Atlanta Falcons News

NFC SOUTH

Tua Tagovailoa • QB • Falcons

Tua Tagovailoa Continues to Lead First-Team Offense

With the Atlanta Falcons wrapping up the final session of mandatory minicamp on Wednesday, it was quarterback Tua Tagovailoa leading the first-team offense as the team worked on third-and-goal situations. Following his release from the Dolphins, Atlanta signed Tagovailoa to a one-year, $1.2 million deal, and as Michael Penix Jr. continues to work his way back from the ACL tear that ended his 2025 season, the seventh-year veteran has been given an early advantage in a battle expected to carry into training camp. The Falcons spent a first-round pick on Penix in the 2024 NFL Draft and face a critical decision about his fifth-year option following the 2026 season, so there is a belief that he'll be given every opportunity to claim the starting job once healthy, but new head coach Kevin Stefanski has long valued accuracy as one of the most important traits of the position. While Tagovailoa has completed exactly 68% of his passes since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2020, Penix ranked near the bottom of the league in on-target throw percentage in 2025. With a strong supporting cast of Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts, whoever claims the starting job could have fantasy viability throughout the year, and if that becomes Tagovailoa out of the gates, RotoBaller's QB30 could have early-season appeal as a streaming option.

2 days ago

Michael Penix Jr. • QB • Falcons

Michael Penix Jr. Expects to be Cleared for 11-on-11 Work at Training Camp

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee), who remains limited to seven-on-seven work at mandatory minicamp this week as he continues to rehab from a surgically repaired ACL, said that "the expectation" is for him to be ready for 11-on-11 team drills during training camp this summer, also he added that he'll need clearance from his doctor for that to happen, according to Will McFadden of the team's official website. McFadden writes that in anything movement-related, Penix has "looked sharp and shown no signs of discomfort." But the Falcons are taking a cautious approach with the former first-rounder. "Each and every day I'm trying to get better," Penix said after practice. "Doing whatever I can to help this team win football games, that's the ultimate goal." It sounds like Atlanta's true QB competition between Penix and Tua Tagovailoa won't come until Penix can do everything in training camp. The 26-year-old Penix is a major durability concern with a lengthy history of torn ACLs, and without a guaranteed starting job, his fantasy stock has fallen considerably heading into 2026 in both dynasty and redraft formats.

2 days ago

Drake London • WR • Falcons

Drake London Dealing With Minor Injury at Minicamp

Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Wednesday that wide receiver Drake London (undisclosed) is dealing with a small injury that the team is being cautious with, according to Marc Raimondi of ESPN. London could have practiced, but the team is "being careful." The Falcons must protect their investment after giving London a four-year, $141 million contract extension at the beginning of June. The 24-year-old former eighth overall pick in 2022 out of the University of Southern California should be fine for the start of training camp at the end of July, and he's the unquestioned WR1 for either quarterback Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr. (knee) going into his fifth year in the NFL. London caught 68 of his 112 targets for 919 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 starts in 2025 despite missing five games due to injury. He's a clear WR1 target in fantasy football drafts, and although better play at the QB position could unlock even more from London, managers cannot bank on that from either Tagaovailoa or Penix.

2 days ago

Bijan Robinson • RB • Falcons

How Highly Should Dynasty Contenders Value Bijan Robinson?

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson put together an excellent season in 2025, recording a league-leading 2,298 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns on 366 touches across 17 games. The 24-year-old reached new heights as a receiver out of the backfield last season, hauling in 79 catches for 820 yards and four scores on 103 targets. Entering 2026, Robinson once again profiles as the focal point of the Falcons' offense. He may even see more chances as a goal-line rusher following the offseason departure of former Atlanta running back Tyler Allgeier, who logged eight rushing touchdowns in 2025. The Falcons' overall offensive ecosystem has major question marks thanks to the underwhelming quarterback quo of Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and Tua Tagovailoa. Still, Robinson has shown he can put up monster fantasy production without strong quarterback play in every season of his career to this point. As Robinson enters his age-24 season, dynasty contenders should value him as highly as any player in fantasy football.

