Indianapolis Colts DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

According to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, quarterback Daniel Jones could return to the Minnesota Vikings for the 2025 season. While Lewis noted that Jones is expected to test free agency, he could be a part of Minnesota's plans if Sam Darnold were to depart. This would present an opportunity for Jones to operate as the No. 2 option behind J.J. McCarthy (knee). McCarthy missed the entire 2024 season after he tore his meniscus during the preseason. Jones opened the 2024 campaign with the New York Giants but was released after Week 10. During this 10-game stint, Jones scored 10 touchdowns, threw seven interceptions, and averaged a mere 207.5 passing yards per game. The 27-year-old operated as the No. 3 QB while with the Vikings. Given his struggles this season, Jones will likely operate as a backup throughout most of the 2025 campaign, if not for the rest of his career.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, the fourth overall pick in 2023, dealt with more injuries in his second NFL season in 2024 and did nothing to solidify himself as the long-term franchise QB in Indy. Richardson regressed as a passer, with his completion percentage dropping more than 11% points from his rookie year. In addition, his interceptions went up and there were questions about his off-field preparation, which led to a two-game benching in the middle of the year. The good news is that Richardson is healthy this offseason after missing the last two games of the year with a back injury, and he's already resumed throwing. His work this offseason with include refining his throws and throwing with more touch. Richardson will also be focusing on overall technique and plans to work with biometric expert Chris Hess. If Richardson can stay healthy and improves his footwork and throwing mechanics, he absolutely has QB1 upside in fantasy.

The Minnesota Vikings were reportedly considering elevating quarterback Daniel Jones to No. 2 QB duties for their wild-card playoff matchup on Monday against the Los Angeles Rams behind starter Sam Darnold, but Jones is officially inactive as the emergency third QB. Veteran Nick Mullens would be forced into action for the Vikes on Monday night if anything were to happen to Darnold. The 27-year-old Jones was cut by the New York Giants earlier this year and latched onto the Vikings' practice squad in late November, but he wasn't signed to Minnesota's active 53-man roster until last Tuesday. Jones will only be allowed to enter Monday's playoff game against the Rams in Arizona if both Darnold and Mullens are forced to exit due to injuries. Perhaps if the Vikings advance to the Divisional Round next weekend, Jones might leapfrog Mullens on the QB depth chart.

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said that wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) will not require surgery for the fractured back that he played through late in the 2024 season. "One tough dude. Example of what you want," Ballard said. It's a testament to Pittman's toughness that he missed just one game due to his back injury. But the 27-year-old's back issues and inconsistent play from the quarterback position in Indianapolis in 2024 led to Pittman posting only 808 receiving yards -- his fewest since his rookie season in 2020 -- to go with 69 receptions (also his lowest mark since 2020) and only three touchdowns in 16 games. Better health will give him a chance to rebound in 2025, but his overall upside might be dependent on quarterback Anthony Richardson's health and his ability to improve as a passer.

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said the team will add competition to the quarterback room in 2025, in part because Anthony Richardson (back) hasn't been able to stay healthy for a full season yet early on in his career. In addition to injury issues, Richardson's accuracy concerns continue to be a problem. "We knew when we took him it was going to be a roller coaster," Ballard said of Richardson. "The number one thing we have to figure out and have to work through is he's got to stay healthy. That, to me, is the biggest question. We have to have competition at the position because competition makes you better and because he's not proven he can stay healthy for 17 games," Ballard said. The 22-year-old has started 15 of a possible 34 games in his first two NFL seasons. While his rushing ability is top tier, Richardson needs to stay healthy and improve as a passer to maintain his starting role in Indy.