Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was held in check in Week 9 against a stout Vikings rush defense, but Week 10 brings a much more favorable matchup. The Buffalo Bills have allowed the second-most fantasy points to the RB position, and it hasn't just been on the ground. Running backs have scored four receiving TDs against them as well, in addition to the six rushing TDs they've yielded. Taylor is certainly a capable receiver, even receiving a season-high five targets in Week 9 with Joe Flacco under center. Although the 25-year-old missed a few weeks with an ankle injury, when he returned in Week 8, Taylor eclipsed 100-plus rushing and receiving yards for the fourth consecutive week. With Flacco struggling through the air last week and the Bills tougher against the pass, along with the expected absence of WR Michael Pittman Jr., the Colts could lean a bit heavier on the ground game in Week 10, which sets Jonathan Taylor up as a back-end RB1 on Sunday with some upside.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has been one of the lone bright spots on offense regardless of who has been under center for Indy, accruing nine or more targets in five of the seven games he's played and nabbing six or more receptions in four of them. One of those instances came just last week when he hauled in six of nine targets for 60 yards from Joe Flacco, who will once again be quarterbacking his squad in Week 10. While their opponent, the Buffalo Bills, has been good against the pass by allowing the sixth-fewest points to WRs, the Colts will be without Michael Pittman Jr. on Sunday, so Downs should be the unquestioned No.1 receiver. With a 6.58 aDOT, Downs' receptions will likely be of the short variety, but he does offer solid YAC (yards after catch) ability, and as four-point underdogs on their own turf, the Colts could be playing catch-up all game, so Downs should be dependably involved. As such, the 23-year-old is a solid WR2 this week.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco started in place of the struggling Anthony Richardson in Week 9 versus the Vikings, but the veteran QB was unable to get the offense going, completing 16 of 27 passes for 179 yards, no touchdowns, one interception, and a fumble. Finding success in Week 10 could be just as much of an uphill battle, as the Colts take on a tough Buffalo pass defense and Flacco will be down one of his weapons with Michael Pittman Jr. set to miss the game. While Buffalo has been tough on quarterbacks, allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing signal-callers, their rush defense has been gashed for the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. With former Pro Bowl running back Jonathan Taylor in tow, it's all the more reason to lean on the run game. That leaves Flacco as a low-end QB2 in Week 10.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) has officially been ruled out for the Week 10 contest on Sunday versus the visiting Buffalo Bills after missing practice all week, according to head coach Shane Steichen. Pittman has been battling a back injury in recent weeks but hasn't missed any game action until now. He will now look to rest up so that he can hopefully return for a Week 11 clash on the road against the New York Jets. With Pittman now out this weekend, it essentially makes receiver Josh Downs a must-start as quarterback Joe Flacco's likely go-to passing target in a game in which the Colts will likely have to throw often to keep up on the scoreboard. In addition to Downs seeing more targets, the flex-play appeal of both Alec Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell goes up for those in deeper leagues.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) is not practicing on Thursday after logging a "DNP" on Wednesday. The 2020 second-round pick has missed several Wednesday practices before returning on Thursday this year, but his absence two days in a row could suggest he's at real risk of missing Week 10. Fantasy managers should monitor his status on Friday, but he's become an unattractive fantasy option in 2024. The USC alum has scored double-digit half-PPR fantasy points in just three of his nine games this year and totaled just 4.0 fantasy points over the last two weeks. If he plays, it will be against the Buffalo Bills, who have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to wideouts.