The Falcons have ruled S William Moore (groin) and LB Justin Durant (calf) out for Sunday's game at San Francisco. The defense will also miss CB Robert Alford (groin) and rookie DE Vic Beasley (foot). None of those player absences significantly alters the positive outlook for the Atlanta team D against Blaine Gabbert's Niners this weekend. Durant's absence raises the tackle ceiling for MLB Paul Worrilow in IDP leagues, however. CB Desmond Trufant is probable after putting in a full workout Friday. He missed some time this week with a back injury. He's not much of an IDP factor but helps the team D.

Falcons S Erik Harris left Sunday's loss to Washington with a calf injury. CB Isaiah Oliver left with a knee injury. We'll see whether either can make it back in time for next Sunday's game against the Jets in London. The travel schedule for that game could complicate the return path.

The Falcons have hired Arthur Smith as HC. Smith spent the past 2 seasons as OC in Tennessee, leading the Titans to top 12 finishes in points and yards both years. He leaned heavily on RB Derrick Henry but also helped QB Ryan Tannehill to his 2 best seasons as a pro. Tannehill notably ranked 9th and 1st, respectively, in percentage of passes to come off play-action the past 2 years. Consider the hire good news for QB Matt Ryan and the Falcons passing game.

The Falcons have ruled starting DEs Dante Fowler and Takk McKinley out for Sunday's game against the Broncos. Losing both DEs would be a big deal for most defenses, but McKinley has only played in 4 games so far, and Fowler has offered disappointing production most of the year. So it doesn't change the outlook for a team defense in an upside matchup. Allen Bailey and Steven Means look like the fill-in starters.

After losing to the Panthers on Sunday to drop to 0-5, the Falcons fired HC Dan Quinn and GM Thomas Dimitroff. The team did not immediately announce the interim HC. OC Dirk Koetter and DC Raheem Morris each bring head-coaching experience. Each had a stint as Buccaneers HC. We don't expect the moves to impact the fantasy outlook for QB Matt Ryan and Atlanta's other offensive players. We'll see whether the Falcons start winning any more games and changing game scripts.

Falcons DE Dante Fowler (ankle) is active for today’s game against the Bears. He missed practice all week, though, and looks like a poor IDP option. DE Takk McKinley (groin) and LB Foye Oluokun are inactive.