As we continue our series on this year’s Atlanta Falcons fantasy prospects, today we’ll be focusing on wide receiver Calvin Ridley. So what can we expect from the team’s new No. 1 receiver in 2021?
In 2020, Ridley posted career bests in targets (137), receptions (90) and yards (1,374). However, his 65 percent catch rate was the lowest of his career. Back in Week 4, Ridley was held without a catch on four targets. For a player projected to go within the first three rounds, it’s crucial that he doesn’t log another game without a reception.
Despite being one of the more sought after weapons in 2020, Ridley failed to meet expectations eight different times. On three of these occasions, Ridley missed his projection by eight or more points. Although, he missed the Falcons’ Week 10 matchup against the Broncos due to an injury and recently said he was banged up for much of the year.
What to expect from Ridley in 2021
ESPN rates Ridley as the NFL’s fifth-best receiver with 279.4 projected points. However, this is down two 2.1 points from last year’s projection and ESPN is also predicting Ridley to get less yards on less targets with a catch percentage of just 63 percent. This would once again be the lowest of his career. Additionally, Ridley is also projected to score just seven touchdowns, lowering his value once more.
On the flip side, Pro Football Focus is very much in favor of the Falcons wideout, projecting a total of 321.3 fantasy points (+39.8 from 2020). Additionally, PFF has Ridley posting a career-high 121 catches on 161 targets (75.2 percent catch rate) for 1,581 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
Ridley’s most favorable matchups
- Week 1: Philadelphia Eagles
- Week 2 / 13: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Week 5: New York jets
- Week 10: Dallas Cowboys
- Week 12: Jacksonville Jaguars
- Week 16: Detroit Lions
Ridley’s least favorable matchups
- Week 4: Washington Football team
- Week 8 / 14: Carolina Panthers
- Week 11: New England Patriots
- Week 17: Buffalo Bills
Final Verdict
Despite his low point total in 2020, Ridley remains a prime receiving target this year on all fantasy draft boards. However, if you wish to have Ridley on your team, you must act quickly. Many experts peg the Falcons pass-catcher as a mid-second-round talent, but his average draft position is in the middle of the third round.
When dealing with a player who is valued this high, his draft spot is more so reliant on the flow of the first round. Running backs are generally more valuable than wide receivers, but never rule out a run on receivers earlier than you anticipate. If you want to pull the trigger on Ridley, your best bet is the middle of the second round.
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