Stop using past performance to evaluate fantasy players. Start using the future. Each week, numberFire will provide updated projections for future fantasy points through Week 17. To go with the numbers, Field Yates will provide analysis on what the numbers reveal. Fantasy players have a new resource to evaluate trades and roster moves: The Fantasy Future Rankings.
Few running backs are hotter right now than the Patriots' Stevan Ridley, who has six touchdowns over his past four games. On Sunday, Ridley earned his first start since Week 4 and finished with 115 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a blowout win over the Steelers.
Yet, with seemingly an abundance of positive momentum generated by his recent play, Ridley ranks only 27th in numberFire's TPS (Total Player Score) rankings among running backs for the rest of the season.
Just when Ridley seems to get on track, the projection puts him on the level of a running back who isn't even a must-start in standard 10-team leagues.
Why the tepid outlook for Ridley?
Let's consider a few factors.
For starters, Ridley has just seven games remaining on his schedule, as the Patriots have their bye this Sunday. While other running backs may not be as productive on a per-game basis as Ridley for the rest of the season, those who have already been on their bye have one more opportunity to produce for your lineup.
Additionally, now that we have a full half-season to accurately assess matchups, Ridley's down-the-stretch schedule presents some tough tests.