Impact Mariota looks like one of the lesser Week 1 starters around the league, but that doesn't necessarily mean he'll be rapidly unseated by a rookie third-round pick. Then again, Mariota struggled to stay healthy when he was the starter in Tennessee, and that was behind much better O-lines than what the Falcons have fielded in recent years. While an injury or benching is certainly possible, it doesn't look like Ridder has much chance to earn the Week 1 starting job. Still, he'll be one of the players to watch closely this preseason, with his development potentially impacting Atlanta's plans for not only this season but also next year's draft. Mariota, meanwhile, arguably offers more upside for fantasy than real life, as he had at least 252 rushing yards and multiple TDs in each of his first NFL seasons, despite playing in offenses that didn't give him many designed runs. Those designed QB runs haven't been a huge part of Falcons coach Arthur Smith's offenses in the past, but he may reconsider that approach now that he's working with Mariota and Ridder instead of Ryan Tannehill or Matt Ryan.
AUGUST 4, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
