Week 4 vs Washington
Calvin Ridley is still Matt Ryan's favorite target. Another 11 targets against the Giants and 29 for the season. He has at least 50 yards and five catches in every game so far in 2021. No reason to shy away from him now.
Week 3 at Giants
As Atlanta's offense goes, so does Calvin Ridley. He caught his first touchdown pass of the season and had his first double-digit target day against the Buccaneers. As long as Matt Ryan is allowed to continue throwing the football, Ridley is going to be fed targets, giving him all the opportunity in the world. He's a top ten receiver this week, especially after seeing what Terry McLaurin did to the Giants in Week 2 (11-107-1).
Week 2 at Buccaneers
Calvin Ridley's 2021 start was a far cry from his 2020 start (9/130/2). Still, he ties for the team lead with eight targets. There shouldn't be any concern going forward with Ridley. Matt Ryan will find him. Plus, Tampa allowed two 100-yard receivers in Week 1. Ridley should be excited for Sunday to turn things around, especially if he can come close to his Week 15 performance from last season of 10/163/1 on 14 targets.
Week 1 vs Eagles
What will Calvin Ridley do for an encore of his epic 2020 season? It begins against an Eagles team that allowed him to eclipse over 100 yards receiving with a touchdown in the teams' last meeting in 2019. He'll likely draw Darius Slay, who certainly had his moments (and not in a good way) in 2020 (remember DK Metcalf against him last season?) Ridley is a top-five receiver for us this week.
Fantasy Upside
Calvin Ridley was expected to have his breakout season in 2020. He did that and then some. 90 catches, 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns. And that was with a limited Julio Jones in the lineup. Ridley is now the main attraction in Atlanta with Jones now in Tennessee. Those numbers could go even higher in 2021. He has a strong case to be the second receiver drafted after Tyreek Hill.
Fantasy Downside
It's honestly difficult to find a downside in Ridley's outlook. Even with Kyle Pitts now in the mix, Ridley will be getting fed the ball.
2021 Bottom Line
Ridley will be a second-round pick that may very well play his way into first-round status in 2022. Even our John Paulsen believes Ridley can crack 1,500 receiving yards. Draft him with confidence.
Week 17 vs Buccaneers
Calvin Ridley is finishing up a career year and helped carry fantasy owners to a championship. If you're still playing in Week 17, Ridley is working on four straight 100-yard games, including 163 yards and a touchdown in Week 15 against the Bucs. Julio Jones will be out again, so Ridley gets one more chance to shine this season. He's our No. 2 wide receiver this week.
Week 16 vs Chiefs
Ridley has been carrying fantasy owners to a fantasy championship with three straight 100-yard games, and now, for many, they are just one step away from holding that trophy thanks to Ridley. He's been one of the best receivers this season and faces a defense that has allowed touchdowns to Tim Patrick and Lil'Jordan Humphrey in the last three weeks. Ride Calvin to a championship.
Week 15 vs Buccaneers
It's been back to back 100-yard games for Calvin Ridley with touchdowns in two of his last three games. Ridley is firing on all cylinders at the right time and faces a Tampa Bay team that has allowed three receivers to top 100 yards in their last three games, including Tyreek Hill's incredible 269-yard day. Ridley could help push his owners into the fantasy championship next week.
Week 14 vs Chargers
Week 13 was another solid PPR day for Ridley and it was his first ten-target, 100-yard game since Week 4. He's reached double-digit points in PPR in all but two games that he played in. With Julio Jones back in the lineup, Ridley should continue to be freed up. He's a top-five option at receiver and should help give you a push to advance in your playoffs.
Update: Ridley will now not have Julio Jones with him. Jones has been ruled out for Week 14.
Week 13 vs Saints
In two games since the bye week, Ridley is averaging nine targets, 5.5 catches and 70 yards with a touchdown in last week's laugher against the Raiders. That includes 90 yards two weeks ago against the Saints, which marked three out of his last four games against the Saints with at least 90 yards. And it's looking like another week without his running mate, Julio Jones.
