Who Should I Start? Bailey Zappe or Desmond Ridder

Sunday, January 7, 4:55 PM

New England Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe completed just 12 of 30 passes (40 percent) for 88 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions during Sunday's loss to the New York Jets. He also rushed for 13 yards. Snow and wind contributed to a very shaky game for Zappe, who took over as the Patriots' starting quarterback during the second half of the season. He finishes 2023 having amassed 1,272 passing yards, seven total touchdowns, and nine turnovers. Key questions face the Patriots this offseason, especially at quarterback and head coach. Both Zappe and Mac Jones find themselves on the hot seat as the Patriots, who have clinched a top-three draft pick, could look to select a new signal-caller.

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.