First Down: Sizing up Stafford, Gronk’s soap opera and ‘Felony and Ivory’

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

In every corner of the sports universe hard-to-explain anomalies push the boundaries of flukiness, crazy events that leave eyewitnesses with jaws dropped.

Fantasy football is no exception.

From Jerome Harrison’s trampling of Kansas City Week 14 2009 to Billy Volek’s unforgettable two-game stretch with the Titans in 2004 to an entire offseason week where neither Kenny Britt or Titus Young are incarcerated, unforeseen occurrences happen all the time, changing previously conceived notions about a particular player or team.

Take Detroit’s Matthew Stafford.

Last year, the former No. 1 pick was the definition of

Falcons | GM optimistic about deal with Matt Ryan

Source: Footballguys.com

Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said the team is confident that they will be able to sign QB Matt Ryan to a contract extension but there is no timetable to get one done.

The Roto Arcade Fantasy Football Mock, RDs 7-8

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

SEE ROUNDS 1-2 HERE

SEE ROUNDS 3-4 HERE

SEE ROUNDS 4-5 HERE

ROUND 7

Eddie Lacy, RB, Green Bay Packers (PK73, RB28) – Everyone saw what a monster he was at the collegiate level, averaging 6.8 YPC

Matt Ryan - Ryan could have extension by training camp

Source: The Huddle

Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan reportedly could sign a contract extension by the start of training camp. The Falcons want to retain Ryan for the long term and he wants to stay in Atlanta. The parameters are in place for a potential Ryan extension after Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers and Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco both inked new deals.
Huddle Up: In 2012, Ryan hit career highs across the board in attempts (615), completions (422), yards (4,719) and TD passes (32) and notched his first fantasy top-finish (fifth with 384 points) as a result. With TE Tony Gonzalez putting off retirement, RB Steven Jackson joining the backfield and the potent WR duo of Julio Jones and Roddy White returning, the fantasy arrow -- and his

Falcons | Matt Ryan could have extension by training camp

Source: Footballguys.com

Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan reportedly could sign a contract extension by the start of training camp. The Falcons want to retain Ryan for the long term and he wants to stay in Atlanta. The parameters are in place for a potential Ryan extension after Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers and Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco both inked new deals.

Falcons | Will wait on extension for Matt Ryan

Source: Footballguys.com

Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said the team will hold off on the contract extension talks with QB Matt Ryan until after the 2013 NFL Draft. Dimitroff said there is no timetable for a deal but is confident an agreement will be reached.

Falcons | Hopeful of working out deal for Matt Ryan

Source: Footballguys.com

Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff indicated Friday, April 5, that the team is hopeful they can work something out with QB Matt Ryan in terms of a new contract. '(Matt Ryan) isn't worried about it right now because he knows there is something around the corner, as we do. I am hoping that we can agree to something going into the season,' Dimitroff said.

Falcons | Tony Gonzalez felt wanted

Source: Footballguys.com

Atlanta Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez said returning for the 2013 season was the right thing to do after talking to teammates, coaches and team personnel. 'Matt Ryan, Arthur Blank, Mike Smith, Roddy White, all the guys really want me back,' Gonzalez said. 'I went home thinking it was over, and I talked to my family and really sat down with them and discussed the pros and cons of returning, and really, I couldn't think of too many cons ... You know what? We've got a great football team, and I look forward to seeing what we can do this year.'

Falcons | Matt Ryan the leader in comebacks

Source: Footballguys.com

Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan leads the NFL with 22 fourth-quarter and overtime comebacks since 2008, when he entered the league.

Tony Romo - 'Boys will not be able to use tag on Romo

Source: The Huddle

The Dallas Cowboys will not be able to use their franchise tag on QB Tony Romo next offseason if they do not sign him to a contract extension. Romo has three years left on his current contract, but the final two years of the contract would void if he is on the roster by the end of the 2013 league year. The team would not be able to place the tag on him because the end of the league year comes after the deadline to use franchise tags.
Huddle Up: With Aaron Rodgers and Matt Ryan expected to receive new deals soon, Romo could be next in line with decision time looming for the Cowboys.

Matt Ryan - Ryan waiting on Rodgers deal

Source: The Huddle

Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan is awaiting Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers' deal before agreeing to a long-term extension himself. Ryan is expected to try to slot between Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco and Rodgers, perhaps roughly $22 million per season.
Huddle Up: The QB dominoes are falling right in place for Ryan, who is coming off a career year with 4,719 yards and 32 TDs.