3 days ago

Michael Penix Jr. • QB • Falcons

Michael Penix Jr. Not Cleared for 11-on-11 Work Yet

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) hasn't been cleared for 11-on-11 work yet at mandatory minicamp, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic. "He's exactly where he needs to be," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "We will just continue to lean on medical and Mike." The Falcons like where Penix is at in his rehab from a torn ACL in his left knee last year, but they aren't rushing the 26-year-old back. Newcomer Tua Tagovailoa has gotten a head start on Penix during offseason workouts as he learns a new offense in Atlanta, but the Falcons don't appear ready to officially open up their QB competition this offseason until Penix is fully cleared to resume team drills in training camp this summer. With all that said, Penix isn't a lock to be a full-go for the start of training camp at the end of July, which would certainly put him behind the eight ball as he looks to regain the starting job under center going into the 2026 regular season. At best, the injury-prone Penix, who has torn his ACL three times dating back to college, will be a low-end QB2 in superflex fantasy leagues this year if he's named the starter. Whoever wins the Falcons' QB job will be on a short leash.

3 days ago

Michael Penix Jr. • QB • Falcons

Unclear if Michael Penix Jr. Will be Cleared for Team Drills at Minicamp

When asked if quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) will be cleared for 11-on-11 team drills during mandatory minicamp, Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said, "We'll see." Penix is recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered last November, and the longer he is held out of team drills, the more former Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa will gain a leg up in the QB competition this summer. Stefanski is on record saying that he thinks accuracy is the most important trait for a signal-caller, and for all of his faults, Tagovailoa has historically been great in that area -- he led the league in 2024 with a 72.9% completion percentage. A lot can still happen between now and Week 1 of the 2026 regular season, but it is clear that Tagovailoa has a head start over the injured Penix in a new offensive scheme in Atlanta this year. Whoever wins the QB job for the Falcons to begin the season probably isn't going to have a very long leash, so they should be considered a low-end QB2 option in superflex fantasy leagues. Penix, specifically, has seen his dynasty/keeper stock tumble dramatically since last year after yet another torn ACL in his knee.

5 days ago

Kyle Pitts Sr. • TE • Falcons

After Years of Waiting, is the Kyle Pitts Sr. Breakout Finally Here?

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. finished as 2025's TE2, and while much of the heavy lifting was done in an 11-catch, three-touchdown outing that went down as one of the most productive tight end games in NFL history, there is optimism that his role in Kevin Stefanski's tight end-friendly offense could help to deliver more consistent week-winning performances. His career year came while running his most routes since entering the NFL, and with Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees deploying the league's highest rate of 12-personnel usage in their final season in Cleveland, Pitts should benefit from some of the same looks that allowed Harold Fannin Jr. to reach triple-digit targets as a rookie. Entering his sixth season, Pitts is remarkably still just 25 years old, and with some fantasy managers long over waiting for the true breakout that has been predicted since 2021, he has become a potential bargain at RotoBaller's dynasty TE8.

5 days ago

Brian Robinson Jr. • RB • Falcons

Brian Robinson Jr. Remains a Valuable Dynasty Handcuff Option Entering 2026

After recording 92 carries for 400 yards and two touchdowns across 17 games with the San Francisco 49ers in 2025, veteran running back Brian Robinson Jr. is entering his first season with the Atlanta Falcons in 2026. Robinson Jr. offered little standalone appeal to fantasy managers last season, as he spent the year in a backup role behind 49ers superstar Christian McCaffrey. Ironically, Robinson Jr. finds himself in a very similar situation in Atlanta behind Falcons back Bijan Robinson. There may be slightly more opportunity available to Robinson Jr. this season, as former Falcons back Tyler Allgeier collected eight touchdowns while playing alongside Bijan in 2025. Still, his greatest value to fantasy managers is as a handcuff option. Should Robinson suffer an injury, Robinson Jr. would profile as the clear lead back in Atlanta. He remains stash-worthy in dynasty formats entering 2026.

