David Goldman/Related Press
Calvin Ridley’s time is now.
After being just about invisible in Week 1, Ridley caught 4 passes for 64 yards and a landing in Week 2. And he exploded Sunday, with six receptions for 138 yards and three touchdowns by the 12:00 minute mark of the third quarter in opposition to the New Orleans Saints.
Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
.@CalvinRidley1’s consuming good right now (through @AtlantaFalcons) https://t.co/AnW8c6qH0l
ESPN Stats & Data @ESPNStatsInfo
Calvin Ridley is the primary Falcons rookie with three TD catches in a sport and the primary Falcon to take action since Alge Crumpler in 2006. Ridley’s 138 receiving yards are probably the most by a Falcons rookie since 1986 (Floyd Dixon – 146). https://t.co/o2GxVHyWWD
Suffice to say, the Atlanta Falcons have a brand new No. 2 receiver for Matt Ryan behind celebrity Julio Jones.
So, what does Ridley’s outburst imply for his fantasy prospects going ahead and the prospects of Ryan and Jones?
Ridley is right here to remain, people. This is not a fluke—he is a expertise:
Will Brinson @WillBrinson
Calvin Ridley should not be ignored within the Offensive Rookie of the 12 months dialogue. His route working is excellent.
vaughn mcclure @vxmcclure23
Calvin Ridley spent a very good period of time after Thursday’s follow working off Jugs machine engaged on method and kind. Exhibits
vaughn mcclure @vxmcclure23
For this reason everybody was so hyped about Calvin Ridley. 75-yard TD reception from Matt Ryan. And he coasted
NFL Philosophy @NFLosophy
From yesterday. I meant, “With targets, Ridley will produce some large video games.” https://t.co/4Umgbj0Hca
Simply as importantly, he is on a harmful offense that ought to get him high quality touches. That goes a great distance, even for a rookie. If he is nonetheless out there in your league, by all means, exit and get him.
In case you do not, you could remorse it:
Mina Kimes @minakimes
to not be dramatic however I’ll by no means forgive myself for not drafting ridley in each league
Ridley remains to be second within the pecking order behind Jones and may in all probability be thought-about a flex choice till we be taught extra about his function. However 4 touchdowns in two weeks is value your consideration, and Ridley has earned the prospect to start out.
As for Jones, he stays Atlanta’s prime choice within the passing sport, and he’ll proceed to gobble up targets, receptions and yards. However very similar to final season, there are questions on his incapability to attain touchdowns:
Brad Evans @YahooNoise
Julio Jones watching Calvin Ridley pile up the touchdowns … https://t.co/vGtiT2GNm0
Brandon Marianne Lee @BrandonHerFFB
Julio Jones… at all times a bridesmaid, by no means a bride who scored touchdowns OMG I’m tilting… 😢 Effective, Calvin Ridley. From bench to Flex. Per week too late. #FantasyFootball https://t.co/vWAg5CesnQ
It is a concern that Jones has registered simply three receiving touchdowns in his previous 19 video games. It is particularly regarding for Jones’ fantasy house owners that Ridley registered three landing catches in a single sport.
Sure, Jones stays a WR1 due to his excessive quantity of targets and receptions and the yards he posts. However he can be the highest wideout in fantasy if he was posting touchdowns on the charge of his rookie counterpart.
Lastly, there’s Ryan. His sturdy fantasy displaying in Week 2 was a little bit of a mirage, as 12 of his fantasy factors got here from two speeding touchdowns. Pairing it with a powerful outing in Week three is a reminder, nonetheless, that Ryan can nonetheless be a very good choice when he is going effectively.
His inconsistency makes it robust to advocate him as something aside from a high-end QB2, although, particularly since quarterback is the deepest place in fantasy. Nonetheless, he must be rostered in all codecs and in deeper leagues is a participant value beginning in promising matchups.