There is a lot of optimism surrounding the Atlanta Falcons ahead of the 2024 season. They made some major changes this offseason, firing Arthur Smith as head coach and replacing him with Raheem Morris.
The biggest change on the field will be under center. In free agency, the Falcons signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to help get things on track.
Cousins is a massive upgrade over Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke, who started last season. His presence will improve the production of everyone around him, raising the floor and ceiling of the unit.
The player who stands to improve the most is wide receiver Drake London. The No. 8 overall pick out of USC has all the tools to be a No. 1 receiver in the league; he just needs someone to get him the ball consistently.
Cousins’ presence is a big reason that London has landed on Jonathon Macri of PFF’s list of Fantasy Football wide receiver breakout candidates for 2024.
“Over the past two seasons, Cousins ranks sixth among quarterbacks in adjusted completion rate (77.5%), 11th in passing grade (82.5) and eighth in PFF wins above replacement. This is a significant upgrade for London and company in Atlanta, and it should be enough to unlock the wideout’s potential,” Macri wrote.
To this point, London has never finished in the top 24 of wide receivers in Fantasy Football. That puts him in WR3/Flex range depending on the kind of roster rules your league has.
But, given his production, as his 86.1 receiving grade ranks 15th among wide receivers since entering the league, there is another level of production to reach. If Cousins can stay healthy, 2024 will be a big season for London and the Falcons pass catchers.
Another reason Macri believes a breakout could be on the horizon is the addition of Zac Robinson as offensive coordinator. What he has accomplished with the Los Angeles Rams over the last few seasons is very impressive.
“Robinson’s Rams in 2023 ranked in the top 10 in touchdown drive percentage (23.8%), overall scoring drive percentage (41.1%), offensive points scored (264) and successful play percentage (35.7%) — all areas where the Falcons were well below average.
The personnel is in place for Robinson to deliver on that level of success, and if Kirk Cousins is healthy, then there’s full confidence in the team coming through this season,” Macri wrote.
Fantasy Football managers have all won leagues in recent seasons with Copper Kupp or Puka Nacua leading their team. That is yet another reason people will be excited to select the Falcons No. 1 receiver this season as there is little competition for targets as well.
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