Knowledge is power and the greatest asset you can acquire in order to compete for a fantasy football championship.
Here’s your 2023 preview of the Indianpolis Colts, the 18th of 32 team profiles during draft season:
2023 Fantasy MVP: Anthony Richardson, QB
Richardson’s (ADP: 107) combine performance set the standard going forward for the position. There’s still a lot of work to do with his mechanics, but he appears to be very coachable. Until he figures out how to properly use his rare arm talent, his explosive playmaking abilities alone may keep the Colts above water. He broke 39 tackles on 103 carries last season for 654 yards and nine touchdowns at Florida, and he’s a threat to score from anywhere on the field. New head coach Shane Steichen will put him on the Jalen Hurts development plan. If you on the top tier fantasy QBs, target Richardson and pair him with a high-floor option like Aaron Rodgers (ADP: 99) or Kirk Cousins (ADP: 104).
2023 Fantasy Sleeper: Josh Downs, WR
Downs’ (ADP: 258) size will cause some consternation, but he’s skilled and athletic enough to overcome it. His explosiveness will stress defensive backs at every level of the route tree and he’s slippery after the catch. His father, Gary Downs, was drafted in the third round and played seven seasons in the NFL. His uncle, Dre Bly, was a second-round pick at cornerback and made it 12 seasons. The Colts are at the beginning of the beginning of a rebuild and players like Downs will have an opportunity to become a part of the new foundation.
2023 Fantasy Bust: Michael Pittman, WR
I’m fine with you drafting Pittman (ADP: 80) with the expectations he will provide WR3 production with a few big weeks sprinkled in. Just don’t expect a repeat of 2022. Richardson’s rawness and a run-dominate approach will limit Pittman’s volume in Steichen’s offense this season.
2023 Fantasy Rookie to watch: Evan Hull, RB
Hull (ADP: 217) was the only running back in college football with 50-plus receptions and finished third in the Big Ten in all-purpose yards per game (136.7). If the Colts finally strike a deal to send Jonathan Taylor elsewhere, Hull will likely supplant Zack Moss (ADP: 208) as the primary ball-carrier (outside of Richardson of course).