6 days ago

Tua Tagovailoa • QB • Falcons

Is Tua Tagovailoa Worth Buying Low on in Dynasty Formats?

After spending the first six years of his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is entering his first season with the Atlanta Falcons in 2026. Tagovailoa battled through a brutal season with the Dolphins in 2025, throwing for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions across 14 games. The 28-year-old now finds himself in a battle with fellow Falcons signal-caller Michael Penix Jr. (knee) for the team's QB1 role. Penix Jr. is working his way back from the torn ACL that ended his 2025 season, which could give Tagovailoa the leg up entering training camp. Tagovailoa has put together productive NFL seasons in the past, throwing for a league-leading 4,624 yards and 29 touchdowns across 17 games in 2023. The Falcons will also put a solid offensive line in front of him and have a trio of talented pass-catchers in wide receiver Drake London, tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., and running back Bijan Robinson. Tagovailoa's fantasy ceiling is capped, but a mid-career resurgence is not out of the question if he can win the starting job in Atlanta. Particularly in two-quarterback formats, dynasty managers may want to consider buying low on Tagovailoa.

Jun 9

Michael Penix Jr. • QB • Falcons

Michael Penix Jr. Getting Closer to 11-on-11 Work

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) is getting closer to participating in 11-on-11 drills during offseason workouts, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. Penix is still not ready to be a full-go in offseason practices after having surgery in the middle of November last year to fix a partially torn ACL in his left knee. With Penix struggling as the full-time starting QB in 2025 before tearing his ACL, the Falcons went out and signed former Miami Dolphins signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa to give them insurance at the position. Although Penix, the former eighth overall pick in 2024 out of the University of Washington, is expected to compete for the starting QB job in training camp this summer, he could be fighting an uphill battle at this point. The good news is that Penix took part in seven-on-seven drills during OTAs, and he could be a full-go for practices by the time camp starts at the end of July. Still, there's no guarantee Penix will be starting games in 2026, even if he's fully recovered from knee surgery this summer.

Jun 8

Bijan Robinson • RB • Falcons

Is Bijan Robinson's Dynasty Value Limited by Questionable Offensive Environment?

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson earned first-team All-Pro honors for his work in 2025, as he finished the year with a league-leading 2,298 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns on 366 touches across 17 games. Robinson had his most efficient year as a rusher (5.1 yards per carry) while also setting career-highs in targets (103), receptions (79), and receiving yards (820). Entering 2026, Robinson could be in the best touchdown-scoring position of his career following the offseason departure of former Falcons back Tyler Allgeier, who collected eight rushing touchdowns in a goal-line role in 2025. The overall offensive environment around Robinson in Atlanta remains questionable, as neither Michael Penix Jr. (knee) nor Tua Tagovailoa projects to provide the Falcons with above-average quarterback play. Still, both signal-callers should lean heavily on Robinson in all aspects of the game. As he enters his age-24 season and the prime of his career, Robinson has a compelling case to be valued as the number one overall player in dynasty formats.

Jun 8

Zachariah Branch • WR • Falcons

Zachariah Branch Impressing New Falcons QB in OTAs

Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch, who was the 79th overall pick in the third round of this year's draft out of the University of Georgia, has been quickly learning the team's offense and building chemistry with his teammates in OTAs this offseason, according to Will McFadden of AtlantaFalcons.com. The 22-year-old proved to be one of college's most explosive playmakers in 2025 with the Bulldogs, leading the SEC with 81 catches and gaining 811 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 14 games played. He has drawn the attention of new quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who played with two elite speed receivers in Miami in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. "I mean, dude's fast," Tagovailoa said. "Dude can play very shifty. Kind of reminds me of Waddle." Branch caught 159 passes for 1,634 yards and nine touchdowns in his three collegiate seasons (two at USC), and he did most of his damage after he already secured the football. He was targeted 96 times and caught 92 passes behind the line of scrimmage in college. Speed is not in question with Branch, but his durability at 5-foot-9, 177 pounds, and his role in his rookie season are up for debate. Expect him to compete with Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson for the WR2 role in Atlanta in 2026 behind WR1 Drake London.

