News: Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas had just five tackles in Week 16 against the Lions, as he struggled to make an impact in a 31-18 win. He had just three solo stops in the game, his lowest total in five games.
Analysis: Nicholas already established a new career high in stops this season, a total that he has built to 91 with one game remaining. He has an outside chance to reach the 100-tackle plateau for the first time in his career, but he remains more of a low-end Fantasy IDP option.
News: Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas totaled five tackles (four solo) Week 15 vs. N.Y. Giants. He now has 86 tackles in 14 games.
Analysis: Nicholas is having the best season of his career and has been a breakout Fantasy IDP option. Linebacker is a deep position in IDP formats, but Nicholas has still done enough to he considered a low-end starter in deep formats.
News: Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas recorded a team-high nine tackles, including four solo, Week 14 at Carolina. It was the first time he recorded that many tackles in a game since he had 12 back in Week 1.
Analysis: Nicholas averaged 8.8 tackles in his first four games this season but has averaged 5.1 in his last nine. Though his Week 14 performance is a step in the right direction, it's not enough to restore his value in Fantasy IDP leagues. He remains just a low-end option.
News: Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas was able to play through a minor knee injury Thursday against the Saints in Week 13. Nicholas had a decent game, finishing with five tackles and a pass defended in a 23-13 win.
Analysis: Nicholas now has 72 tackles through 12 games, putting him just eight short of matching his career high. Fantasy owners should continue to consider him a decent low-end option in deeper IDP formats.
News: As expected, Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas was ruled active for Week 13 at home against the Saints. Nicholas was a full participant in practice all week and was never in danger of missing Thursday's game despite dealing with a knee issue.
Analysis: It seems as if Nicholas' knee problems won't keep him out of Thursday's game, which is a good sign, especially since he is coming off a seven-tackle performance against Tampa Bay in Week 12. He has 67 tackles this season and is on pace to reach 95-plus tackles this season, which would be a career-high. He has not missed a game this season and should be viewed as a viable Fantasy option in deeper IDP formats.
News: Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas was a full participant in practice all week leading up to Week 13 at home against the Saints. Nicholas, who is dealing with a knee issue, is listed as probable for Thursday night's game.
Analysis: Nicholas is coming off a seven-tackle performance against Tampa Bay his last time out and has not missed a game this season. He has 67 tackles this season and is on pace to reach 95-plus tackles this season, which would be a career-high. At this point, he should be viewed as a viable Fantasy option in deeper IDP formats.
News: The groin injury that landed him on the injury report leading up to the game didn't seem to bother Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas Week 11 against the Cardinals. He recorded four tackles, including three solo, and his second sack in as many games.
Analysis: Nicholas hasn't been getting as many tackles in recent weeks as he did at the beginning of the season, so the sacks are coming at a good time. That said, they're unlikely to continue at this rate, so you should continue to think of Nicholas as a low-end option in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas, who was limited in practice leading up to the game with a groin injury, is active for Week 11 against the Cardinals. Nicholas has yet to miss a game this season.
Analysis: Nicholas got off to a good start with the tackles this season, but he's had no more than seven in a game since Week 4. He's just a low-end option in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas was a full participant in practice for the first time this week leading up to Week 11 against the Cardinals. Nicholas, who is dealing with a groin injury, is listed as probable and is expected to play on Sunday.
Analysis: Nicholas seems like he is on track to play against the Cardinals, which is a good sign, especially since he's coming off his first sack of the season last week against the Saints. He should be viewed as a decent option in deeper IDP formats heading into Week 11.
News: Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas was once again a so-so tackler Week 10 at New Orleans. He recorded seven tackles, including five solo. He did still make a significant contribution in the game, though, recording his first sack of the season.
Analysis: The sack was Nicholas' first since 2009, when he had three, so clearly he isn't a reliable source of the statistic. Though he got off to a great start with the tackles this season, averaging 8.8 in his first four games, his seven in Week 10 were the most he's had in any game since then. He's looking like a shaky option for Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas was not much of a factor in Week 9 against the Cowboys. Nicholas, whose 49 tackles ranks second on the team, finished with just four tackles -- two solo -- in the 19-13 win. He was also credited with a tackle for loss.
Analysis: Nicholas racked up 35 tackles over his first four games, but has cooled off considerably since. He has just 14 stops over his last four contests as it appears he is still being slowed by an ankle injury. Still, owners looking for a cheap source for tackles could do a lot worse than to roll with Nicholas. Leave him active in deeper formats heading into Week 10.
