Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson finally got the usage fantasy managers have been begging out of him since his debut in Week 1 of last season. He logged 23 touches in a low-scoring affair against the Pittsburgh Steelers' strong defensive line. This week, Robinson faces the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football. The Eagles allowed 5.3 YPC to Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs in Week 1 and two receptions for 20 yards. The Falcons could be trailing early and often in this one against the Eagles, potentially leading to more targets and receptions coming Robinson's way. The 2023 first-round pick is a must-start and is RB3 in the latest RotoBaller rankings for Week 2.

The Atlanta Falcons and quarterback Kirk Cousins (Achilles) said all offseason and throughout training camp that he didn't have any restrictions coming off an Achilles tear last year. But after Cousins and the Falcons' offense struggled in the Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was hard to tell if Cousins was 100%. Based on conversations, Cousins' leg feels good and doesn't have lingering issues from his surgery. However, there appears to be a rust factor while working with first-time play-caller Zac Robinson. "Just as we afford rookie QBs some leeway, let's extend the same understanding to first-time play callers," a source said. Cousins didn't play in any preseason games and was facing a swarming Steelers defense in Week 1. Fantasy managers that have Cousins rostered as their No. 2 signal-caller will be hoping he can knock off the rust for a Monday night showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (Achilles) provided an update on his health following his Week 1 return during an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show on Wednesday morning. Cousins expressed satisfaction with his ankle and Achilles, saying, "I felt good honestly. I was really pleased with how my ankle felt, not just the Achilles, but my ankle felt really good." Despite this positive report, Cousins' performance was underwhelming after his return from an Achilles tear. His play was marred by questionable interceptions, including one thrown into double coverage. Additionally, Cousins played mainly from the pistol formation and only went under center twice, limiting his opportunities for play-action, which he typically relies on for success. With the Philadelphia Eagles coming up on Monday night, Cousins remains a risky fantasy option until he demonstrates full recovery and improved performance.

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said there wasn't a correlation between quarterback Kirk Cousins' (Achilles) health and his play-calling decisions in the Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cousins tore his Achilles in Week 8 of last year with the Minnesota Vikings before joining Atlanta in free agency back in March. After Cousins signed, both he and Morris reiterated that he was fine physically. "I feel like Kirk is healthy," Morris said. "He's been healthy since he's been here, since he's been back." The veteran signal-caller went 16-for-26 for 155 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions for a QB rating of 59.0, the eight-lowest of his starting career. Questions about Cousins' health won't go away if he struggles again in a Week 2 Monday night showdown in Philadelphia against the Eagles, where Cousins will be on the QB2 radar for fantasy managers in his second start for Atlanta.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III was the leading receiver on Sunday in the team's season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 28-year-old finished the game with four receptions for 52 yards on seven targets while returning two kicks for a total of 56 yards. McCloud is usually the return specialist and sees minimal work in the passing game as his stats show over the last six seasons. He only saw 15 targets throughout all of last season with the San Francisco 49ers. The offense struggled mightily in their first game against a determined TJ Watt and company, especially with this being Kirk Cousins' first game back from injury. McCloud likely won't remain the team's top receiver but could be worth a flyer in very deep leagues moving forward.