New Orleans 13, Atlanta 23
Saints
The Saints continue to prove that trusting any New Orleans running back is a complete roll of the dice. Over the past three weeks we've seen a steady rotation typically led by Mark Ingram and Chris Ivory. This week it was Pierre Thomas out of nowhere pacing the team in rushing attempts at 14 for 84 yards. Fortunately for Ingram owners, the second year runner punched in a one-yard score after Pierre Thomas was dropped on the one yard line. Best to avoid all three if possible.
We should also note the complete absence of Darren Sproles from the rushing statistics. However, what Sproles lacked in carries he made up for in targets with nine on Thursday night. Those numbers typically equated with a low end WR2, further solidifying Sproles as the only Saints RB worthy of starter consideration.
Falcons
Fantasy owners have been flooding social media after the game with complaints about Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Roddy White. However, with Brees chucking up interceptions like beads on Mardi Gras, along with an early lead, the Falcons never had the urgency to move the football through the air, instead choosing to grind out the clock on the ground. Hard to blame a guy for poor fantasy production when his team wins the game.
Jacksonville 18, Buffalo 34
Jaguars
It's tough to decipher through the television, but the weather report indicates rain and 20 mph winds impacting this game. That could be to blame for Chad Henne sailing passes, while the wide receivers weren't helping maters with a number of critical drops. Combined with untimely penalties, the Jags couldn't sustain drives and keep their offense on the field leading to poor statistics all around.
Cecil Shorts III amazing season continued finding the zone on a five yard touchdown catch. However, Shorts would be forced to leave the game after suffering a concussion giving fantasy owners concerns as we make our playoff preparations. Monitor this situation closely.
As for the running game, which usually prospers in poor weather, Rashad Jennings managed just 20 yards on eight carries before leaving the game with a concussion early in the 2nd quarter. More of a straight line plodder with the inability to make defenders miss, Jennings could find himself on the bench even if he returns next week. In his place stepped Montell Owens with seven carries for 29 yards. Falling behind early in this game killed Owens' chances of making an impact, but the seventh year player...