Falcons | Matt Ryan waiting on Aaron Rodgers

Source: Footballguys.com

Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan is awaiting Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers' deal before agreeing to a long-term extension himself. Ryan is expected to try to slot between Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco and Rodgers, perhaps roughly $22 million per season.

Report: Falcons sign former Rams RB Steven Jackson

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

We knew Steven Jackson would be moving on from the Rams after spending his entire nine-year career in St. Louis. The destination remained unclear until Thursday when the the soon-to-be 30-year-old running back agreed to a 3-year, $12 million contract with the NFC South champion Atlanta Falcons. Jackson played all 16 games last season, finishing with 1,042 yards while averaging 4.1 yards per carry and scoring four touchdowns. The three-time Pro Bowl selection also hauled in 38 receptions for 321 yards. The Falcons were in the mix for a starting runner after recently releasing veteran Michael Turner. The Packers were also reportedly in the mix for Jackson's services. FANTASY ANALYSIS: We now may finally see what the powerful back can do on a

Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez is coming back for his 17th season

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Tony Gonzalez has talked about retirement for a few years, but he was always talked out it. Last year felt different. Gonzalez was firm that his 16th season would be his last, even as he was having his best season in five years. Everyone felt we had reached the point when Gonzalez was finally going to retire. And now, he's not. Gonzalez has told FOX Sports' Jay Glazer that he is coming back for one more year. quot;After discussing it with my family and really, truly struggling with this decision, I informed the Falcons I would like to return for one more shot," Gonzalez told Glazer. Gonzalez caught 93 passes for 930 yards and eight touchdowns last season. FANTASY ANALYSIS: I mean, I understand when a man wants to spend time with his

Falcons | Matt Ryan's next contract could be lucrative

Source: Footballguys.com

Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan is entering the last year of a $72 million contract, and could be the next quarterback to join the $100 million dollar club with his next contract. Baltimore Raven's QB Joe Flacco's new contract is a comparable for Ryan's next deal, according to Andrew Brandt of ESPN. "It's yet another comparable and data point for Matt Ryan," said Andrew Brandt, ESPN's NFL business analyst and former chief negotiator for the Green Bay Packers. "The gold standard was Drew Brees, at least on the average at $20 million (per season). Now, you have $20.1 million. It's certainly a place they could look at as the freshest data point."

Falcons | Roster cuts had Matt Ryan in mind?

Source: Footballguys.com

The Atlanta Falcons' decision to release RB Michael Turner, DE John Abraham and CB Dunta Robinson could have been made, in part, with QB Matt Ryan's next contract in mind. Ryan is scheduled to head into the final season of his contract in 2013, and the team wants to sign him to a long-term deal this offseason. Ryan will likely cost $15 million to $20 million a season.

Matt Ryan - Matt Ryan no longer in rehab mode

Source: The Huddle

Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan has recovered from the separated shoulder he suffered in the NFC Championship Game, and he is now lifting weights and no longer in the rehab protocol. Ryan should be good to do everything when the offseason program begins April 12.
Huddle Up: Good news for Ryan, who can also start working on lobbying Tony Gonzalez to return for one more season.

Falcons | Matt Ryan no longer in rehab mode

Source: Footballguys.com

Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan (shoulder) has recovered from the separated shoulder he suffered in the NFC Championship Game, and he is now lifting weights and no longer in the rehab protocol. Ryan should be good to do everything when the offseason program begins April 12.

Falcons urge Gonzalez to keep playing

Source: FFToday

Veteran TE reportedly wavering from intent to retire

The Atlanta Falcons will engage quarterback Matt Ryan in negotiations to extend his contract this offseason, but sources said Tuesday that persuading tight end Tony Gonzalez to return has become a higher priority at the moment. The Falcons have been exerting tremendous pressure on Gonzalez to make one more Super Bowl run, and sources said he's wavering from his intention to retire for the first time. While he is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent, Gonzalez said at his locker after Atlanta's

Tony Gonzalez - Falcons' top priority is keeping Gonzo around

Source: The Huddle

While Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan will be pursued for a contract extension this offseason, the front office's top priority is convincing TE Tony Gonzalez to stave off his expected retirement for one more season.
Huddle Up: Gonzo deserves to be a priority after he finished second among all TEs with 93 catches in 2012, but this and the pursuit of a Ryan extension doesn't bode well for the Atlanta futures of current free agents Sam Baker, William Moore and Brent Grimes.

Falcons | Persuading Tony Gonzalez to return is top priority

Source: Footballguys.com

While Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan will be pursued for a contract extension this offseason, the front office's top priority is convincing TE Tony Gonzalez to stave off his expected retirement for one more season.