Jun 5

Drake London • WR • Falcons

Drake London, Falcons Agree on Four-Year Extension

The Atlanta Falcons signed wide receiver Drake London to a four-year, $141 million extension on Tuesday that is worth up to $150 million and includes $100 million guaranteed, agent Andrew Kessler told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The deal makes London the third-highest-paid receiver in the NFL with the highest average per year in Falcons franchise history. The 24-year-old former eighth overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft out of USC has only one 1,000-yard season in his first four years in the league, but he has been extremely consistent, totaling 309 receptions (497 targets) for 3,961 yards (12.8 yards per catch) and 22 touchdowns in 62 games over his four seasons. London had a career-low 68 receptions in a career-low 12 games played in 2025, but he still managed 919 receiving yards and seven scores. He should still be viewed as a top-12 fantasy wideout as he heads into Year 5, but with quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. (knee) competing for starting duties going into Week 1 this fall, there's a little more volatility in his 2026 profile.

Jun 2

Zachariah Branch • WR • Falcons

Zachariah Branch a Steal in the Second Round of Rookie Drafts?

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Zachariah Branch has emerged as a very intriguing target in 2026 rookie drafts. A third-round pick out of Georgia, Branch stays local as he joins a Falcons roster that desperately needed a wide receiver upgrade this offseason. Drake London is the clear alpha here, but there weren't any flashy names behind him leading up to the draft. Branch should compete for the No. 2 role right away, as he could have more of an immediate impact than players like Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus. Atlanta will enter the season with some combination of Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback. Both passers (especially Tagovailoa) have shown that they can support multiple fantasy-relevant receivers in years past. Branch's skill set fits well with these quarterbacks, too, because he's a speedy receiver who can get open deep downfield and haul in passes from the strong arms of either Penix or Tagovailoa. He projects as an early second-round pick in most rookie drafts, and he ranks as the WR63 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings. Not only does he have impressive long-term upside, but there's the potential for him to contribute as a relevant option in 2026 redraft leagues, too.

Jun 1

Drake London • WR • Falcons

Quarterback Uncertainty Creating a Buy-Low Window for Drake London?

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London had the second half of his 2025 season derailed by a PCL strain in his left knee, which caused him to miss time. Even still, the 24-year-old finished the year with 68 receptions for 919 yards and seven touchdowns on 112 targets across 12 games. London's fantasy value has consistently been impacted by shaky quarterback play in Atlanta. That issue could persist in 2026, as the Falcons enter the season with the questionable quarterback duo of Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and Tua Tagovailoa. However, London has a track record of steady production, and he figures to absolutely dominate targets in a Falcons offense that currently features Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus as the next wide receivers up on the depth chart. Given his injury in 2025 and the quarterback uncertainty in Atlanta, dynasty managers may be able to take advantage of a buy-low window on London entering 2026.

May 29

Michael Penix Jr. • QB • Falcons

Michael Penix Jr. Not Cleared for 11-on-11 Work

Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) has not yet been cleared to take part in 11-on-11 drills during OTA practices, according to Marc Raimondi of ESPN. Penix suffered a partially torn ACL in his left knee last year and underwent season-ending surgery in mid-November. The 26-year-old former eighth overall pick in 2024 out of the University of Washington has already taken part in 7-on-7 drills and has done individual work during the Falcons' offseason program, but he's still behind as he eventually looks to compete with Tua Tagovailoa for the starting QB gig this summer in training camp. Reports have suggested that Penix is doing great in his rehab, but until he's at full speed, he'll be fighting an uphill battle to win the starting QB job to open the 2026 campaign. There are plenty of playmakers in Atlanta in an offense that could improve under Stefanski, but Penix's injury history alone -- he tore his ACL twice in college -- has seriously put a damper on his long-term fantasy outlook.