News: Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas was active for Week 6 against the Raiders after being limited by an ankle injury leading up to the game, but he didn't start. In fact, he didn't record a stat, spending most of the day watching from the sidelines.
Analysis: Clearly, Nicholas wasn't 100 percent, and the Falcons didn't want to risk injuring him further, especially with the bye coming up in Week 7. He has emerged as a top tackler this season, so provided he's ready to go in Week 8, he'll be an advisable option in the majority of Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas, who was limited in practice by an ankle injury leading up to the game, is active for Week 6 against the Raiders. Nicholas suffered the injury Week 5 at Washington.
Analysis: Nicholas was forced to leave last week's game early, so you'll want to keep an eye on him throughout Sunday's contest. Because he has emerged as a reliable source of tackles this season, though, he's a viable option in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas was limited in practice Thursday and Friday with an ankle injury, and is considered questionable for Week 6 against the Raiders.
Analysis: Nicholas left Week 5 with the injury, and he was unable to practice Wednesday. It looks like he will be a game-time decision for Sunday’s matchup against Oakland. Nicholas has 30 tackles in five games, and should be considered a viable Fantasy IDP option, if active.
News: Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas injured his ankle Week 5 at Washington and was forced to leave the game. Mike Peterson took his place in the lineup. Nicholas had four tackles, including three solo, before leaving.
Analysis: Nicholas has been dealing with a thigh injury in practice the last few weeks, but this ankle issue appears to be something new. Nicholas has emerged as a reliable source of tackles this season, helping fill the void of the departed Curtis Lofton, but he has to be healthy for you to use him in Fantasy IDP leagues. Keep an eye on his status leading up to Week 6 against the Raiders.
News: Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas, who has been dealing with a thigh injury for the last few weeks, is active for Week 5 at Washington. He has yet to miss a game because of the injury.
Analysis: Nicholas has emerged as a high-end source of tackles this season, helping fill the void of the departed Curtis Lofton. He should be active in the majority of Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Atlanta linebacker Stephen Nicholas (thigh) is officially probable for Week 5 at Washington. Nicholas was on the injury report before Week 4's game and played well in that contest.
Analysis: This thigh injury certainly didn't limit Nicholas' production Week 4. He was able to record a team-high eight tackles -- six solo -- in the contest. He has averaged 8.8 tackles in four games this season. Nicholas has accounted for many of the tackles that once belonged to Curtis Lofton, who's now in New Orleans. That makes him well worth using in Fantasy IDP leagues against the Redskins.
News: Not only was Stephen Nicholas able to play Week 4 against the Panthers after being limited in practice by a thigh injury leading up to the game, but he was able to record a team-high eight tackles -- six solo -- in the contest. He has averaged 8.8 tackles in four games this season.
Analysis: Nicholas has accounted for many of the tackles that once belonged to Curtis Lofton, who's now in New Orleans. That makes him well worth using in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas is active for Week 4 against the Panthers. He was listed as probable coming into the game because of a thigh injury.
Analysis: This injury has bothered Nicholas for a couple weeks now, but he has yet to miss a game because of it. Playing a bigger role with Curtis Lofton now in New Orleans, he has emerged as a reliable source of tackles and is an advisable start in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Atlanta linebacker Stephen Nicholas was tabbed questionable for Week 4 against Carolina due to a nagging thigh injury. Nicholas was a limited participant the first two days of the practice week before returning to full status on Friday.
Analysis: Nicholas was also listed as probable on the injury report last week and finished with seven tackles during a win over San Diego. He is unlikely to miss playing time this Sunday and should be considered a useful option for tackles in most Fantasy IDP formats.
News: Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas had his least productive game of the season in Week 3 against the Chargers. Nicholas, who was listed as questionable entering the contest, finished with seven tackles -- five solo -- in the 27-3 win. He now has 29 stops on the year.
Analysis: Nicholas' five tackles Sunday were a season low but the linebacker was still over the field. His 29 total stops on the year leads the team and he always seems to be around the ball. While he normally can't be counted on as a reliable source for sacks and turnovers, owners looking for a help in the tackle department should consider scooping up Nicholas. leave him active in most IDP formats heading into Week 4.
News: Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas has been ruled active for Week 3 against the Chargers. Nicholas was limited in practice earlier in the week due to a thigh injury.
