Welcome to the Fantasy Forecast series! We at Dynasty Nerds will be talking about every NFL team and breaking down the players on that team. We will talk about their value for the upcoming season and give dynasty advice on what you should do with that player if so.
Anthony Richardson, QB
One of the most polarizing prospects in all of dynasty football is Richardson, who gave us a brief look at his potential last season. While only appearing in four games, he recorded three games of 17-plus fantasy points (PPR), showcasing his potential 2024 ceiling.
The Indianapolis Colts are hoping for a healthy season for Richardson, who’s built like a power forward but runs like a gazelle. This offense will rely on Richardson to keep everything moving in 2024, a year that could see the Colts factor into the AFC South playoff picture.
Among the 27 projected starting QBs returning in 2024, Anthony Richardson ranked 5th in catchable throw% vs pressure in 2023.
— Jay Robins 🧾mark (@RobinsLucas) July 9, 2024
Top 5:
Dak – 74.5%
Purdy – 65.4%
Lamar – 65.1%
Carr – 64.2%
AR – 63%
Bottom 5:
Bryce – 36.7%
Stafford – 50.7%
Goff – 51.9%
Hurts – 54.9%
Levis – 55% https://t.co/NZjFzuKcX0 pic.twitter.com/zilCp7UgwZ
While in a limited sample size, Richardson put plenty of impressive numbers out there in his rookie season. As long as he can remain healthy, he is comfortably a top-five dynasty quarterback heading into his sophomore season.
With Gardner Minshew signing with the Raiders, Joe Flacco now holds the critical spot as Richardson’s backup. Having only suited up for four games as a rookie, Flacco could see the field again this season.
Running Backs
Jonathan Taylor
A checkered 2023 season for Jonathan ended with a bang, as the former Wisconsin Badger signed a long-term deal, overcame an injury, and earned 32 touches in last season’s finale. Being one of a few running backs to sign for market value, Taylor is again looking for a solid season.
Having finished as the RB33 in the past two seasons, Taylor was the RB1 and RB6 in his first two seasons in the league. Injuries and contract uncertainty limited Taylor to 21 games across the past two seasons, but look for him to put together an entire season in ‘24.
Running behind one of the best offensive line units, Taylor should factor into the overall RB1 discussion this year. Don’t be afraid to make a splash and go after him; he is only 25 years old and pairs exceptionally well with Richardson.
Trey Sermon/Evan Hull
With Zach Moss no longer the RB2, Sermon and Hull will now compete for that opportunity. While neither option is exciting, Taylor’s injury history may make one of these options see the field more than expected.
Sermon is likely the clubhouse leader with more experience, having seen the field across three NFL seasons. While not having done much with 78 total carries, Sermon’s experience stands out.
Hull recorded two touches before suffering a season-ending knee injury last year, giving him an uphill climb to carving out a role.
Wide Receivers
Michael Pittman Jr.
Even with Richardson missing most of the 2023 season, Pittman was the clear-cut WR1 for the Colts. He put up career numbers last season, giving the Colts an easy choice to sign him for another three seasons.
Pulling in 109 receptions, 1,152 yards, and four touchdowns was plenty for the former USC Trojan to lead the team in receiving. However, most of these numbers came with the gunslinger Minshew and not Richarson, so keep that in mind.
If you currently roster Pittman, he carries a lot of value into his age-26 season – if you are okay with a receiver who is allergic to the end zone. Holding WR2 value in dynasty formats, it wouldn’t be the worst idea to look at what you could get for Pittman, coming off the most well-rounded season of his career.
Josh Downs/Alec Pierce
Downs and Pierce held important WR roles last season for Indy, but Downs is a bigger factor. In his rookie season, Downs finished top-10 in receiving yards (771) and receptions (68) for rookies, along with scoring twice.
His 771 yards came in fifth all-time for a rookie wideout in Indy, and he broke Bill Brooks’ 1986 receptions record in a season, so the sky’s the limit for the former UNC product. Expect to see more of Downs for the Colts in ’24, and it wouldn’t hurt to send out an offer.
Adonai Mitchell
Even with three solid options already in-house, the Colts added Texas WR Adonai Mitchell with the 52nd pick in April’s NFL Draft. Bringing 4.3 speed to the table will help get Mitchell onto the field early and often.
only 2 WRs at the combine since 2015 to:
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) March 2, 2024
…run 4.35 or less in the 40
…measure at least 6’2” tall
…at a weight of at least 205
DK Metcalf
Adonai Mitchellpic.twitter.com/gL9Z6xJMb1
While Mitchell was overshadowed by teammate Xavier Worthy pre-draft, Mitchell looks to be the more polished prospect. While some questions exist about his desire to give 100 percent on every play, a back-half, first-round pick in your rookie drafts is a good building block moving forward.
Having to fight with Downs and Pierce to earn playing time, look for Mitchell to make a few impressive plays in training camp to cement himself in the WR pecking order for September.
Tight Ends
Jelani Woods/Mo Allie-Cox/Kylen Granson
The Colts’ tight end position has been without a building block for what seems like forever since Dallas Clark retired. Woods, Alie-Cox, and Granson are back again this year, but with no real order.
Of the three, Woods (25) looks to have the most potential, even though he missed all of last season with hamstring injuries. Allie-Cox could find himself as a cap casualty based on his salary, opening up Woods for more work.
If you want to take a late-round flier at tight end, you could do much worse than adding Woods to your dynasty roster.
