Sep 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) on the field prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons rookie WR Drake London could be fantasy sleeper

By Cory Woodroof | Last updated 9/13/22

If you have Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver Drake London on your fantasy bench, you might consider popping him into the starting lineup.

After being questionable last week with a knee injury, London exploded in his first start with the Falcons, reeling in five catches for 74 yards in a Week 1 loss to the Saints.

The eighth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft led all rookies in yardage for Week 1, earning praise from draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah and NFL writer Gregg Rosenthal.

Drake London is matchup problem on 3rd down. He’s big, physical and instinctive. pic.twitter.com/besA5vKsUc
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) September 12, 2022

Drake London looks like a real one
— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) September 12, 2022

London's performance earned him a nomination for the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Week among Kansas City running back Isiah Pacheco, Washington receiver Jahan Dotson, Chicago safety Jaquan Brisker, Cleveland kicker Cade York and Jacksonville defensive end Travon Walker.

London also notched fantasy owners 12.4 PPR fantasy points in his debut, per Fantasy Data.

London's ability to exploit the middle of the field and gash a defense for yardage isn't more apparent than this big haul before half that set up a field goal.

GET OUT OF DRAKE LONDON’S WAY pic.twitter.com/afvJkV1xaV
— Kevin Keneely (@KevinKeneely1) September 11, 2022

With the Falcons set to take on the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2, London's role should become even more pertinent.

His ability to make contested catches and already figure into the passing game might make him a fantasy sleeper and a candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

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