Fantasy Football Report: Week 8

By - Tim Swift

Here's the fantasy lowdown for Week 8.

1. Matt Ryan, keeping steady.

Photo by: Getty Images

Ryan has been a top fantasy quarterback most of the season, but over the last three games, he has thrown for 1,013 yards, 8 scores and only 1 interception. Atlanta's struggles in the run game have also meant that they have had to lean more on the passing attack. Ryan is on pace for career-highs in touchdowns, completions, completion percentage and attempts. Granted, he will be without Julio Jones for the remainder of the year and Roddy White is dealing with nagging injuries, but Matty Ice is still one of the top fantasy QBs, and a must-start every week.

2. Matt Forte is now the man in Chicago.

With Jay Cutler out for at least a month with a groin injury, the Bears are sure to look to Forte to carry even more of the workload on offense now that Josh McCown will be under center. Through Week 7, Forte already ranks third overall in running back points, so his fantasy production should only get better. The 27-year-old is on pace for his most carries since '08, as well as a career-high in catches. If he maintains these numbers, Forte will be a top 3 fantasy RB in 2013.

3. Calvin Johnson is getting back to No. 1 status.

Johnson owners have been a bit disappointed with his performance this season, considering he was drafted as the No. 1 WR overall in just about every format imaginable. While dealing with a knee injury from Week 4 to Week 6, Megatron had a total of 69 yards receiving. However, he looked completely healthy in Week 7, hauling in 9 receptions for 155 yards and 2 TDs. Assuming that Johnson can remain injury free, he should easily regain his status as one of the best wideouts in the league moving forward.

4. Jordan Reed is making an impact in Washington.

Over the last two weeks, the rookie out of Florida has emerged as one of Robert Griffin's favorite targets. Last Sunday against Chicago, Reed had a career day, registering 9 catches for 134 yards and a touchdown. Over the last three games, the 23-year-old has seen his yardage total increase, and has had more targets in the red zone than his WR counterparts on the team. Reed is now the primary tight end for the Redskins, and could emerge in the second half of the season as a top 10 fantasy player at the position.

5. Injuries and byes will make Week 8 extremely challenging.

There's always one weekend a year where offensive players drop like flies with injuries. Last week was it. Jay Cutler, Reggie Wayne, Arian Foster and Doug Martin all went down, leaving fantasy owners scrabbling. Austin Pettis, Jeremy Kerley, Andy Dalton, Ryan Tannehill, Mike James, Andre Ellington and Zac Stacy are a few guys you could add to your roster to try and offset some of the injuries. Also, with Baltimore, Indianapolis, Houston, San Diego, Tennessee and Chicago all having byes, Week 8 will be the most difficult one to date.

The Underrated 15 For Week 8:

- Quarterbacks

1. Terrelle Pryor
2. Ben Roethlisberger
3. Chad Henne

- Running Backs

1. Chris Ivory
2. Andre Ellington
3. Roy Helu

- Wide Receivers

1. Steve Smith
2. Jeremy Kerley
3. Jarrett Boykin

- Tight Ends

1. Jordan Reed
2. Charles Clay
3. Heath Miller

- Defense/Special Teams

1. Atlanta
2. Green Bay
3. Carolina

*Catch me on Fantasy Football Live every Sunday morning from 8:00 till 9:00 on Sports Radio 560 WNSR Nashville, as well as 95.9 FM, or online @ wnsr.com.