Indianapolis Colts DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is set to exploit a favorable matchup in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings, who ranked 24th in defense against the pass in 2023, allowed an average of 234 passing yards and over 21.3 points per game. This sets the stage for Jones to build on his dual-threat success from 2022. Despite a challenging 2023 season due to injuries, Jones is now healthy and ready to return to fantasy relevance. With the Vikings' secondary still in question, Jones could capitalize on their weaknesses, offering fantasy managers a reliable QB2 option this week.

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.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen has officially ruled wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) out for the Week 1 regular season contest on Sunday versus the division-rival Houston Texans. Things had been trending this way all week as Downs was unable to practice due to a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in August. The 23-year-old worked off to the side in practices this week, though, and appears to be getting close to a return, so it's possible he may be able to make his 2024 debut in Week 2 at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. With Downs officially out this weekend, it will make both rookie Adonai Mitchell and Alec Pierce a bit more attractive as DFS sleepers behind WR1 Michael Pittman Jr. The 21-year-old Mitchell was selected with the 52nd overall pick back in April in the second round. He has the ability to line up inside or outside and should give fantasy managers a bit more upside than Pierce.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) was seen doing individual work on Friday but did not participate in practice, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. The 23-year-old expressed on Wednesday that he feels "real close to returning." While he has not officially been ruled out for the season opener on Sunday, it is not promising that he did not participate in team practices during the week. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to any further updates regarding Downs' status as we approach the weekend. Downs enjoyed a nice rookie season as he caught 68 passes for 771 yards and two scores. If Downs happens to suit up for the season opener, he should be considered a low-end flex play in most leagues as he will compete for targets with Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie Adonai Mitchell.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) said he ran some routes on Wednesday and calls himself "real close" to returning. Downs isn't ruling himself out for Sunday's Week 1 regular-season opener against the division-rival Houston Texans despite suffering a high-ankle sprain in training camp. The 23-year-old didn't practice on Wednesday and wasn't seen on the practice field on Thursday, so he'll need to at least be limited on Friday to have a shot at suiting up this weekend. As of right now, he looks to be on the wrong side of questionable, so fantasy managers in deeper leagues should be looking in another direction if they were planning on using Downs in their starting lineups. If Downs misses the season opener on Sunday, rookie Adonai Mitchell and Alec Pierce will be more intriguing DFS plays as starting wideouts alongside WR1 Michael Pittman Jr.UPDATE: Downs officially didn't practice on Thursday.