Atlanta Falcons at Arizona Cardinals Matchup Preview 10/13/19: Analysis, Depth Charts, Daily Fantasy

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The Falcons have been very disappointing this year. They looked like a potential NFC contender before the season, but now have a 1-4 record. This is partly because the Falcons have only faced teams with winning records, so they have not had opportunities to win easy games. This matchup against the Cardinals is their first game against a team with a losing record, so they should leave Arizona with a win. The Cardinals have also not been good, but their offense does look promising for the future. This should be a high scoring game that could see either team leave with a win. For odds movement and full matchup history, visit the Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals matchup page.

TV Schedule

Date: Sunday, October 13th, 2019
Time: 4:05 ET
Location: State Farm Stadium – Glendale, AZ
Coverage: FOX

Injury Report

Atlanta Falcons: RB Kenjon Barner (Q) – Knee, S Damontae Kazee (Q) – Concussion, G Jamon Brown (Q) – Concussion, WR Julio Jones (Q) – Hip, CB Desmond Trufant (Q) – Toe, P Matt Bosher (IR) – Groin, Johnathan Cyprien (IR) – Foot
Arizona Cardinals: DE Zach Allen (Q) – Neck, WR Christian Kirk (Q) – Ankle, LB Zeke Turner (Q) – Hand, WR Damiere Byrd (Q) – Hamstring, S Charles Washington (Q) – Shoulder, CB Tramaine Brock (Q) – Shoulder, RB David Johnson (Q) – Back, T Jordan Mills (IR) – Knee, LB Haason Reddick (Q) – Shoulder, LB Terrell Suggs (Q) – Back,

Atlanta Falcons Analysis

Even though the Falcons have faced difficult teams, Matt Ryan has still averaged 22.9 fantasy points per game. He has a good matchup against the Cardinals, who rank 29th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. He is a great start for fantasy football this week. Additionally, the Cardinals rank 26th in total pass yards allowed. This means that receivers Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley should have good games. Jones has had great games against bad secondaries. In week 2 against the Eagles, Jones had 5 receptions for 106 yards and 2 touchdowns. Then, in week 3 against the Colts, Jones had 8 receptions for 128 yards and 1 touchdown. He could get close to 25 PPR fantasy points in this week’s matchup. Ridley will also do well because he has had some great games this year. In three games this year, he has had 15+ PPR fantasy points. He is a very explosive player and could have big numbers. Mohamed Sanu is another solid option, as he has had 10+ PPR fantasy points in four games this season. He is not an explosive player, but will also have a solid game against this weak Cardinals defense.

Devonta Freeman is not as good of a start this week. The Cardinals have only allowed 2 rushing touchdowns this year and Freeman is splitting snaps with Ito Smith. Freeman was on the field for only 54% of snaps last week and received less touches than Ito Smith. This does not allow Freeman to have bag performances, as he is averaging only 10.2 fantasy points per game. It would be better to wait and see how touches are split in the Falcons backfield before starting either player.

Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart

QB: Matt Ryan
RB1: Devonta Freeman
RB2: Ito Smith
WR1: Julio Jones
WR2: Calvin Ridley
WR3: Mohamed Sanu
TE: Austin Hooper

Arizona Cardinals Analysis

A big question mark ahead of this game is whether Christian Kirk plays. He has been dealing with an ankle injury and missed the last game because of it. He was able to practice on Wednesday, but it will be important to monitor his status for this game. In games Kirk has played, he has consistently been Kyler Murray’s top option. In the three full games he played, Kirk received 32 targets. He will likely be looking at a 10+ target game if he plays against this poor Falcons pass defense. The Falcons defense ranks 23rd in fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers. If Kirk does not play, the Larry Fitzgerald should have a good game. Fitzgerald is not a dynamic player, but will put up solid numbers in PPR formats.

David Johnson is another great start this week. He has put up 18+ PPR points in four of five games this season. The only time he did not was against a very good Ravens defense. Since the Falcons defense is not near as good as the Ravens defense, Johnson should be able to put up another 18+ point game. He is the focal point of this offense and gets many touches. Another great player to start is Kyler Murray. His running ability makes him a great option for fantasy football almost every week. Murray’s consistent production combined with a great matchup against a bottom ranked Falcons defense makes Murray a great option at quarterback.

Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart

QB: Kyler Murray
RB1: David Johnson
RB2: Chase Edmonds
WR1: Larry Fitzgerald
WR2: Christian Kirk
WR3: KeeSean Johnson
TE: Charles Clay

Daily Fantasy: A High Scoring Game

Matt Ryan (DK: $6,400, FD: $8,100) is a great play for this week. The Cardinals rank 29th in fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks, and Matt Ryan has been playing very well. His salary is a bit high, but he could easily have a 25+ point performance, so he may be worth it. Also, receiver Julio Jones (DK: $8,000, FD: $8,500) should have a big game. The only problem is that his salary is very high. Calvin Ridley (DK: $5,700, FD: $5,500) is a much cheaper option and could put up similar numbers to Jones, so he is a definite start this week. I really like Kyler Murray (DK: $6,500, FD: $7,700) as well. He has put up consistently good fantasy performances and has a pretty cheap salary. Christian Kirk (DK: $5,200, FD: $5,600) is a good play at wide receiver because he is Murray’s top target and has an extremely low salary. If Kirk plays this game, he will do well. Lastly, David Johnson (DK: $7,600, FD: $6,900) will also do well. As a dual threat running back, he gets a lot of receptions, which is great for daily fantasy formats.