Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III played his usual role in Week 3, lining up on 70 percent of the snaps and tallying two catches on five targets for 20 yards and no touchdowns. Week 4 should bring more of the same, but ranking fifth on the team in target share with 11.5 percent is a big drop from 2024's 16.1 percent, and with one touchdown all last season, there's little chance of the 28-year-old finding the end zone. The Washington Commanders, Atlanta's opponent this week, have been much more vulnerable through the air than on the ground in 2025, but that does little to change the outlook for McCloud on Sunday. The seventh-year pro should be avoided where possible, even in PPR formats.
Sep 27, 2025 12:37 PM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III did not record a catch in Week 2 and garnered only two targets in the 22-6 victory over the Vikings. The Falcons leaned on their running backs in that one, with Michael Penix Jr. attempting just 21 passes and completing only 13 of them. With Darnell Mooney (shoulder) back on the field, it relegated McCloud to the fifth option in the passing attack, and he played just 23 percent of the snaps, which will limit his viability for fantasy in games that feature a run-heavy game script and a full complement of pass catchers. That could happen again in Week 3 with Atlanta as five-point favorites in Carolina. Also, with both Mooney and Kyle Pitts Sr. (toe) heading into the weekend without injury designations, there won't be many targets for the 28-year-old McCloud to absorb. Even if Penix throws 42 times like he did in the opener, the seventh-year pro is likely only to catch a few passes at most and is not a threat to score. That leaves McCloud as nothing more than a risky Flex dart throw in PPR leagues and a speculative GPP option.
Sep 20, 2025 10:44 AM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III garnered five targets in Week 1, turning them into three receptions for 51 yards with a long of 24 yards. That's about as good as one could hope for from the veteran receiver, and although the team gets Darnell Mooney (shoulder) back in the mix this week, Casey Washington (concussion) will be out with a concussion, and Washington drew six targets in Week 1. It likely means about the same should be expected of McCloud in Week 2 on the road against the Vikings, but with his targets typically of the short variety and not usually a threat to score (one touchdown in '24 on 62 receptions), the 28-year-old is relegated to the WR5 range or a low-end Flex option in PPR leagues.
Sep 13, 2025 11:26 AM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III was quietly phased out of the offense in Week 1. Despite Darnell Mooney (shoulder) being a surprise inactive, McCloud caught just three of five targets for 51 yards in the Falcons' season-opening loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McCloud logged 72% of the snaps, which was a noticeable dip from his 86% snap share in 2024. He operated as the WR3 behind Drake London and second-year receiver Casey Washington, signaling a reduced role in the passing attack. With Mooney expected back soon, McCloud's usage could shrink even further. From a fantasy perspective, McCloud doesn't warrant a roster spot, even in deeper formats. Unless he delivers a surprise spike in production, he should remain on the free-agent market.
Sep 11, 2025 10:39 AM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III set new career highs in targets (87), receptions (62), and yardage (686) in 2024, sailing past his previous career marks. However, with just a single touchdown reception, the 5-foot-9 receiver was primarily only viable in PPR leagues. With a low average depth of target (aDOT) of 6.77 yards, the 28-year-old relies on yards after the catch to pad his stats. He'll take on a Tampa Bay defense that was porous against the pass in 2024, and with Darnell Mooney (shoulder) a game-time decision, McCloud could see an extra target or two in this matchup, however, he'll still be the third or fourth receiving option, with running back Bijan Robinson involved in the passing attack as well in addition to WR Drake London and TE Kyle Pitts. Unlikely to find the end zone, the seventh-year pro sets up as no more than an option in deep PPR leagues as a WR4/5 on Sunday.
Sep 6, 2025 10:43 AM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III hauled in four of seven targets for 66 yards in Sunday's 44-38 overtime loss to the Panthers, ending their season. While he found the end zone just once all year, the performance caps off a productive campaign for the 28-year-old. The sixth-year pro set career highs (by a wide margin) with 87 targets, 62 catches, and 686 receiving yards. With Michael Penix Jr. looking like a competent passer, the Falcons offense could take a step forward next season. McCloud III should maintain some appeal in PPR leagues as the number three option behind Drake London and Darnell Mooney.
Jan 5, 2025 11:05 PM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III has seen his role fade recently, catching just a single pass in two of the last three contests, but could be in line for an uptick in productivity if Darnell Mooney (shoulder) were to miss Sunday's contest after being limited Thursday and not practicing on Friday. Despite the recent slump, McCloud III has had a career year, setting highs in receptions (58) and yards (620), and on Sunday he'll take on a Panthers defense that is middle-of-the-pack in limiting fantasy production to opposing wide receivers, but just last week allowed five touchdown receptions, four of which went to WRs (one went to a TE). The 28-year-old is probably a WR5 at best if Mooney plays, but if not, he could see a bump all the way to a borderline WR3/4 or Flex option if Mooney misses the game.