Matt Ryan - Matt Ryan recovered from injury

Source: The Huddle

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith said QB Matt Ryan has recovered from the sprained AC joint he suffered during the NFC Championship game. Smith said Ryan started working out in the weight room this week.
Huddle Up: There was no question Ryan would be back at work in plenty of time for the 2013 season, and now you have your proof.

Matt Ryan: Fully Recovered From Shoulder Injury

Source: RotoWire.com NFL

Matt Ryan: Ryan (shoulder) is fully recovered from the sprained left AC joint he suffered in the NFC Championship Game, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Matt Ryan's shoulder fully recovered

Source: FFToday

QB back in the weight room

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has fully recovered from the sprained left AC shoulder joint he suffered against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC championship game on Jan. 20. After the game, Falcons coach Mike Smith said that Ryan's recovery was expected to be three to four weeks and that Ryan would have played had the Falcons advanced to Super Bowl XLVII. No surgery was required. "He's started working out in the weight room," Smith said on Wednesday. "He's moved from the rehab part of it to working in the weight room, which is a good thing." (

Matt Ryan recovered from shoulder injury

Source: Draft Sharks

Falcons QB Matt Ryan is fully recovered from the sprained shoulder he suffered in the NFC Championship Game.  The injury was never much of a concern.  It was to his non-throwing shoulder; surgery wasn't required; and HC Mike Smith said Ryan would have played in the Super Bowl had Atlanta beat San Fran.  “He’s been working in the training room and this week he started working in the weight room,” Smith said. “He’s recovered and we absolutely expect him to well beyond 100 percent when we start our offseason program.”  Consider Ryan's shoulder a non-issue as we look towards the 2013 season.

Matt Ryan (shoulder) already fully recovered - Matt Ryan | ATL

Source: Rotoworld Football

Matt Ryan is already "fully recovered" from the sprained AC joint he suffered in the NFC Championship Game.

Falcons | Matt Ryan recovered from injury

Source: Footballguys.com

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith said QB Matt Ryan (shoulder) has recovered from the sprained AC joint he suffered during the NFC Championship game. Smith said Ryan started working out in the weight room this week.

Falcons | Could sign Matt Ryan to extension

Source: Footballguys.com

The Atlanta Falcons could consider signing QB Matt Ryan to a contract extension this offseason in order to create salary cap space for next season.

Falcons | Dunta Robinson could be cut

Source: Footballguys.com

The Atlanta Falcons could cut CB Dunta Robinson ($8 million) to create cap room to sign QB Matt Ryan to a long-term deal.

Matt Ryan: Ryan Posts Career-Best Season

Source: RotoWire.com NFL

Matt Ryan: Ryan (shoulder) finished the 2012 season with 422 completions for 4,719 yards, 32 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Matt Ryan: (Shoulder) Will Miss Pro Bowl

Source: RotoWire.com NFL

Matt Ryan: Ryan (shoulder) will require 3-to-4 weeks to recover from his sprained left AC joint, keeping him out of the Pro Bowl, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Matt Ryan - Matt Ryan will not need surgery

Source: The Huddle

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith said QB Matt Ryan will not need surgery on the sprained shoulder he suffered in the NFC Championship game. Smith said Ryan would have been ready to play if the team made Super Bowl XLVII but will not play in the Pro Bowl. Ryan is expected to wear a sling for around 10 days and is facing a four-week rehab for his Grade 2 AC joint sprain.
Huddle Up: One of the few legit injuries that will keep a player from participating in the Pro Bowl. Ryan should be good to go in plenty of time for the start of training camp.

Seahawks | Russell Wilson going to Pro Bowl

Source: Footballguys.com

Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson will be added to the NFC Pro Bowl roster for the 2013 Pro Bowl in place of Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan (shoulder).

Falcons QB Matt Ryan suffers sprained AC joint in non-throwing shoulder

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported late Sunday night that Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan had been diagnosed with a sprained AC joint in his non-throwing shoulder. The injury is not believed to be all that serious and will not be a long-term concern. Ryan was taken down hard by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks late in the fourth quarter. Both players fell hard to the ground and Ryan landed hard on his left shoulder. FANTASY ANALYSIS: It was a disappointing outcome, to say the least, for Falcons fans. The offense came out of the gates right hot and seemed to do whatever it wanted on offense. When Atlanta went back up ten points right before halftime, I thought the 49ers were finished. It was still a great season for Atlanta,

Falcons | Matt Ryan injury update

Source: Footballguys.com

Updating a previous report, Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan (shoulder) is expected to wear a sling for around 10 days and is facing a four-week rehab for his Grade 2 AC joint sprain.

