Indianapolis Colts Team Preview 25-26

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  • By Anthony Quaranta

    Last Updated on June 17, 2025 1:08 pm by André Lemos | Published: June 6, 2025

     

    Shane Steichen and the Colts’ passing offense just couldn’t get it going with former fourth overall pick Anthony Richardson and veteran signal caller Joe Flacco at the helm last season. It was a bit shocking to see the team pull the plug on Richardson so early in the year because it was known he was a project that needed playing time to develop. Fast-forward to this past offseason, and the Colts went out and signed New York Giants cast off Daniel Jones to provide some competition in the room. The weapons are there on offense, with veterans Michael Pittman and Josh Downs, deep threat Alec Pierce, and first round tight end Tyler Warren. They just need someone to get them the ball. It’s a bit bold to think that either of the QB options will be able to lead a high volume passing offense, so look for them to once again rely on the rushing attack. Last season Indianapolis ranked 8th in rushing yards per game, but just 22nd in passing. Jonathan Taylor will continue to be a top-12 running back for fantasy when healthy, but expect whichever quarterback is in to steal some production on the ground. It feels like the coaching staff is on the hot seat, and if they believed in Anthony Richardson, they wouldn’t have benched him last year after just a handful of NFL starts. Just like it was in 2024, it’s poised to feel hard to trust any part of this passing attack.

    Player most likely to beat ADP: QB Daniel Jones (ADP 218, QB35)

    It’s not surprising to see Jones going undrafted: he hasn’t had too much production for fantasy and may not even be the guy. I am here to tell you the opposite: Jones will be the Week 1 starter, and it’s not because he’s good – Richardson is just that bad. His 47.7% completion rate is better than just four QB’s who attempted a pass. The players below him? Jake Haener, Sam Howell, and Mike White. These three guys attempted a total of 64 passes, which is exactly 200 less than AR’s 264. Jones’ 63.3% completion rate is much more palatable and even comparable to above average starters like CJ Stroud (63.2%), Jordan Love (63.1%), and the almighty Josh Allen (63.6%). Although definitely inferior to Richardson, Jones has plenty of rushing upside, highlighted by his 2022 effort which was good enough for 708 yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground. Most importantly, especially for a coach on the hot seat, Jones has plenty of experience starting NFL games and having some success doing so. I presume that each passer will see some playing time, but I truly believe that Jones will get the nod.

    Player most likely to fade based on ADP: TE Tyler Warren (ADP 117, TE10)

    Warren landed in a spot where he should slot in as the starter immediately without much competition behind him. His blocking has been considered a strength of his, which will definitely keep him on the field early. That doesn’t always bode well for tight end success, especially on an offense that has a nice group of receivers and one of the worst passing QB rooms in the league. Warren may block more than we’d like this season to with the focus being on getting the receivers the ball in space. It typically takes tight ends some time to adjust to life in the NFL compared to college. The current price of TE10 feels like paying for his ceiling, which isn’t something I’m willing to do.


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    June 6, 2025, 11:30 am