Unveiling the Fantasy Football Gem: Drop Calvin Ridley?
Hey there, fantasy football enthusiasts! We're diving into the exciting world of wide receivers today, and we've got a hot topic on the table: should you drop Calvin Ridley from your fantasy roster? Let's break down Ridley's performance, the competition in the Atlanta Falcons' receiving corps, and the potential impact on your fantasy squad. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and drop calvin ridley fantasy football.
Calvin Ridley: A Brief Recap
Before we decide whether to drop Ridley, let's take a stroll down memory lane. Drafted 26th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, Ridley has proven to be a reliable fantasy asset. In his rookie season, he racked up 64 receptions, 821 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns. He followed that up with another impressive season in 2019, catching 93 passes for 1,374 yards and 9 touchdowns.
However, Ridley's 2020 campaign was a bit of a rollercoaster. He missed time due to injury and finished the season with 90 catches, 1,370 yards, and 9 touchdowns. While his numbers were still solid, Ridley's inconsistency and injury concerns may have you considering dropping him.
The Competition in Atlanta
The Falcons have a talented receiving corps, which could limit Ridley's opportunities in 2021. Here's a quick rundown of the competition:
- Julio Jones: The perennial Pro Bowler is still the top dog in Atlanta. Jones has consistently put up elite fantasy numbers and shows no signs of slowing down. - Russell Gage: Gage emerged as a reliable slot receiver in 2020, catching 72 passes for 786 yards and 4 touchdowns. He's a solid PPR option and could cut into Ridley's targets. - Kyle Pitts: The rookie tight end is a matchup nightmare and could see plenty of targets in the red zone. Pitts' presence could limit Ridley's touchdown opportunities.
Ridley's Fantasy Value in 2021
Given the competition in Atlanta and Ridley's injury history, you might be wondering if it's time to drop him. Here are a few things to consider:
- ADP: Ridley's average draft position (ADP) is currently around WR20. That means he's being drafted ahead of players like D.J. Moore, Terry McLaurin, and Michael Pittman Jr. If you've waited this long to draft Ridley, it might be worth considering other options at his current ADP. - Injury History: Ridley has missed games due to injury in each of the past two seasons. If you're in a shallow league or have limited bench space, Ridley's injury risk might be too much to bear. - Opportunity: Ridley's target share has decreased each of the past two seasons. In 2019, he saw a 25% target share; in 2020, that number dropped to 21%. With Jones, Gage, and Pitts all vying for targets, Ridley's opportunity could be limited in 2021.
Alternatives to Dropping Ridley
Before you pull the trigger and drop Ridley, consider these alternatives:
- Trade Him: If you're in a keeper or dynasty league, Ridley's value might never be lower. Explore trade options to see if you can get fair value in return. - Stash Him on Your Bench: If you have the bench space, Ridley could be a valuable stash in case he gets injured or underperforms. You can always cut him later if he doesn't pan out. - Wait and See: If you're in a league with a bench or injured reserve spot, you might be able to afford to wait and see how Ridley performs in the first few weeks of the season. If he looks like a bust, you can always drop him then.
Final Thoughts
So, should you drop Calvin Ridley? The answer depends on your league format, roster construction, and draft strategy. If you've drafted Ridley at his current ADP and are concerned about his injury risk or the competition in Atlanta, it might be time to explore other options.
Remember, the key to fantasy football success is staying flexible and adaptable. Don't be afraid to cut bait on a player who isn't performing or isn't a good fit for your roster. With that in mind, keep an eye on Ridley's situation in Atlanta, and make the best decision for your fantasy squad.
Thanks for joining us, fantasy football fans! Be sure to check back for more insights, analysis, and advice as the 2021 season approaches. Until next time, happy drafting!