Julio Jones' Absence Impacts Fantasy Semifinals, Betting Outlook For Falcons-Bucs

Julio Jones will miss his second straight game for the Atlanta Falcons. The All-Pro receiver has been dealing with a hamstring injury, and that injury will cost him a Week 15 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Jones has missed three team practices this week, compelling the Falcons to rule him out. Adam Schefter with ESPN tweeted out the news on Friday morning.






This news is obviously going to affect fantasy owners and bettors alike. While Jones' numbers are down this season (51 receptions, 771 yards and three touchdowns), missing games has been one -- but not the only -- factor.

So far this season, the 31-year-old has played in only nine of Atlanta's 13 games, but he still hasn't been the same caliber of player we have grown accustomed to seeing. Consistency has been an issue.

Of those 771 yards, 622 of them have come in five of the nine games. That's great, but it also means Jones is averaging only 37.3 yards and 3.3 receptions in those other four games.

With all that being said, Jones is obviously a vital part of the Falcons offense. He's also a key piece in a lot of fantasy lineups, considering he averaged being a second-round pick in 10-team leagues.

Not having the star wide receiver on the field will be a problem against a high-powered Tampa Bay team that is No. 6 in scoring offense (28.5 points per game). It could also affect the 6-point betting line and over/under of 49.5.

Plan accordingly.

Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.