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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan hit a season low Sunday versus the Minnesota Vikings, completing 16 passes for 173 yards in the Week 13 loss. He was held out of the end zone for the first time this season, but he at least did not commit any turnovers in the contest. The 10-year veteran has been held under 200 yards in two of the last three games but still has 10th-most yards passing in the league so far this season.
Ryan will look to bounce back against the division-rival New Orleans Saints Thursday night. He went off in the last meeting against the Saints, throwing for 331 yards and four touchdowns in Week 17 last season. However, the Saints play well against the pass. They have the 11th-ranked passing defense in the league, and New Orleans also has a strong pass rush that has gotten to opposing QBs 33 times this season. Ryan was sacked at least once in each of the first 10 games of the season.
Fantasy impact: Ryan struggled in a couple of games recently, but there is no need to panic. He faced the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings, two of the best defenses in the league. He should be able to rebound against the Saints with ease. He will have to play a lot better on third down, though. The Falcons only converted on one third down in Week 13. Ryan has over 300 yards passing and a touchdown in two division matchups this season, and owners can expect that trend to continue Thursday night.