The Indianapolis Colts have largely underdelivered on their fans’ preseason hope, but after a big performance from Jonathan Taylor, got in the win column in Week 3. The 1-2 Colts have a tough matchup against an elite defense in the Pittsburgh Steelers, which complicates their star players’ fantasy outlooks.
The Steelers have conceded a league-best 26 points across three games and have been shutting down QBs, RBs and WRs on the way. Can you risk starting Indy’s weapons against Pittsburgh?
Colts QB Fantasy Outlook: Anthony Richardson
Fantasy owners of Anthony Richardson were in good spirits in Week 1, with the QB looking very exciting on the way to his 26.08-point display. However, Richardson has fallen from grace very swiftly, throwing 1 TD against 5 INTs since then. His 13.66 and 5.08-point outings were a real eye-opener and the latter likely cost thousands of managers tight games.
Week 4 is a very bad matchup for Anthony Richardson, and if you are in a small enough league to have a decent backup option you should bench the Colts QB. If you are in a large league you should also consider benching him for a better matchup.
It would be worth looking at some other potential QBs who could step in, and while it sounds crazy, both Sam Darnold and Andy Dalton seem safer options here.
Anthony Richardson’s points range: 5-25; Prediction: 11.5
Colts RB Fantasy Outlook: Jonathan Taylor
There is only one running back on the Colts’ roster that you should be starting in fantasy football and Jonathan Taylor should start regardless of opposition. Yes, the Steelers D is keeping people out of the endzone and forcing punts, and yes, Indy could find themselves behind in a low-scoring game, but still, start Taylor. His upside is unignorable and whatever happens, he will be busy.
Jonathan Taylor’s points range: 5-25; Prediction: 13.5
Colts WR Fantasy Outlooks: Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce & Adonai Mitchell
The Colts have a few WRs who are boom-bust candidates and a game against the Steelers projects to be a low-scoring affair. Michael Pittman Jr. is the WR1 but has not been in form this season, with Richardson not really offering good QB play in the passing game. With 3 games of between 5-7 points (HPPR), starting Pittman is a big risk.
The same goes for Josh Downs, who made his return from injury in Week 3 and recorded 3 catches for 22 yards. Downs should not be started until he breaks out or Richardson shows better chemistry with his receivers.
Alec Pierce was a good pick in the opening two weeks, with touchdowns in both and 125 yards in the season opener. However, his 4.90 points from one catch last Sunday is a concern. He represents a potential flex option in larger leagues.
Meanwhile, speedster Adonai Mitchell may not be NFL-ready just yet, and with Indy’s passing game being very hit-or-miss is a bench stash at the moment. Richardson didn’t deliver the best pass toward him on a deep route in Week 3, which went incomplete rather than potentially resulting in a TD.
Michael Pittman Jr.’s points range: 4-15; Prediction: 6
Alec Pierce’s points range: 4-18; Prediction: 5
Colts TE Fantasy Outlook: Kylen Granson
Kyle Granson is the TE1 in Indy but has only 2 receptions for 49 yards on the year. There are likely better options available than anyone from the Colts TE group in this game.
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