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Taylor Heinicke vs. Desmond Ridder: Who Starts in Falcons Season Finale?

Desmond Ridder could start in the Atlanta Falcons' Week 18 game against the New Orleans Saints if Taylor Heinicke remains injured.

The Atlanta Falcons are playing meaningful football in Week 18, and while their odds are long, there's still a chance that the team can clinch the NFC South and qualify for the playoffs.

The biggest issue plaguing the team throughout the season has been quarterback play, and after making the switch back to Taylor Heinicke from Desmond Ridder two weeks ago, the former struggled mightily in Sunday's loss against the Chicago Bears, completing just 34.5 percent of his passes for 163 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions.

Desmond Ridder Taylor Heinicke

Heinicke was dealing with an ankle injury, and even though he said it didn't contribute to his poor play, he remains questionable for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints, according to coach Arthur Smith.

Per NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the team should know who will start by Friday and will prepare Desmond Ridder in case Heinicke can't go.

Ridder has started 12 games this season, having last played in Week 15's loss against the Carolina Panthers, where the team scored just seven points on the league's worst team.

In a game where the team needs to win, the quarterback needs to be in tip top shape, and if Heinicke isn't, then Ridder will reluctantly be the choice.

The Falcons and Saints are set to kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday inside Caesars Superdome.