NFL Nation Fantasy Update - Packers slumping; Ridley more involved? - ESPN

We are rapidly approaching the midpoint of the NFL season, and of course there is plenty to discuss in fantasy football.

Each Tuesday and Saturday during the season, ESPN fantasy analyst Eric Moody will ask our NFL Nation reporters the most pressing questions heading into the weekend and what to make of the fallout after games are played. Who is primed for a big performance, who is impacted by injuries, what roles might change? Here's what our crew had to say about some of the biggest storylines heading into the weekend of Week 8.

Daniel Dopp and Field Yates examine Calvin Ridley's fantasy stock after a recent rough stretch.

It depends on how teams line up to defend him. For example, the Saints bracketed him and kept a safety over the top to keep Ridley from beating deep. OC Press Taylor said the Jaguars aren't going to force the ball to Ridley when that's the case. Not having WR Zay Jones (knee) on the other side also has been an issue because there's no other outside threat. Jones won't play again this week and it's supposed to rain in Pittsburgh so don't expect a big game from Ridley against the Steelers. — Michael DiRocco

It's trending toward a Pierce and Singletary committee backfield. Texans' offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik recently said, «It's always something I've wanted to do.» Pierce has significantly more carries this season (97) than Singletary (39), but in the Texans' Week 6 win over the New Orleans Saints, Pierce had 13 for 34 yards, and Singletary had 12 for 58 yards. Expect that to continue throughout the year since Pierce has averaged 2.9 yards per carry and Singletary produces 3.9 yards per carry.

Need a boom or bust candidate for your critical fantasy football matchup? Here are some player outlooks,