A look at why Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan will put up even bigger numbers this season:
Matt Ryan
ESPN Fantasy Projection: 4,474 yards, 22 touchdowns, 17 interceptions
Over or under: I'll go over on the yards. Top receiver Julio Jones said Ryan's arm is stronger this year in terms of throwing the deep ball and that Ryan is being more aggressive with such passes. With a big-play receiver such as Jones, and more targets around to take coverage off Jones with Mohamed Sanu, Justin Hardy, and rookie tight end Austin Hooper, there should be opportunities to stretch the field with Jones. And Ryan might have found another deep threat in speedy Aldrick Robinson, if Robinson makes the team. Plus the running game, led by Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, will open up more play-action opportunities, thus freeing up chances for Ryan to go deep. Ryan has four consecutive seasons of 4,500-plus passing yards, including a career-high 4,719 in 2012. In terms of touchdowns, I'm leaning toward under right now for this reason: The Falcons face four teams ranked in the top 10 last year in red zone defense with Seattle, Oakland, Arizona, and Carolina twice. Ryan and company have to prove, first, that they can consistently convert in the red zone, something the Falcons didn't do last season. Moving the ball down the field shouldn't be an issue. Interceptions? I'd say under because turnovers were the biggest point of emphasis for Ryan coming into this season after four red-zone interceptions a year ago and 16 interceptions overall.
