Calvin Ridley has surprisingly been ruled out for the Falcons' game against the Jets in London in Week 5. Ridley was a hot name at WR heading into this season, so his absence will affect fantasy WR rankings and start 'em, sit 'em decisions in every league. Some of you will now be tasked with finding a replacement for Ridley, so it's time to find some value in free agency if you missed out during this week's waiver period.
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Why is Calvin Ridley out for Week 5?
We're not sure why Ridley isn't going to make the trip to London, as the only cause given is a "personal matter." We won't speculate on that and we wish him well, but as fantasy owners, it's time to look at some replacement options in his absence.
WEEK 5 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
From within the Falcons' roster, Russell Gage (ankle) will miss his third straight game. That leaves Olamide Zaccheaus, Tajae Sharpe, and Christian Blake as the starting WRs in Atlanta. Of course, Cordarrelle Patterson and Kyle Pitts are there, too, and they might just lead the team in targets against the Jets. Overall, this isn't a recipe for fantasy success. The Jets' pass defense is better than people think, and the Falons' offensive line is awful and will face a stacked box without the threat of Ridley. However, someone has to be targeted, and the pecking order is likely to be some combination of Pitts, Patterson, and Zaccheaus with Sharpe and Blake picking up the scraps.
WEEK 5 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
The best option is probably to look for a streamer on a different team. The waiver period is over, but some WRs we identified in our Week 5 waiver pickups are still probably available in your league. Randall Cobb, A.J. Green, Josh Reynolds, and Kadarius Toney are some of the top guys we mentioned, among others.
WEEK 5 FANTASY: Sleepers | Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em
Let this be a lesson that anyone can have an unexpected absence at any point, so always be prepared with backup plans at every position.