crumpler, TE: Crumpler remains one of the top tight ends in the game and Vick's unquestioned No. 1 option on the team. Even still, he went for just 780 yards last season. Sure, he did catch an impressive eight touchdown passes and is one of the top red zone targets in the league, but he could looked at so much more than his is now. It wouldn't surprise me to see him go for 1,000 yards one of these years.

Michael Jenkins, WR: Jenkins was solid last season, but you just know he could've been better. He's probably the most talented receiver and managed to catch seven touchdown passes. However, 39 catches for 432 yards just isn't going to get it done. Not for a starter on a team looking to make a run to the playoffs.

Who will surprise in 2007?

Jerious Norwood, RB: Norwood is again the man to look at this season. Warrick Dunn is a resilient back who's lasted longer than most would have given him credit for, but it's going to be Norwood's time soon. He's a tough inside runner who's proven he can break a long run on occasion as well. He'll improve on his 736 total yards from last season for sure.

Fantasy depth chart

QB1: Michael Vick
QB2: Joey Harrington
QB3: D.J. Shockley

RB1: Warrick Dunn
RB2: Jerious Norwood
RB3: Jamal Robertson
RB4: Ovie Mugheeli

WR1: Michael Jenkins
WR2: Joe Horn
WR3: Roddy White
WR4: Brian Finneran
WR5: Laurent Robinson

TE1: Alge Crumpler
TE2: Dwayne Blakley

K: Michael Koenen