Over the next few weeks, we will ask our staff a single question on a variety of topics ranging from a huge news event to a tough fantasy decision or player evaluation.
Last time, we looked at Jalen Hurts.
If you like this format, come back for another Question of the Day. Today, we look at a pair of Jaguars receivers.
Here's the question we asked our staff.
Will Christian Kirk or Calvin Ridley be notably better than the other? If so, who and how much better? If not, why not?
And here's the quick answer:
- Ridley Notably Better - 4
- Not Much Difference - 5
- Kirk Notably Better - 3
So despite Ridley's higher average draft position, we don't see a big difference between these receivers.
And here are the full answers.
Sam Wagman: I don't think either will be notably better than the other this season. First off, we have to remember Kirk's familiarity with this system. Having played in it for a full season will trump Ridley at this point, and it does take time generally for a QB and WR to fully get on the same page. Secondly, there could easily be some game rust on Ridley's part, at least early in the season, that can hamper him. Quite possibly most important, though, is the opinion that Kirk and Ridley will be playing two different roles the majority of the time, so their playing time really shouldn't affect each other. I have both ranked just inside the top-20 WRs this season and see both playing a large role in the Jaguars' offense.
Jason Wood: I currently project Christian Kirk as WR22 and Calvin Ridley as WR30 in 0.5 PPR formats. I expect both to cross the 100-target mark this year easily and have big games, and both should be usable in 12-team formats. Considering there's only a 20-point difference between the two, it shouldn't surprise anyone if the year-end rankings are flipped. Kirk has been consistently productive and perennially underrated, while Ridley had one truly elite season in Atlanta, marred by a forgettable career otherwise. If Ridley can recapture his pre-injury, pre-suspension form, he has a higher ceiling, which is to say he could put up a top-12 season. Since Ridley's ADP is significantly earlier than Kirk, but I have Kirk ranked higher, I'm far more likely to draft Kirk.
Daniel Harms: Ridley and Kirk will finish 2023 much closer than many expect. Kirk had 133 targets last season and will also be a beneficiary of Ridley’s arrival in Jacksonville. Both should receive over 100 targets this season, and the combination of Pederson and Lawrence will threaten for a top-5 offense in the NFL. Kirk’s presence in the offense was underrated by many last season but finished as wide receiver 12 in PPR scoring. The Jaguars defense was a bottom-7 unit last year and didn’t add any help this offseason. There’s a good chance they could throw the ball even more than last season. Ridley and Kirk will both finish inside the top 24 wide receivers this season.
Ben Cummins: I don't see a noticeable difference between the two. Calvin Ridley is the projected favorite to score more fantasy points, but it's important to remember he's played five NFL games in two years. Meanwhile, Christian Kirk just caught 84 passes for 1,108 yards and 8 touchdowns from Trevor Lawrence just last season. Ridley is very talented but Kirk is a special player in his own right.
Jeff Haseley: Am I the only one who thinks Calvin Ridley will far and away be a more productive receiver than Christian Kirk this season? I am confident in Ridley's ability to prove himself as one of the best wide receivers in the league. Even while battling foot pain, he finished 4th in PPR scoring in his last full season. Now that he is healthy and motivated, he has the potential to earn a top 5 spot, which would be an obvious surpass of Christian Kirk on the team. Furthermore, Ridley is determined to secure a lucrative contract in 2024 as an unrestricted free agent. The stars are aligned for Ridley to have a career year.
