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Two weeks of NFL action, two different outcomes for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. Week 1 was a doozy for Ryan as he picked apart the New Orleans Saints‘ defense, throwing for 448 yards and three touchdowns. Week 2 was a different story as the Cincinnati Bengals picked him off three times and his yardage was just about cut in half.
Matt Ryan will look to bring some consistency to his Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde season in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. All the factors are in play for Ryan to have what could be his best performance of the year this week.
So far this year, the Buccaneers have allowed Derek Anderson and Austin Davis to score victories over them. Anderson is a backup and Davis is third string. Regardless, the Buccaneers have allowed over 70 percent of deep passes (15 yards or more) to be completed. Ryan has thrown more deep balls than any other quarterback in the league; in fact he leads his competition by 56 passes.
Even better news for Ryan, the Buccaneers didn’t manage a single interception in either game. Ryan clearly has more talent than Anderson and Davis, and he also has one of the best collections of receivers in the entire NFL. Julio Jones, Roddy White and Harry Douglas all have big game potential.
The cherry on the Falcons’ pass-happy sundae is the fact they get the putrid Tampa defense in the Georgie Dome. Ryan has always been comfortable there and averages 18 fantasy points in his home games. In Week 3, he may have 18 points at halftime. Consider yourself the favorite in your fantasy matchup this week if you’re starting Ryan.
Matt Ryan Week 3 Fantasy Football Prediction: 31-of-49, 452 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Ryan Ball is a writer at www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RyanBall89.
