Week 15 NFL Advanced Analytics Superstars

Quarterback: Matt Ryan

Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons
17 for 23, 286 Yards, 2 Touchdowns
1 Rush, -1 Yard
Performance: 97, NEP: +23.27

After jumping out to an early 21-0 lead in the first quarter, Ryan was able to string together a highly efficient performance and let his rushing attack do most of the work. Ryan completed 17 of his 23 dropbacks for 286 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

This game was never in doubt the San Francisco 49ers, who have been a complete sieve of a defense this entire year. Our rankings have the 49ers with the second-worst schedule-adjusted Defensive NEP and opposing quarterbacks have absolutely shredded this unit.

Ryan's biggest play of the game came on a shallow slant by Aldrick Robinson. Robinson was able to shake slot corner Dontae Johnson's coverage with ease and gain a ton of separation. Ryan hit Robinson quickly and with safety Jaquiski Tartt taking a poor angle, Robinson was off to the races for a big 59-yard gain. That play added +3.89 to Ryan's NEP for the day. Ryan leads all quarterbacks in Passing NEP this season and is having the best season of his career, per our metrics.

Ryan graded highly in our Performance metric due to his efficient passing, but it didn't translate to a huge fantasy outing. Ryan finished as the overall QB6 in standard scoring formats. He ranks as the QB2 on the season with only Aaron Rodgers accruing more fantasy points through Week 15.

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