Analysis: Nicholas has been all over the field over the first two weeks of the year as his 16 tackles lead the team. While he he normally can't be counted on as a reliable source for sacks and turnovers, owners looking for a help in the tackle department should consider scooping up Nicholas. He can be considered a viable Fantasy start in most IDP formats when healthy.
News: Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas was able to practice in full Friday and is being considered probable for Week 3 at San Diego. Nicholas was limited earlier in the week due to a thigh injury.
Analysis: Nicholas has been all over the field over the first two weeks of the year as his 16 tackles lead the team. While he he normally can't be counted on as a reliable source for sacks and turnovers, owners looking for a help in the tackle department should consider scooping up Nicholas. He can be considered a viable Fantasy start in most IDP formats when healthy.
News: Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas, who is expected to play a bigger role on defense with Curtis Lofton now in New Orleans, appeared fit for the role Week 1 at Kansas City. He led the team with 12 tackles, including 10 solo. He also recorded an interception and recovered a fumble.
Analysis: Nicholas was the star of the Falcons defense Sunday, and it might be a sign of things to come. Someone has to make up for all those tackles lost with Lofton, after all. If you're looking for a sleeper linebacker in Fantasy IDP leagues, Nicholas fits the bill.
News: Atlanta LB Stephen Nicholas suffered a knee injury in Week 15 versus Jacksonville. He did not record a tackle in the contest.
Analysis: Nicholas didn't contribute anything for the Falcons and is not worth owning in IDP formats. Owners should not pay attention to him moving forward.
News: Falcons LB Stephen Nicholas left Week 12 against the Vikings with a thigh injury and didn't return. He had four tackles, including two solo, before leaving.
Analysis: Nicholas has been starting for the Falcons over the last few games, but he's not as much of a statistical contributor as Curtis Lofton or Sean Weatherspoon. Regardless of this injury, he belongs on waivers in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: Falcons LB Stephen Nicholas, who had been a minimal contributor on defense over the first five games, played a bigger role against the Panthers in Week 6. He recorded his first sack of the season and also forced a fumble. He finished with four tackles, including three solo.
Analysis: Sean Weatherspoon and Curtis Lofton have been gobbling up all the tackles for the Falcons so far this season, leaving little for Nicholas. Nicholas doesn't make the big plays often enough to compensate for the low number of tackles, so you can leave him on waivers in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: LB Stephen Nicholas has agreed to terms to re-sign with the Falcons, according to ESPN. The new contract is reportedly a five-year deal.
Analysis: Nicholas was more of a backup option for the Falcons last year after fading as a starter previously. Fantasy owners shouldn't take notice of Nicholas until he does something to make us look.
News: Falcons LB Stephen Nicholas, who is filling in for injured rookie Sean Weatherspoon (knee), again led the team in tackles Week 9 against the Buccaneers. He finished with eight tackles, including seven solo.
Analysis: Nicholas had 13 tackles filling in for Weatherspoon back in Week 4 and has been good for about six per game since then. That's not enough to make him more than a low-end option in Fantasy IDP leagues, but if Weatherspoon were to miss an extended period of time, Nicholas could emerge as more.
News: Once again stepping in for rookie Sean Weatherspoon, who left with a knee injury, Falcons LB Stephen Nicholas recorded his first career interception Week 5 at Cleveland. He also had four solo tackles.
Analysis: Weatherspoon missed Week 4 with an ankle injury, and Nicholas stepped up then too, leading the team with 13 tackles, including 12 solo. If he ever became a full-time starter, he'd be worth adding in Fantasy, but as a fill-in, he should remain on waivers.
News: Falcons LB Stephen Nicholas, who has spent much of this season in a reserve role, got a start in place of the injured Sean Weatherspoon (ankle) Week 4 against the 49ers. He had a team-high 13 tackles, including 12 solo.
Analysis: Even when starting, Nicholas wasn't a huge tackler, so this one big performance isn't reason enough to add him off the waiver wire. Besides, Weatherspoon could easily return in Week 5.
News: Falcons LB Sean Weatherspoon is listed as a starter at the strongside spot for the opener in Week 1 against the Steelers. LB Curtis Lofton recently said Weatherspoon has focused more at strongside, where it appears he's taken LB Stephen Nicholas' starting job.
