Desmond Ridder Fantasy

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder could find himself under center moving ahead. "There's a lot that we need to make sure we get in there and evaluate fairly objectively," said head coach Arthur Smith, speaking after the team's Week 13 loss to Pittsburgh. "Everything's on the table." The Falcons are sitting just one game out of first place in the NFC South. As a result, it may not be the right time to replace Marcus Mariota with the inexperienced Ridder. The rookie hasn't seen a regular-season snap as a professional, so it's unknown how much fantasy managers will benefit by adding him to the roster. That said, Atlanta has a bye in Week 14, so there may not be an update anytime soon.

Dec. 4th • 9:41 PM

Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder got the bulk of the work in the preseason and went 34-for-56 for 431 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Head coach Arthur Smith coached Ridder so hard throughout the process that it's clear the team is trying to get him ready for at least some action in his rookie campaign. Veteran Marcus Mariota will enter the regular season as the starter in his eighth NFL season, but if things go south at some point, Ridder could get his chance. The 22-year-old rookie can be ignored in single-QB leagues, but he's a realistic stash in single-year superflex leagues with a good chance of seeing action in 2022.

Aug. 29th • 12:49 PM

Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder completed 10 of 13 passes for 143 yards in Monday night's 24-16 loss against the Jets. After throwing the game-winning touchdown in the first preseason game, Ridder was sharp and accurate against the Jets. While he had 59 rushing yards on six rushing attempts in the first preseason game, Ridder didn't have a rushing attempt in the second preseason game. Marcus Mariota will start the regular season opener against the New Orleans Saints, but it seems like only a matter of time until the Falcons hand over the starting job to Ridder. However, Ridder isn't draftable in single-QB redraft leagues and is a late-round target in superflex or two-quarterback leagues.

Aug. 22nd • 11:18 PM