Divine Deablo has become the Falcons' middle anchor, patrolling the field with rare range and a knack for tackling. Through four games he’s started nearly every snap, racked up 18 tackles with 0.5 sacks, a TFL, a fumble recovery, and three passes defended, transforming Atlanta’s defense into a disruptive unit.

Coaches and teammates credit his length and speed for shrinking throwing windows and closing space on check-downs, helping a defense that sits near the top in total and pass defense. With the bye week approaching, Deablo’s evolution gives fantasy managers a clear linchpin in Atlanta’s reshaped scheme.

Atlanta fell 30-0 to Carolina in Week 3, slipping to 1-2 and 0-2 in the NFC South. The loss underscores a one-man show on offense, as Bijan Robinson provided 100+ yards from scrimmage for the third straight game, while the rest of the unit stalled. Michael Penix Jr. struggled mightily, tossing two interceptions, including a pick-six, and managing only 172 passing yards. The Falcons’ defense, though, kept Bryce Young in check, and Carolina’s drive tempo never fully broke through.

With a Week 4 date against Washington on the horizon, Atlanta faces a true test to bounce back. The defense showed flashes, but the offense needs balance and fewer turnovers to regain confidence. This setback could serve as a wake-up call for a team chasing a shaky start in a tough division, highlighting the urgency to clean up protection, play-calling, and situational execution for fantasy purposes moving forward.

The upcoming matchup offers a potential reset for fantasy managers: lean on Robinson’s volume, monitor Penix’s rhythm, and assess Washington’s defense as a possible rally point. A single win won’t erase Week 3, but it could establish a constructive baseline for the Falcons’ fantasy outlook going into a pivotal set of divisional games.

The Falcons named six captains for 2025: Bates III, Elliss, Pinion, Penix Jr., Lindstrom, and Matthews. They’ll wear C patches with tenure stars, covering offense, defense and special teams. Penix Jr. is highlighted as a captain, a strong signal about his role as a potential franchise quarterback as Atlanta eyes a breakout season.

The selections emphasize veteran leadership on the line and in the secondary, plus Pinion’s steadying influence on special teams, forming a balanced leadership core as the team enters the regular season.

The Atlanta Falcons have garnered attention for their offensive line, which Pro Football Focus has ranked among the top 10 units in the NFL for the upcoming season. This recognition comes despite the absence of starting center Drew Dalman, suggesting the depth and skill across the line is significant. The team boasts standout tackles Jake Matthews and Kaleb McGary, alongside quality guards Chris Lindstrom and Matthew Bergeron.

Ryan Neuzil, who previously filled in for Dalman during his injury, is set to step into the center position. While Neuzil may lack extensive experience, his eight starts last season showed he is capable of holding his ground. The Falcons’ offensive line appears ready to protect their quarterback and bolster the run game, essential for their strategy moving forward.