Ray-Ray McCloud III Resurfaces With Six Catches In Loss
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III caught the most passes of any Falcon receiver in Sunday's 38-6 loss to the Broncos, hauling in all six of his targets for 46 scoreless yards. McCloud recorded two consecutive six-catch games in Weeks 4 and 5, but caught no more than three passes or surpassed 30 yards receiving in five straight contests coming into Sunday. With just one touchdown on the season, he's not a great fantasy option unless you're in a deep PPR league, however, Darnell Mooney went down with a hamstring injury during Sunday's contest and if he were to miss time, then McCloud could see a small increase in production. The Falcons have a bye in Week 12, so Mooney has time to recover, and McCloud figures to be a WR5 come Week 13.
Ray-Ray McCloud III Not Very Active In Week 10 Loss
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III wasn't very involved in the 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints. He ended with four targets which tied for fourth-most on the team with Bijan Robinson. Those turned into three receptions for 30 yards and he even received one carry which went for six yards. Drake London and Darnell Mooney were the undisputed top pass-catchers for Kirk Cousins in this matchup while McCloud couldn't find much open space. He'll try to get more involved against a tougher defense in the Denver Broncos in Week 11.
Ray-Ray McCloud III Records First TD Of The Season In Week 9
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III reeled in all three of his targets in Sunday's 27-21 win over the Cowboys, gaining 28 yards and scoring his first touchdown of the season. The 28-year-old added one rush attempt for seven yards. While the touchdown saved his fantasy day, he's averaged just 3.5 targets per game over the last four contests after averaging nearly six targets per game over the first five. Unfortunately, teammate Drake London was injured on Sunday, but if he were to miss time that could lead to a couple more targets for McCloud. The other thing working in his favor is that the Falcons take on the Saints in Week 10, the team who the Clemson product saw earlier this season, catching six passes for 52 yards in that matchup. All that being said and even though the Saints have been a favorable defense for opposing wide receivers, McCloud is still likely not a preferred fantasy option in Week 10.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III saw his stats take a dip during last week's matchup against the Carolina Panthers. McCloud finished with a season-high 66 yards in Week 5, but was only able to haul in three receptions for 30 yards last week. He remains third or even fourth on the pecking order, which doesn't guarantee solid weekly value. McCloud should still see a handful of targets as he has been thrown to five times or more in four of his first six games this season. Fantasy managers should consider McCloud a low-end flex option for Week 7 against the Seattle Seahawks.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III corralled six passes for the second consecutive game in last week's clash with Tampa Bay, and in Week 6 he's gifted the Carolina defense that has allowed a league-high 11 scores through the air. McCloud is Atlanta's No. 3 wideout and registers just a 7.5 aDOT but has managed to turn his looks into 229 yards receiving, which is more than higher-rostered players like Courtland Sutton (224) and Amari Cooper (208). The 27-year-old has yet to find the endzone, which limits his fantasy potential, but he is also somewhat involved in the run game (two rushes for 23 yards), and the Panthers are charitable on the ground as well. The Clemson product can also provide points in the kick return game for leagues that reward those stats. The five-foot-nine receiver should be viewed as a FLEX option this week with WR3 upside, especially in PPR formats.
Ray-Ray McCloud III Logs Full Practice On Wednesday, Off The Injury Report
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III (ankle) logged a full practice on Wednesday and does not carry an injury designation ahead of Thursday's tilt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McCloud was a limited participant on Monday and Tuesday due to an ankle injury but was able to practice in full on Wednesday, suggesting the injury was minor. Last week, McCloud caught a season-high six passes for 52 yards and ran a season-high 31 routes. Fantasy managers should view the 27-year-old as a WR3 with upside, as he has begun to have a significant role in the Atlanta passing attack. DFS players should consider using McCloud as a flex play, as he should be on the field quite often.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III (ankle) was limited in practice on Tuesday. His participation in practice signals that he should be on track to play in Thursday night's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McCloud has been a steady contributor for the Falcons in 2024. He has caught 15 passes for 163 yards while working alongside Darnell Mooney and Drake London. Due to the lack of excitement around him, McCloud is currently on a lot of waiver wires. He has been a solid player in PPR formats and should be rostered in case his role with the offense grows or he manages to start scoring more touchdowns. The Buccaneers are 10th in the NFL against opposing wide receivers in fantasy in 2024. As such, this matchup is not ideal but it is not terrible. Should McCloud be active in this game, he should at least deliver flex value for your fantasy team.
Ray-Ray McCloud III Limited During Monday's Practice
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III (ankle) was limited during Monday's practice session. It's worth noting that Monday's practice was an estimation and the team didn't have an official practice. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned over the status of McCloud right now. The Falcons have a quick turn around with a matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday. The next two days will give a better idea surrounding the availability of McCloud. He's coming off a 6-catch game for 52 yards in Week 4, so it appears like McCloud's value is on the rise.
Ray-Ray McCloud III Notches Six Receptions In Week 4 Win
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III received the second-most targets on the team in this two-point win over the New Orleans Saints. McCloud has now accrued 22 targets through the team's first four games which is already seven more than he had all last season, and just three shy of his second-best season. He turned seven targets against the Saints into six receptions for 52 yards but didn't make it into the end zone. McCloud has been a quality outlet for Kirk Cousins but it hasn't turned into fantasy success just yet. His upside is limited as long as Darnell Mooney and Drake London are still on the field, but McCloud could provide some scoring in deeper leagues with PPR scoring. He'll go up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a short week in Week 5.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III will look to continue his modest production when the team squares off against the Kansas City Chiefs in a Sunday night home tilt. The sixth-year veteran has been more involved in Atlanta's offense than initially anticipated in 2024. He's recorded the third-most snaps of any Falcons wideout (91) -- behind Drake London and Darnell Mooney -- and leads all Atlanta pass-catchers with 12 targets. McCloud is also just nine yards behind Mooney in receiving yardage for the team lead (94). The 27-year-old is unlikely to continue leading the team in such categories as the season churns on. However, he should remain involved and will become a more intriguing option in deeper leagues as Kirk Cousins continues to shake off the rust and recovers from his 2023 Achilles injury. The Falcons will have their work cut out for them this week against a tough Chiefs defense, but McCloud looks like a decent WR4 for now.
Ray-Ray McCloud III
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