Who Should I Start? Desmond Ridder or Brock Purdy

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.

Monday, February 12, 1:06 AM

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy's best efforts failed to bring the team's first championship in 29 years in Sunday's Super Bowl matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. As the Chiefs sealed the second overtime victory in Super Bowl history, Purdy's night ended at 23 completions of 38 attempts for 255 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions against a tough pass defense. It's hard to say that Purdy had a bad game, but it may be tough to shake his "game manager" tag after this one. He kept his team in the game throughout and led an overtime drive to a field goal, but there were times when his inexperience showed, standing in contrast to Patrick Mahomes' clean game-winning touchdown drive in response. Purdy will look to get his team back for another shot and will most likely be on the QB1/QB2 border this fall in fantasy drafts.