Xavier Watts has seized the Falcons’ rookie spotlight four games in, posting 23 tackles, four passes defended and two interceptions. Named Defensive Rookie of the Month, the third‑round safety sits among top rookies in coverage grades and turnover potential, signaling a breakout that could shape Atlanta’s defense and fantasy value alike. Coach Jeff Ulbrich believes Watts will only get better after Week 1's drops opened the door for greater recognition.

The same rookie class includes James Pearce Jr., but Watts’ rapid ascent has overshadowed the trade that brought Pearce to Atlanta. Watts’ elite ball skills, instinct and tackling efficiency anchor a Falcons defense on the cusp of a landmark season, with veteran benchmarks like Byard and Baker noted as the yardstick for Watts’ ceiling.

Atlanta snapped a rough week by totaling a season-best 435 yards in a 34-27 win over Washington, led by Michael Penix Jr.’s 313 passing yards and Bijan Robinson’s career-high 181 yards from scrimmage. Drake London posted 110 receiving yards and a TD, while two coaching changes—Zac Robinson moving to the sideline and Ike Hilliard being let go—sped up play-calling and on-field communication. The defense contained Washington on most drives, yet kickoff coverage remains a concern.

Heading into the bye, Atlanta sits at 2-2 and will host Buffalo on Monday night, hoping to carry this momentum forward with London, Robinson, and Penix driving the offense. Darnell Mooney left with a hamstring issue, and Washington was missing Terry McLaurin and Jayden Daniels, limiting their explosiveness. The win changes the Falcons’ mood as they prepare for a primetime spike against a primed Bills squad.

In all, the Falcons showed balance and play-calling clarity that had been missing, giving fantasy managers a clearer path to target consistency and volume for Penix, Robinson, and London as the schedule tightens into October and beyond.