Fantasy Outlook

Ryan missed a few games last year because of his toe but still threw the same number of completions. But he fell from 3440 yards in 2008 to only 2916 last year despite increasing his touchdown totals from 16 to 22. Ryan is not expected to have any residual effects from his turf-toe problem and is 100% recovered. Increasing his passing scores by six is perhaps a 1:1 effect of adding Tony Gonzalez to the team since he scored exactly that much. In the end, the Falcons had played a fairly light schedule in 2008 that was marked by a dominating rushing attack and then had a very tough schedule in 2009 along with injuries to Michael Turner.

This season the schedule is only average which is an upgrade from last year and the Falcons expect to rush less and pass more. This should be a noticeable bump in stats for Ryan who now has two seasons under his belt and a healthy squad to take to the field. Gonzalez should have one more season left on his tread and the young wideouts should be even better. Expect a better year from Ryan that should see him rise into the top half of quarterbacks in the league.

Posted: 8/5/2010 9:19pm et

The Atlanta Falcons have expanded their no-huddle offense from about 12 plays last year to well over 30 this year, reports The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's D. Orlando Ledbetter. Part of the reason is because of the comfort level between QB Matt Ryan and the coaches. 'It definitely helps being able to be around the block a couple of times,' assistant head coach Bill Musgrave said. 'You know a little bit more of what to expect.' Atlanta is also looking for Ryan to improve in two areas this year: first-down passing and blitz-situation passing. Ryan threw his most interceptions on first down and completed just 53.5 percent of his passes.

Huddle Up: Ryan continues to develop his skill set as an NFL quarterback and certainly appears to have the confidence of his coaching staff. Fantasy owners should likely see an increase in his production this season with the talented receiving corp that he has and also the increase in the number of passing plays expected in the offensive scheme. Ryan should be considered a low-end No. 1 quarterback with nice upside.

Posted: 5/26/2010 11:30pm et

Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan said the team has been working on their deep passing game during offseason workouts and expects to be improved in that area this season, reports D. Orlando Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Ryan completed 31 passes of over 20 yards last season, which ranked 23rd in the league.

Huddle Up: Ryan continues to develop and hone his skills as he is clearly the leader of the offense in Atlanta for the foreseeable future. The Falcon quarterback has some nice talent around him which could give the team a clear advantage as they battle for a playoff berth in 2010. As for Ryan, fantasy owners should see him as a No. 1 starter capable of starting when all the elite quarterbacks have been taken in fantasy league drafts.

Posted: 3/24/2010 11:07pm et

ESPN.com, reports Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith said QB Matt Ryan (toe), who battled injury last season, is now fine.

Huddle Up: Matt Ryan has certainly developed into a solid quarterback in Atlanta prior to his injury last season but appears to be ready for a comeback. Ryan has responded nicely to treatments and will likely be ready to go when the Falcons start the preseason.

Posted: 2/28/2010 4:31pm et

Steve Wyche, of NFL.com, reports Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan has started to run and will be able to participate at the start of offseason workouts.

Huddle Up: Ryan battled a toe injury late in the season, but it appears that the injury won't be an issue as he begins his offseason workouts.

Posted: 12/27/2009 11:41pm et

The Associated Press reports Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan went 18-for-35 for 250 yards and three touchdowns in Week 16.

Huddle Up: Ryan has bounced back nicely from the toe injury that sidelined him for a few weeks as was evident by his stats in Week 16. Fantasy owners should expect the Falcons quarterback to have a nice game to end the season in Week 17 as well.

Posted: 12/11/2009 10:46am et

D. Orlando Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Falcons QB Matt Ryan missed the team's practice Thursday, Dec. 10, and he will be a game-time decision Week 14.

Huddle Up: The team remains hopeful they'll be able to find a plate or protective brace of some sort that would allow Ryan to play through his turf toe injury, but it looks as if we won't know for sure until game time.

Posted: 12/10/2009 10:34am et

CBSSports.com reports Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan participated in the team's morning walkthrough Wednesday, Dec. 9, but he did not take part in the team's afternoon session.

Huddle Up: Chris Redman has started in place of Ryan while he battles turf toe. Expect Ryan to be limited in practice while the team looks to find a plate or brace to protect the toe, and for the Falcons' starting quarterback to return to that role once a protective device is in place.

Posted: 12/9/2009 11:11pm et

NFL.com, reports Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan's (toe) status for Week 14 could depend on the health of OG Harvey Dahl (ankle) and OT Sam Baker (elbow), according to a source. The Falcons do not want Ryan to be under more pressure with some backups starting in the game.

Huddle Up: It may be now or never for the Falcons who battle New Orleans this week for what could be their playoff lives. Regardless of what is reported, the Falcons will likely have both Matt Ryan and Michael Turner available for action if there is any chance they are physically able to go. Check back for updates later in the week.

Posted: 12/8/2009 12:50am et

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith is encouraged by QB Matt Ryan's (toe) recovery and has not ruled him out for Week 14. Smith is not sure if Ryan will return to practice Wednesday, Dec. 9.

Huddle Up: If you have another quarterback option, it would be best to plan on using it. Even if he plays there is little chance he'll have a serious fantasy impact this week. Give it some time and see how it plays out over the next week or two before relying on him if you're able.

Posted: 12/7/2009 4:30pm et

SI.com reports Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said QB Matt Ryan (toe) told him that he will play in Week 14, but Ryan is considered questionable at best.

Huddle Up: Unless Ryan shows significant improvement through the week, he should remain on all Fantasy teams' benches. If the team deems him fit to play, however, he'll be worth starting consideration as the Falcons host a Saint defense that allowed Redskin QB Jason Campbell to have a huge day against thim.

Posted: 11/30/2009 3:38pm et

FOXSports.com reports Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan (toe) has been diagnosed with turf toe and will not play in Week 13. He will meet with foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson in the near future. The Falcons will take a week-by-week approach with Ryan.

Huddle Up: Chris Redman will be under center as the Falcons host Philadelphia. He's a risky Fantasy play; after all, there's a reason he's the No. 2 QB and not No. 1. Unless you're in a deep league or have other QB injury issues, you should consider looking elsewhere for a quarterback this week.

Posted: 11/3/2009 8:17am et

The Associated Press reports Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan was 19-for-42 for 289 yards with a touchdown pass and three interceptions Week 8 against the New Orleans Saints.

Huddle Up: This isn't the time to jump off the Ryan bandwagon but he has had some struggles in his last two games. This week the Falcons host the Redskins, who held Donovan McNabb to 156 yards and one TD in Week 7.