Jan 4, 2025 2:25 AM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III caught his lone target for 13 yards and gained 14 additional yards on a rushing attempt in Sunday's 30-24 loss to the Commanders. It was an underwhelming performance from the 28-year-old, although his 14-yard run kept alive the game-tying fourth-quarter touchdown drive and got the Falcons down to the Washington five-yard line. But the offense doesn't typically support both he and Kyle Pitts, and Sunday was Pitts' night as he caught four passes including one for a touchdown. After catching no less than two passes in every game through Week 14, McCloud now has two one-catch games in the last three weeks. The Clemson product and the entire Falcons offense have a chance to end the regular season on a high note in Week 18, as they draw the Panthers at home in a game they need to win in order to have a shot at the playoffs.
Dec 30, 2024 1:22 AM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III caught three of four targets in Michael Penix Jr.'s first career start last week, but totaled only 19 yards on those receptions. The 28-year-old has had a pretty reliable target share in this offense all season, working as the third option behind receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney but ahead of tight end Kyle Pitts. While the yardage totals won't typically amount to much and he's scored only once all season, the sixth-year pro's usage can be somewhat useful in PPR formats. With Penix Jr. making only his second career start this Sunday, McCloud's short 6.08 aDOT could again come in handy if the young QB is looking for a safety valve. Unless desperate, however, fantasy managers vying for championships shouldn't be relying on the Clemson product as he projects as a WR5/6 on Sunday.
Dec 27, 2024 10:30 PM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III was limited to just 19 yards in Sunday's 34-7 win over the Giants, hauling in three of the four targets he saw from rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. It wasn't a great day for fantasy for the Falcon wideouts in the young QBs first start as Atlanta leaned heavily on the rushing attack with the running backs logging 33 attempts in the contest. Now, after a three-game stretch of heavier-than-normal involvement, McCloud III has had back-to-back duds with a total of four catches for 33 yards combined in the last two games. The 28-year-old will get a somewhat easier matchup in Week 17 versus a middle-of-the-road Washington pass defense, but hopefully managers have other options at this point.
Dec 23, 2024 12:56 AM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III caught just one of his three targets for 14 yards last week, but it wasn't just McCloud who had a dud. The receiving corps in general underperformed as a result of ineffective passing from Kirk Cousins and from a ground game that was clicking, with the backs totaling 168 rushing yards. The 28-year-old had been much more involved in Weeks 11-14, averaging six catches and over seven targets during that stretch. With Michael Penix Jr. making his first career start on Sunday, how the passing attack will unfold is a bit of an unknown, but if the left-handed quarterback needs a safety blanket, McCloud III could fit the bill. The wideout has the lowest average depth of target out of the first-team receivers with an aDOT of 6.27. The Clemson product is shaping up to be a WR5 this week with perhaps some slight upside in PPR leagues, but it's a risky proposition with the quarterback situation and fantasy playoffs on the line.
Dec 21, 2024 10:22 AM EST
The Atlanta Falcons didn't need to throw the ball much to defeat the lowly Las Vegas Raiders 15-9 on Monday Night Football to close out Week 15 action. On a night where quarterback Kirk Cousins attempted only 17 passes and threw for 112 yards, wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III caught one of his three targets for a gain of 14 yards. It was a disappointing performance in a great matchup after McCloud set season-highs across the board in catches (eight), targets (11) and receiving yards (98) in the Week 14 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He also had 95 receiving yards the week prior. The 28-year-old is Atlanta's clear No. 3 wideout behind Drake London and Darnell Mooney, but with the way the Falcons' offense has struggled this year, he's not a realistic weekly flex play for fantasy managers. Keep in mind that Cousins has thrown one touchdown in the last five games.
Dec 17, 2024 12:31 PM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III has had a consistent -- albeit small -- role in the offense all season long, but has seen it grow over the last three weeks, averaging nearly eight targets and six catches per game along with back-to-back performances of 95-plus yards. The 28-year-old is not a red zone threat having scored just once all season, which limits his upside, but the involvement makes him highly useful in PPR leagues. The Falcons take on the Raiders in Week 15 who have been generous to wide receivers as of late, allowing six touchdowns and the second-most receiving yards over the last four weeks. McCloud in particular has a favorable matchup with Darnay Holmes expected to cover him out of the slot. Atlanta is favored in this contest and with Drake London and Darnell Mooney attracting coverage, the Clemson product should again see a healthy workload. The veteran wideout has WR3 upside in PPR leagues and is a potential Flex option in all other formats for Monday Night Football.
