Fantasy Football Off-Season Report Card- Atlanta Falcons/Baltimore Ravens

The Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens have more in common than just both their mascots being of the feathered variety. They both finished 9-7 last year, they both have exciting young QB's entering their third year and they play each other in Week 10 of this season on the NFL Network. Let's dissect their off-seasons together and see what pops out.

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Atlanta Falcons

Off-season Losses  

The Falcons did not lose anybody that really matters in our fantasy leagues. WR Marty Booker was let go of as a free agent. He scored only one TD and hasn't been relevant fantasy-wise since 2006. TE Jason Rader retired, which leaves me to ask, who is Jason Rader?

More Falcons and Ravens analysis after the jump:

Off-season Additions

No moves were made in free agency or trades, so let's look at their one offensive relevant pick, WR Kerry Meier from the University of Kansas in the fifth round. He's tall and has great hands but this isn't basketball. No doubt, special teams is where you will find him and not on your fantasy roster.

Grade

D

No big losses, no big additions. Atlanta will look like the same team as last year.

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Baltimore Ravens

Off-season Losses

The Ravens did not lose much either. TE L.J. Smith is the only name of note. He only caught 2 passes all of last season. Not a big loss. Also let go, TE Quinn Sypniewski and RB Charles Ali. Two players that only get drafted in fantasy drafts by their family.

Off-season Additions

 This is where the Ravens made their mark. Upgrading two positions, wide receiver through trade and free agency, tight end through the draft. Baltimore finally found what they were looking for or more like asking for (remember their trade for TO), a big play wide receiver in Anquan Boldin. He will be their go-to receiver. As we know he doesn't have great speed but is tough and will catch the ball over the middle. Look for 1100 yards and 9 TD's. Joining him in Baltimore is WR Donte' Stallworth. After a nightmare 2009 and season long suspension, Donte' will be back playing football. Surprisingly though, he will not be playing for the Bengals. He brings speed to the team and if something happens to Boldin or Derrick Mason, he could find himself starting. A reasonable expectation would be  480 yards and 3 TD's. 

The draft brought further interesting fantasy prospects. Baltimore drafted back-to-back tight ends. In the third round, Ed Dickson from the University of Oregon and in the fourth round, Dennis Pitta from BYU. These look like players to be kept in mind for the future or if an injury happens. That is quite likely when you're talking about Todd Heap. He cannot seem to stay healthy. Dickson has been compared to Jermichael Finley. Safe to say, that he means he's freakishly athletic, looks like an NFL TE and might take some developing. Pitta on the other hand, is a better receiver than a blocker. There is nothing wrong with that especially in fantasy terms, it just won't keep you on the field as much. Lastly, the Ravens drafted WR David Reed from the University of Utah in the fifth round. He will likely make the roster on special teams and possibly one of their return men.

Grade

A

The Ravens have really supplied their offense with more firepower. With Joe Flacco and Ray Rice continuing to develop, this offense could put some serious points on the scoreboard. When was the last time you heard that about the Baltimore Ravens? Certainly, not last decade and definitely not their last game of last season, when they scored only a field goal against Indianapolis. Keep an eye on all Ravens players in your upcoming fantasy draft.

Let me know what you think in the comments below and by voting in the poll.