Is Desmond Ridder The Falcons Starting Quarterback? Fantasy Football Outlook

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder was the 74th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Ridder had a productive college career, completing 62.1% of his pass attempts for 10,239 yards and 87 touchdowns in four years at Cincinnati. He also had 501 rushing attempts for 2,190 yards and 28 touchdowns in college.

However, the former Bearcat star didn’t play much as a rookie. He sat behind Marcus Mariota for the first 12 games last year. Yet, Ridder was solid once given a chance to start. The rookie completed 62.5% of his pass attempts for 708 yards and two touchdowns in four games.

After not throwing an interception in his rookie year, some believed Ridder would take a step forward in his development this year. The former Bearcat completed 62.5% of his pass attempts for 533 yards and two touchdowns, compared to one interception over the first three weeks.

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Is Desmond Ridder The Falcons Starting Quarterback?

Unfortunately, the second-year quarterback struggled in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He completed 61.3% of his pass attempts for only 191 yards and a touchdown, scoring 6.24 fantasy points in the loss.

Despite his poor play last week, head coach Arthur Smith said Ridder would remain the starting quarterback. However, many have called for the team to replace the second-year quarterback after eight career starts with career journeyman Taylor Heinicke.

Should I Start Desmond Ridder In Week 5?

After throwing zero interceptions as a rookie, Ridder has three this year. He threw two last week against the Jaguars, including one returned for a touchdown.

While the Falcons are sticking with the young quarterback, fantasy players can find a better streaming option in Week 5. Atlanta has an awful fantasy matchup for Ridder. The Houston Texans have held quarterbacks to only two passing touchdowns and 13.6 fantasy points per game this season.

Instead, fantasy players should target Sam Howell off the waiver wire. Last week, he completed 70.7% of his pass attempts, a season-high, for nearly 300 yards and 20 fantasy points. Meanwhile, he faces the Chicago Bears this week. They have given up three passing touchdowns and at least 22.2 fantasy points in all but one game to quarterbacks this year.

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