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
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III saw his stats take a dip during last week's matchup against the Carolina Panthers. McCloud finished with a season-high 66 yards in Week 5, but was only able to haul in three receptions for 30 yards last week. He remains third or even fourth on the pecking order, which doesn't guarantee solid weekly value. McCloud should still see a handful of targets as he has been thrown to five times or more in four of his first six games this season. Fantasy managers should consider McCloud a low-end flex option for Week 7 against the Seattle Seahawks.
Oct 20, 2024 10:36 AM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III corralled six passes for the second consecutive game in last week's clash with Tampa Bay, and in Week 6 he's gifted the Carolina defense that has allowed a league-high 11 scores through the air. McCloud is Atlanta's No. 3 wideout and registers just a 7.5 aDOT but has managed to turn his looks into 229 yards receiving, which is more than higher-rostered players like Courtland Sutton (224) and Amari Cooper (208). The 27-year-old has yet to find the endzone, which limits his production, but he is also somewhat involved in the run game (two rushes for 23 yards), and the Panthers are charitable on the ground as well. The Clemson product can also provide points in the kick return game for leagues that reward those stats. The five-foot-nine receiver should be viewed as a FLEX option this week with WR3 upside, especially in PPR formats.
Oct 12, 2024 10:06 AM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III (ankle) logged a full practice on Wednesday and does not carry an injury designation ahead of Thursday's tilt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McCloud was a limited participant on Monday and Tuesday due to an ankle injury but was able to practice in full on Wednesday, suggesting the injury was minor. Last week, McCloud caught a season-high six passes for 52 yards and ran a season-high 31 routes. Fantasy managers should view the 27-year-old as a WR3 with upside, as he has begun to have a significant role in the Atlanta passing attack. DFS players should consider using McCloud as a flex play, as he should be on the field quite often.
Oct 2, 2024 4:06 PM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III (ankle) was limited in practice on Tuesday. His participation in practice signals that he should be on track to play in Thursday night's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McCloud has been a steady contributor for the Falcons in 2024. He has caught 15 passes for 163 yards while working alongside Darnell Mooney and Drake London. Due to the lack of excitement around him, McCloud is currently on a lot of waiver wires. He has been a solid player in PPR formats and should be rostered in case his role with the offense grows or he manages to start scoring more touchdowns. The Buccaneers are 10th in the NFL against opposing wide receivers in fantasy in 2024. As such, this matchup is not ideal but it is not terrible. Should McCloud be active in this game, he should at least deliver flex value for your fantasy team.
Oct 1, 2024 6:23 PM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III (ankle) was limited during Monday's practice session. It's worth noting that Monday's practice was an estimation and the team didn't have an official practice. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned over the status of McCloud right now. The Falcons have a quick turn around with a matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday. The next two days will give a better idea surrounding the availability of McCloud. He's coming off a 6-catch game for 52 yards in Week 4, so it appears like McCloud's value is on the rise.
Sep 30, 2024 9:38 PM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III received the second-most targets on the team in this two-point win over the New Orleans Saints. McCloud has now accrued 22 targets through the team's first four games which is already seven more than he had all last season, and just three shy of his second-best season. He turned seven targets against the Saints into six receptions for 52 yards but didn't make it into the end zone. McCloud has been a quality outlet for Kirk Cousins but it hasn't turned into fantasy success just yet. His upside is limited as long as Darnell Mooney and Drake London are still on the field, but McCloud could provide some scoring in deeper leagues with PPR scoring. He'll go up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a short week in Week 5.
Sep 30, 2024 9:25 AM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III will look to continue his modest production when the team squares off against the Kansas City Chiefs in a Sunday night home tilt. The sixth-year veteran has been more involved in Atlanta's offense than initially anticipated in 2024. He's recorded the third-most snaps of any Falcons wideout (91) -- behind Drake London and Darnell Mooney -- and leads all Atlanta pass-catchers with 12 targets. McCloud is also just nine yards behind Mooney in receiving yardage for the team lead (94). The 27-year-old is unlikely to continue leading the team in such categories as the season churns on. However, he should remain involved and will become a more intriguing option in deeper leagues as Kirk Cousins continues to shake off the rust and recovers from his 2023 Achilles injury. The Falcons will have their work cut out for them this week against a tough Chiefs defense, but McCloud looks like a decent WR4 for now.
Sep 21, 2024 10:10 PM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III racked up five targets in Week 2 against the Eagles and caught three passes for 42 yards. McCloud was behind fellow receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney (seven targets each) in the pecking order in this game but he remained fairly involved in the game plan for the second straight week. He added one rush for three yards as the Falcons looked for ways to get McCloud the football in space. With London and Mooney looking good and each catching a TD pass, it remains to be seen how valuable McCloud will be in this offense this season. But the first two weeks are somewhat encouraging.
Sep 17, 2024 9:15 AM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III is an intriguing option ahead of the team's Week 2 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. McCloud hauled in 4-of-7 targets for 56 yards in last Sunday's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, with an additional 56 yards on two kickoff returns. The 27-year-old wideout played the fourth-fewest snaps of any Falcons skill player in Week 1 while recording a target on an impressive 46.7% of his routes. He also registered an other-worldly 3.47 yards per route run. It will be tough to trust him moving forward with Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson to compete with for targets. However, McCloud will be a player to monitor in the coming weeks. His work in the return game and high YPRR make him an exciting player to watch. Aside from the Falcons' superstars, there isn't much regarding depth aside from wide receiver Darnell Mooney.
Sep 14, 2024 10:08 PM EST
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III was the leading receiver on Sunday in the team's season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 28-year-old finished the game with four receptions for 52 yards on seven targets while returning two kicks for a total of 56 yards. McCloud is usually the return specialist and sees minimal work in the passing game as his stats show over the last six seasons. He only saw 15 targets throughout all of last season with the San Francisco 49ers. The offense struggled mightily in their first game against a determined TJ Watt and company, especially with this being Kirk Cousins' first game back from injury. McCloud likely won't remain the team's top receiver but could be worth a flyer in very deep leagues moving forward.
Sep 9, 2024 9:00 AM EST