Dec 14, 2024 10:24 PM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III earned the most targets of any Falcon pass catcher on Sunday with 11, converting a team-high eight of them and racking up 98 yards while adding one rush for three yards in a 42-21 loss to the Vikings. It continues an impressive stretch of productivity for the 28-year-old, now with at least four catches and six targets in three straight contests. Atlanta's kick returner lost a fumble that reduced his fantasy output slightly, but overall it was another example of the veteran cementing himself as the third option in Atlanta's passing attack. With 53 receptions, 574 receiving yards, and one TD on the season, McCloud III should have some appeal again as a flex option in Week 15 against the Raiders, especially in PPR formats.
Dec 8, 2024 11:17 PM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III is coming off back-to-back six-target games, catching 10 of those balls for 141 yards. The 28-year-old has been a pretty consistent option in the passing game for the Falcons all year, catching three or more passes in 10 of Atlanta's 12 games, while seemingly pushing Kyle Pitts out of the picture over the last couple of weeks. With just one touchdown on the season, the Clemson product's upside is limited, but with 45 receptions on the season, he can be in Flex consideration most weeks in PPR leagues. Minnesota allows the most fantasy points to wide receivers in the entire NFL, so this could certainly be one of those weeks. McCloud III projects as a WR5/Flex option this week, with slight upside in PPR formats.
Dec 7, 2024 11:38 AM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III recorded a 60-yard reception on Sunday, finishing the game with 95 yards receiving on four catches (six targets) in the 17-13 loss to the Chargers. After not recording six targets in a game from Weeks 6 through 10, the 28-year-old has logged back-to-back weeks with six targets. The increase in usage appears to have come at the expense of tight end Kyle Pitts who has one catch on five targets in the last two weeks combined. McCloud has just one touchdown on the season, but if he can maintain this level of production, then he could make for a useful Flex option in PPR formats. The Falcons take on the Vikings in Week 14 who have allowed wide receivers to feast this season, so the veteran wideout could have another productive showing next Sunday.
Dec 1, 2024 11:17 PM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III had a six-catch performance back in Week 11 before the team's bye, the third time this season that the 28-year-old has recorded six catches in a contest. While the yardage totals aren't typically very high for him, the veteran wideout has caught at least two balls in every game so far this season and at least three in nine of 11 games, which is more than teammate Kyle Pitts can account for. Week 13 brings a matchup with the Chargers, and in a showdown with a 47.5 over/under that has Los Angeles as just one-point favorites, this should be a competitive contest that will allow McCloud to stay involved. With no teams on bye this week, there are likely better options for managers to choose from, but the Clemson product is a WR5 this week with some upside in PPR formats.
Nov 30, 2024 11:47 AM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III caught the most passes of any Falcon receiver in Sunday's 38-6 loss to the Broncos, hauling in all six of his targets for 46 scoreless yards. McCloud recorded two consecutive six-catch games in Weeks 4 and 5, but caught no more than three passes or surpassed 30 yards receiving in five straight contests coming into Sunday. With just one touchdown on the season, he's not a great fantasy option unless you're in a deep PPR league, however, Darnell Mooney went down with a hamstring injury during Sunday's contest and if he were to miss time, then McCloud could see a small increase in production. The Falcons have a bye in Week 12, so Mooney has time to recover, and McCloud figures to be a WR5 come Week 13.
Nov 18, 2024 12:26 PM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III wasn't very involved in the 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints. He ended with four targets which tied for fourth-most on the team with Bijan Robinson. Those turned into three receptions for 30 yards and he even received one carry which went for six yards. Drake London and Darnell Mooney were the undisputed top pass-catchers for Kirk Cousins in this matchup while McCloud couldn't find much open space. He'll try to get more involved against a tougher defense in the Denver Broncos in Week 11.
Nov 11, 2024 9:17 AM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III reeled in all three of his targets in Sunday's 27-21 win over the Cowboys, gaining 28 yards and scoring his first touchdown of the season. The 28-year-old added one rush attempt for seven yards. While the touchdown saved his fantasy day, he's averaged just 3.5 targets per game over the last four contests after averaging nearly six targets per game over the first five. Unfortunately, teammate Drake London was injured on Sunday, but if he were to miss time that could lead to a couple more targets for McCloud. The other thing working in his favor is that the Falcons take on the Saints in Week 10, the team who the Clemson product saw earlier this season, catching six passes for 52 yards in that matchup. All that being said and even though the Saints have been a favorable defense for opposing wide receivers, McCloud is still likely not a preferred fantasy option in Week 10.
Nov 3, 2024 9:15 PM EST
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