Calvin Ridley Fantasy Football Advice: Russell Gage a Top Replacement Option

In very surprising news, Atlanta Falcons star wide receiver Calvin Ridley will not play in Sunday's NFL Week 8 game against the Carolina Panthers for personal reasons.

After sitting out earlier this year also for personals reasons, Ridley returned in the team's 30-28 game against the Miami Dolphins last week.

This is not only a significant blow to Atlanta's offense, but fantasy football players are also scrambling following the news.

Calvin Ridley Fantasy Football Advice

Prior to news that Ridley won't play, the talented pass-catcher was the 13th-ranked wide receiver in our fantasy football Week 8 rankings.

The Action Network's Samantha Previte broke down the fantasy football implications for Atlanta's key offensive players:

"Ridley being out should be a big boost for Kyle Pitts, who was already a top play this week, as well as Cordarrelle Patterson, who is a high-end RB2 with RB1 upside against the Panthers.

"I also think Russell Gage could be a good, high-upside flex play this week with more targets to go around. Gage found the end zone last week in his return from injury."

According to the latest NFL odds, the Falcons have fallen from -3 vs. the Panthers on Sunday to -2.5 in reaction to the Ridley news, with the over/under now sitting at 46.5.