Open Nav
Players
    Articles
      Shark Bites
        Show Navigation
        Show Menu
        FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

        Ridder ready?

        By Jared Smola | Updated on Tue, Aug 30 2022 11:26 AM UTC
        Desmond Ridder Headshot

        Ted Nguyen of The Athletic believes Falcons rookie QB Desmond Ridder is "mentally ready to handle being an NFL starter." Nguyen calls Ridder "a poised, polished prospect who played in a Cincinnati offense that utilizes many drop back concepts that translate to the pro game." He lauded Ridder's reading of defenses and decisive downfield throws in the preseason. Nguyen also acknowledged that the Falcons "seem set" on starting QB Marcus Mariota in Week 1. And it's worth noting that the veteran finished the preseason with the highest Pro Football Focus passing grade in the league (albeit on just 12 attempts across 15 dropbacks). Unless Mariota has the team surprisingly in contention, though, it would make sense for the Falcons to give Ridder a shot this season to see if he can be the future or if they need to pursue a 1st-round QB next April.

        Jared Smola Author Image
        Jared Smola, Lead Analyst
        Jared has been with Draft Sharks since 2007. He’s now Lead Analyst, heading up the preseason and weekly projections that fuel your Draft War Room and My Team tools. He currently ranks sixth among 158 analysts in draft rankings accuracy.
        12-Team Half PPR Draft Strategy

        12-Team Half PPR Draft Strategy

        10 hours ago

        Don't ruin your fantasy season on draft day. This guide walks you pick-by-pick through the minefield, showing you how to stack value, avoid traps, and build a roster that will wreck your 12-team half PPR league.

        Read More »
        Video: Fantasy TE Rankings, Targets & Busts

        Video: Fantasy TE Rankings, Targets & Busts

        15 hours ago

        Brock Bowers is NOT a good pick in 2025. Why? This episode digs into that, as well as why you should look at George Kittle and who can deliver big upside late in your draft.

        Read More »
        10-Team PPR Draft Strategy

        10-Team PPR Draft Strategy

        12:14am UTC 7/9/25

        In 10-team PPR drafts, every roster is stacked. But yours can still be better. The key is knowing where to hit the gas and where to break from the herd. This guide is how you'll know.

        Read More »
        Compare Plans » Compare Plans »
        THE 2025 ROOKIE GUIDE (V3) IS UPDATED POST-DRAFT!
        80 Prospects • Mock Drafts • Trade Values • Model Scores • Analytics & More