Analysis: Nicholas actually tied Weatherspoon for third on the team with 12 tackles in the preseason, but it doesn't appear it was enough to hold off the rookie linebacker. With so much uncertainty with Nicholas, he is not a recommended Fantasy option to begin the season. Track his progress before taking a flier on him in Fantasy.
News: Falcons defenders did little of note on Sunday in a Week 14 loss to the Saints. Stephen Nicholas was the team’ s leading tackler in the game with nine. Mike Peterson was second with eight while Thomas DeCoud and Brent Grimes tied for third with seven. John Abraham had four tackles in the game and forced a fumble. Curtis Lofton was limited to just three tackles.
Analysis: The Falcons defense doesn’t have too many playmakers on it and that was evident against the Saints in Week 14. Lofton is a must-start while Peterson is a No. 2 option. Decoud is a low-end option while Grimes and Nicholas are hardly worth owning in IDP play.
News: In the Falcons' Week 3 loss at the Patriots, notable defensive players for Fantasy included: LB Curtis Lofton (19 total tackles), LB Mike Peterson (11 total tackles), DB Erik Coleman and LB Stephen Nicholas (nine total tackles each) and DB Brian Williams (eight total tackles).
Analysis: The Falcons are on bye in Week 4 and play at San Francisco in Week 5. Consider other options for the coming week's action before considering these players for their next game.
News: Falcons LB Curtis Lofton (11 tackles, forced fumble), LB Stephen Nicholas (six tackles),and DL Jonathan Babineaux (two tackles, fumble recovery) all helped out in a Week 1 win over the Dolphins.
Analysis: Lofton is a solid Fantasy LB in IDP leagues, and is obviously off to a great start in 2009. The other two guys have very minimal Fantasy value. Atlanta hosts Carolina in Week 2.
News: The Falcons listed QB Byron Leftwich (ankle), TE Alge Crumpler (knee, ankle), RB Artose Pinner (coach's decision), LB Stephen Nicholas (ankle) and DL Tim Anderson (coach's decision) as inactive for Week 9 vs. the Falcons.
Analysis: Crumpler and Leftwich are the only two players worth owning in Fantasy at this time, but they are both low-end options for now. Crumpler will have another full week to recover in time for Week 10 at Carolina and should be healthy for that game. Leftwich will jump back into a QB controversy when he's healthy. Keep the rest of these players on the waiver wire.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Falcons LB Stephen Nicholas, who missed the past three games with a high ankle sprain, has increased his rehab workload, but no timeframe was given as to when he would be back.
Analysis: Nicholas, a rookie, plays mostly special teams and has virtually no value in Fantasy IDP leagues when healthy. The Falcons are on a bye in Week 8.
News: The Falcons list of inactives for Week 7 at New Orleans includes QB Chris Redman, RB Corey McIntyre, LB Stephen Nicholas and DL Montavious Stanley.
Analysis: All four rank too low on the Falcons depth chart or play too small a role on defense to have any Fantasy value. The Falcons have a bye in Week 8 before playing the 49ers in Week 9.
News: The Falcons have declared LB Stephen Nicholas (ankle) out for Week 7 at New Orleans. He didn't practice all week with the injury, which also held him out Week 6 against the Giants.
Analysis: Nicholas, a rookie, plays mostly special teams and has virtually no value in Fantasy IDP leagues.
News: The Falcons' list of inactives for Week 6 against the Giants includes RB Artose Pinner, DB Daren Stone, LB Stephen Nicholas and DL Montavious Stanley.
Analysis: These players are all either reserves on offense or minor statistical contributors on defense. Keep them on the waiver wire.
News: According to The Sports Xchange, OLB Demorrio Williams might start Atlanta's Week 2 game at Jacksonville, but that doesn't mean he will finish. Coach Bobby Petrino said Williams and rookie Stephen Nicholas are being prepared to play the weak-side spot, just as they both did last week in the Falcons' 24-3 loss to Minnesota last week. Williams started but was pulled in favor of Nicholas, a fourth-round draft pick, who played the second half.
Analysis: Williams is a No. 3 LB in IDP leagues, but if he's going to split time with Nicholas, then his value is greatly diminished. Nicholas has no value at this time.
News: The Falcons and fourth-round pick Stephen Nicholas have agreed to a four-year contract. Nicholas is expected to compete for playing time this summer and has an outside chance at starting for the club.
Analysis: Nicholas shouldn't be a consideration in IDP league play unless he does indeed start for the Falcons. Don't expect that to happen this season, though.