May 27

Kyle Pitts Sr. • TE • Falcons

Is Kyle Pitts Sr. a Dynasty Sell-High Candidate Coming Off Breakout Season?

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. had arguably the best season of his NFL career in 2025, recording 88 catches for 928 yards and five touchdowns on 118 targets across 17 games. Given that he is still just entering his age-26 season in 2026, Pitts Sr. could be poised for the superstar breakout that many projected when he entered the league as the number four overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. However, Pitts Sr. has largely been an inconsistent producer to this point in his career, failing to record more than 53 catches, 667 receiving yards, or four touchdowns in any season between 2022 and 2024. The Falcons are also seemingly unwilling to commit to Pitts Sr. long term, as he enters 2026 playing on the one-year, $15 million franchise tag. In dynasty formats, managers may want to consider selling high on Pitts Sr. just in case he regresses back to previous levels of production in 2026.

May 26

Brian Robinson Jr. • RB • Falcons

Brian Robinson Jr. a Must-Have Handcuff in Dynasty Leagues?

Running back Brian Robinson Jr. went from backing up San Francisco 49ers All-Pro RB Christian McCaffrey in 2025 to backing up All-Pro RB Bijan Robinson in Atlanta after signing a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Falcons in free agency in March. The 27-year-old former third-round selection by the Washington Commanders in 2022 out of Alabama saw a career-low workload behind CMC last year, seeing only 92 carries for 400 yards and two touchdowns on the ground and adding eight catches for 25 yards through the air through 17 regular-season games. In Atlanta, he'll have the opportunity for a much larger workload if the Falcons remain a run-heavy offensive unit under new head coach Kevin Stefanski -- backup Tyler Allgeier had 143 carries and eight touchdowns behind Bijan Robinson in 2025. B-Rob has averaged just over 4.0 yards per carry in his four-year career and is a capable all-around back as depth for the Falcons. Long-term, he doesn't have a ton of fantasy appeal in dynasty leagues, but for those who have Bijan rostered, B-Rob will be a valuable handcuff to have in 2026. He's currently ranked as the No. 58 RB at RotoBaller in dynasty/keeper formats.

May 23

Tua Tagovailoa • QB • Falcons |

Michael Penix Jr. • QB • Falcons

Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr. Splitting First-Team Reps at OTAs

Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said that quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. (knee) will split first-team reps during organized team activities this month, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic. "It's all very intentional," Stefanski said. Kendall reports that Penix looks good throwing on the field, but he isn't doing any team drills yet. Penix, who is recovering from the third ACL surgery of his career dating back to college, has made good progress, but the Falcons are still unsure if he'll be fully cleared for the start of training camp at the end of July. Although Tagovailoa's stock is way down after flaming out in Miami, he should be considered the favorite right now to win the starting QB gig going into Week 1 of the 2026 regular season until Penix is fully healthy. Tagovailoa has been much more accurate in his career than Penix, but he hasn't been very effective pushing the ball down the field. The former fifth overall pick has the experience and health edge over Penix, making him the better QB2 sleeper target in superflex leagues going into fantasy drafts later this fall.

May 19

Bijan Robinson • RB • Falcons

Is Bijan Robinson the No. 1 Overall Player in Dynasty Formats?

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson was arguably the best running back in the NFL in 2025, recording a league-leading 2,298 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns on 366 touches across 17 games. Robinson averaged a career-high 5.1 yards per carry while hauling in 79 receptions for 820 yards on 103 targets. Heading into 2026, Robinson could be in line for an even larger role in the Atlanta offense following the departure of former Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier in free agency. While Robinson was the clear lead back in Atlanta in 2025, Allgeier still collected 157 touches and scored eight rushing touchdowns. With Allgeier now out of the picture, Robinson could smash his previous career high for single-season touchdowns of 15. As he enters his age-24 season, Robinson profiles as the dynasty RB1 and has a good case to be valued as the number one overall player in both redraft and dynasty formats.

May 18

Atlanta Falcons News

LEGEND