Oh my, Atlanta! Michael Turner burned his ex-teammates for 130 yards on the ground in the Falcons’ Week 13 win vs. the Chargers.

Meanwhile, Matt Ryan, see above left, keeps proving rookie quarterbacks can prosper. Ryan Leaf, Rick Mirer, Tim Couch, Alex Smith and Akili Smith are probably shaking their heads on a beach.

For fantasy owners, rookie quarterbacks are a lot like the Terry Bradshaw Fantasy Football Journal. They seem worthy, but end up hurting you in the end.

Ryan, a Peyton-like rookie minus the hype, could be different.

With the actual Falcons battling for a playoff spot, fantasy owners get a dream matchup heading into most leagues’ playoff weeks: Falcons vs. Saints in the Superdome.

If you teetered with Saints receivers Marques Colston and Lance Moore in Week 13, let loose. If Rodney White wasn’t your No. 1 receiver before this game, when will he ever be?

The usual suspects (Drew Brees, see above, Turner) are locks, but Ryan may pull through for an owner in desperate times. The Saints’ pass defense is in the bottom five for touchdown passes allowed and is giving up 224.2 yards per game.

Arresting development

With No. 1 Giants receiver Plaxico Burress suspended, Domenik Hixon and Amani Toomer have quickly become top targets on free-agent wires. The pair had five catches each vs. the Redskins in Week 13. Toomer found the end zone for the third time in five games, and Hixon produced his second straight week with more than 60 yards receiving.

Who will be better down the stretch, if Burress doesn’t suit up again?

The Giants, in order, play the Eagles, Cowboys, Panthers and Vikings.

Out of the four defenses, the Eagles have given up the most passing touchdowns while allowing the least amount of passing yards per game. Not one of the particular defenses is a desirable matchup for a wide receiver, but considering Eli Manning’s tendencies go with Toomer.

After watching him play against the Browns, he loves to lock into his targets.

Being the probable No. 1, Toomer would square up against each team’s top cornerback and double coverage. Being the probable No. 2, Hixon would see more man-to-man coverage.
That is one deciding factor for Hixon, but Toomer appears to be the go-to guy.

Catch them if you can …

Tashard Choice, Dallas running back: Marion Barber is day to day, but Choice can shoulder the load if called upon. With Dallas vs. Pittsburgh on tap, he won’t be a solid start this week just a great insurance policy.

The fallen …

Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia running back: He had four touchdowns last week. Seriously, though, he can’t be relied on. He’s usually day-to-day throughout the week, and you’re stuck until game time. Well, you’re stuck with him this season, but he’ll be a second-round pick next year.

Playoff push

Vikings defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams suspensions were blocked by the courts yesterday, but they may not play on Sunday. If you have Lions running back Kevin Smith, he suddenly becomes an interesting play for the week. With the Williamses, Minnesota holds opponents to 73.1 rushing yards per game and ranks as the No. 2 defense in the league vs. the run.

Four and out

1. I was wrong last week. Thanksgiving was fun day, and Mother Nature made Sunday dismal for fantasy. 2. Is it time to jump on the Peyton Hillis bandwagon? 3. Cardinals Tim Hightower and Steve Breaston vs. the Rams could score points. 4. The Colts should get back on track vs. the Bengals.

E-mail Francis Bova at fbova@MorningJournal.com.

PHOTO BY ASSOCIATED PRESS