Who Should I Start? Andy Dalton or Desmond Ridder

Monday, September 25, 2:32 PM

Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton completed 34 of his 58 passing attempts for 361 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions in the 27-37 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3. It was an impressive performance for the 35-year-old, who started in the absence of Bryce Young (ankle). Wide receivers Adam Thielen and DJ Chark both racked up at least 86 yards and a touchdown. If Young is out again in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings, Dalton will have upside in another favorable matchup for quarterbacks. However, it's important not to overreact to his big performance. He should not be started over big-name fantasy signal-callers.

Thursday, March 14, 1:30 PM

The Arizona Cardinals are acquiring former starting quarterback Desmond Ridder from the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday, according to a source. Ridder squandered his chance as the full-time starter for the Falcons in 2023 by throwing for 2,836 yards, 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 15 games (13 starts), eventually being benched in favor of Taylor Heinicke. The former third-round pick out of Cincinnati has also lost nine fumbles in 19 games (17 starts) in his two NFL seasons. Atlanta's signing of Kirk Cousins made Ridder expendable, and he'll now make for a solid backup option in Arizona for starter Kyler Murray. The 24-year-old obviously won't be on the fantasy radar in single-year leagues in 2024 now that he's firmly entrenched in a backup role.