Matt Ryan Fantasy Football News | Shark Bites

Colts QB Matt Ryan impressed coaches, teammates and the media with his play and leadership this offseason. “Matt was unbelievable,” HC Frank Reich said. “Really, A-Z, he did everything right. Just great leadership, great play. I mean, the whole way he took command … I knew he was good, but his accuracy is insane." OC Marcus Brady said Ryan is "damn near a coach on the field." And rookie WR Alec Pierce said, "He could basically run this offense and this team by himself." We'd expect the 14-year veteran to impress in the intangibles department. But, by all accounts, Ryan's arm strength and accuracy were excellent over the past few months. He's still not an exciting fantasy asset in a run-first offense and without rushing upside. But Ryan's arrival could be a boost for the Colts' skill-position players.

Colts beat writer Jake Arthur calls interior O-line depth one of the team’s biggest holes. Looking across the O-line, Indy’s lost 2,242 snaps with the offseason departures of LT Eric Fisher and OGs Mark Glowinski and Chris Reed. We’re not concerned for Matt Ryan or Jonathan Taylor, as the Colts return an excellent trio of OG Quenton Nelson, C Ryan Kelly and RT Braden Smith. This O-line is simply a unit to monitor going forward.

After acquiring QB Matt Ryan via trade Monday, the Colts are restructuring the veteran's contract. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the altered deal "locks him in at two years and $53.9 million." For fantasy football purposes, that means we should expect Ryan to be Indy's starter through the coming season and 2023, at least.

The Falcons are sending QB Matt Ryan to the Colts for a 3rd-round pick in this year's NFL Draft. That lands Ryan in 1 of the league's more run-leaning offense and with a pass-catching corps that doesn't boast much proven talent beyond WR Michael Pittman. We'll see what else the Colts add to that group. Ryan hasn't been terrific lately, but he marks a lateral move -- at worst -- from Carson Wentz for Pittman and the Colts' other pass-catchers. Ryan brings more consistent accuracy, which could boost Pittman's efficiency. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that the Falcons are now expected to pursue QB Marcus Mariota. The former Raider would land in an even more barren pass offense. We'll assess that situation further once it comes to fruition.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that "if (Matt) Ryan is traded, it'll almost certainly be Indy." It doesn't sound like a move is imminent, and it's important to note that Ryan still might not move. But keep this report in mind if you're jumping into live best-ball drafts today. We'll see what Atlanta's replacement plan would be if Ryan leaves and where the Colts would turn if a deal does not happen.

Falcons WR Calvin Ridley is INACTIVE for today's game vs. the Panthers due to a personal matter. He also missed Week 5 for the same reason. Ridley's absence leaves Atlanta with WRs Russell Gage, Olamide Zaccheaus and Tajae Sharpe atop the depth chart. TE Kyle Pitts and RB Cordarrelle Patterson should also play even bigger roles in the passing game.

Falcons WR Calvin Ridley did not travel with the team to London and is out for Sunday's game vs. the Jets due to a personal matter, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. We'll look for more info on the situation and whether Ridley will be out beyond Week 5. WR Russell Gage (ankle) is also out for Sunday's game, leaving Atlanta with WRs Olamide Zaccheaus, Tajae Sharpe and Christian Blake. We wouldn't mess with them in fantasy lineups. RB Cordarrelle Patterson will continue to play a big role in this passing game. And TE Kyle Pitts should see more volume with Ridley out.