Falcons | Matt Ryan will not need surgery

Source: Footballguys.com

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith said QB Matt Ryan (shoulder) will not need surgery on the sprained shoulder he suffered in the NFC Championship game. Smith said Ryan would have been ready to play if the team made Super Bowl XLVII but will not play in the Pro Bowl.

Falcons | Matt Ryan update

Source: Footballguys.com

Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan (shoulder) left the team's building Monday, Jan. 21, with his left arm in a sling. He is expected to address the media later in the day.

Matt Ryan shoulder injury not serious

Source: Draft Sharks

Matt Ryan could be seen treating his left arm and shoulder a bit gingerly at the end of Sunday's loss to the Niners. Ryan merely sprained the AC joint in that shoulder, though, an injury that won't even require surgery. It shouldn't be an issue at all for his offseason work. The only question will be what Tony Gonzalez's departure means for the passing game. You know, assuming he adds that final 2% to his retirement decision at some point.

Ryan suffers sprained left shoulder

Source: FFToday

Surgery not likely

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan suffered a sprained left shoulder during Sunday's NFC Championship Game, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Ryan was diagnosed with a sprained AC joint but will not need surgery, according to the source. The two-time Pro Bowler popped his shoulder back into place and may not need an MRI on Monday. (ESPN)

FF Today's Take: The injury is to Ryan's non-throwing shoulder and with the off-season

Falcons | Offense more conservative in second half

Source: Footballguys.com

Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan said the offense became more conservative in the second half of the NFC Championship Game, particularly taking less shots downfield. Ryan was outstanding throwing downfield in the first half, completing 11 passes on throws deeper than 10 yards downfield.

Falcons | Matt Ryan sets a franchise postseason record

Source: Footballguys.com

Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan set a franchise single-game postseason record with his 396 passing yards in the NFC Championship Game Sunday, Jan. 20.

Matt Ryan - Falcons' Ryan suffers shoulder sprain

Source: The Huddle

Updating a previous report, Atlanta Falcons WR Matt Ryan (shoulder) has been diagnosed with a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder. He suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of the NFC Championship Game loss against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 20. Ryan will not require surgery for the injury, and the team is waiting to see if he'll still need an MRI Monday, Jan. 21.
Huddle Up: Ryan, who was injured after driving the Falcons deep into Niners territory in search of the go-ahead TD, had a strong day in defeat, throwing for a postseason franchise-record 396 yards and 3 TDs. Still, for one of the few times all season, Ryan couldn't quite come through in the clutch, and, as a result, the Falcons were shut

Matt Ryan: Suffers AC Joint Sprain

Source: RotoWire.com NFL

Matt Ryan: Updating a previous report, Ryan suffered a sprained AC joint in Sunday's loss to the 49ers, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Matt Ryan diagnosed with sprained AC joint - Matt Ryan | ATL

Source: Rotoworld Football

Updating an earlier item, Matt Ryan has been diagnosed with a sprained AC joint in his left (non-throwing) shoulder, and will not require surgery.

Falcons | Update on Matt Ryan

Source: Footballguys.com

Updating a previous report, Atlanta Falcons WR Matt Ryan (shoulder) has been diagnosed with a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder. He suffered the injury in the second half of the NFC Championship Game loss against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 20. Ryan will not require surgery for the injury, and the team is waiting to see if he'll still need an MRI Monday, Jan. 21.

Matt Ryan undergoing shoulder MRI Monday - Matt Ryan | ATL

Source: Rotoworld Football

Matt Ryan will undergo an MRI on his left (non-throwing) shoulder/collarbone on Monday.

Falcons | Matt Ryan injured in playoff game loss

Source: Footballguys.com

Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan (collarbone, shoulder) suffered an injury to his left collarbone or shoulder in the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers. He will have an MRI Monday, Jan. 21, to determine the extent of the injury.

Matt Ryan lights up Niners, but Falcons fall - Matt Ryan | ATL

Source: Rotoworld Football

Matt Ryan completed 30-of-42 passes for 396 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception in the Falcons' NFC Championship Game loss to the 49ers.

Falcons | Considering new deal for Matt Ryan

Source: Footballguys.com

The Atlanta Falcons have had internal discussions about the possibility of signing QB Matt Ryan to a new contract.

Falcons to offer Ryan 'mega-contract' in 2013 - Matt Ryan | ATL

Source: Rotoworld Football

FOX Sports' Jay Glazer reports the Falcons are looking to sign Matt Ryan to a contract extension this offseason.