Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is coming off an underwhelming 2023 season where he missed time but appears to be all set for the 2024 campaign. He'll start things off on Sunday when the Colts host the Houston Texans in an AFC South clash. Taylor has historically performed great against the Texans, averaging 135.2 yards/per game with eight total touchdowns in the six games played. Taylor is also up for a huge workload, as Indy has used him in year's past. The Texans were a middle of the pack matchup for fantasy RBs last season, allowing the 16th most points to the position. Given that Taylor is fully healthy, has little competition in the backfield, and his history facing the Texans, he is a must-start for fantasy owners this weekend.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is coming off a career season in 2023 where he grabbed 109 catches for 1152 yards and four touchdowns. He'll look to follow up his strong campaign on Sunday when the Colts host the Houston Texans. Pittman was quietly one of the most targeted receivers in football last season, seeing an influx of volume when the team turned to QB Gardner Minshew after QB Anthony Richardson's injury. He's in line for a decent matchup against the Texans, a team that was in the bottom-half of fantasy points allowed to receivers and the bottom-ten of receiving yards allowed last season. While it's unclear how much passing volume the Colts will implement, Pittman will likely be Richardson's No. 1 target and makes him a strong start this week. Fantasy managers should target Pittman as high-end WR2/low-end WR1 this week.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson gears up for his second season in the NFL when the Colts host the Houston Texans on Sunday afternoon. The former Florida Gator is expected to be fully healthy after missing the majority of his rookie campaign with a shoulder injury. All the stars have aligned for Richardson to have a breakout fantasy year with Indy's strong offensive line, quality skill position players, and HC Shane Steichen's play calling. He enters a favorable matchup on Sunday against the Texans, a team that allowed the tenth most fantasy points to QBs as well as the tenth most passing yards last season. The game also provides some shootout potential, furthering the case for Richardson to have a strong fantasy outing. Richardson is a must-start in all formats, and has a shot to finish as the QB1 in Week 1.

Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Gay (hernia) is officially questionable for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. Although he was officially listed as a non-participant in practice all three days this week, head coach Shane Steichen did note that Gay has been doing some kicking. Therefore, with the questionable tag, Indianapolis is leaving the door open for him to play. In the event that he can't suit up, the Colts could choose to elevate Spencer Shrader from the practice squad. Shrader was 4-for-4 on field goals and 2-for-2 on extra points during the preseason. Gay would rank as a low-end K1 option if he does play in the season opener.

ESPN's Dan Graziano writes that Indianapolis Colts second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson is one of the biggest-name QBs coming off injury that is primed for a big year in 2024. There's nothing but upside for Richardson, but he's still learning and will make questionable decisions. Graziano thinks Richardson's pure ability to make plays other QBs can't, combined with head coach Shane Steichen's feel for how to tailor the offense to Richardson's strengths, will result in a breakout season for the 22-year-old in just his second year in the NFL. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that Steichen loves Richardson's ability and football smarts and is ready to maximize his skill set. If Richardson stays healthy, which is a big if, the Colts and fantasy managers that invested in him as a QB1 will be in great shape with a star on their hands.