Desmond Ridder Fantasy

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder's accuracy was in question after Wednesday's practice at organized team activities, but as The Athletic's Josh Kendall pointed out, it's still very early in the offseason. The knock on Ridder coming out of Cincinnati was his accuracy, so it's certainly something to keep an eye on as he heads into his second NFL season. "He's still young. He's going to go through growing pains," first-year Falcons defensive end Calais Campbell said. Ridder was 26th in 2022 in completion percentage (63.5%) among QBs with 100-plus pass attempts. The 23-year-old has taken on more of a leadership role as the starting QB this offseason. Ridder has clear upside, but he should be drafted as a QB2 in fantasy.

May. 25th • 2:14 PM

The Atlanta Falcons have bolstered their offensive skill positions entering the 2023 season after two years of salary cap issues. Their offense is expected to be more balanced than the run-heavy approach they had last year, with the focus on tight ends Kyle Pitts and Jonnu Smith, wide receiver Drake London and running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. The Falcons are setting up second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder for success with a plethora of options around him on offense. Aside from Smith, Mack Hollins, Scotty Miller and Cordarrelle Patterson, all of the players are still on rookie contracts as well. Ridder acquitted himself well in his rookie season when he took over as the starter late in the year, and he has the weapons to take another leap forward in 2023.

May. 4th • 11:50 AM

Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said on Tuesday that second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder will begin the 2023 season as the team's starter under center. "The plan is to start Desmond," Smith said. "That's our plan going forward right now." The Falcons drafted Ridder in the third round last year, and he spent the first 13 games backing up veteran Marcus Mariota. The 23-year-old then started the final four games of the season and completed 73 of his 115 passes for 708 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. The team was encouraged by Ridder's progress, and he'll begin 2023 as the starter, even though Atlanta signed Taylor Heinicke in free agency. Ridder will need to keep improving to hold off Heinicke this season, and he should be considered a QB2 with upside in his first full season as the starter.

Mar. 29th • 2:24 PM