Indianapolis Colts DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (knee) playing in Thursday's preseason opener versus the visiting Detroit Lions at MetLife Stadium has yet to be determined, head coach Brian Daboll told reporters at training camp on Tuesday. Although Jones hasn't appeared to be limited by last year's torn ACL in any capacity in practice to begin the year, the Giants may opt to exercise some caution for the first bill of exhibition play on Thursday. If Jones sit outs, Drew Lock figures to draw the start under center for the G-Men, and Tommy Devito would likely play in the second half. Jones is entering a make-or-break season in the Big Apple this fall, and his fantasy appeal to begin the season is relatively muted. In 2023, however, the 27-year-old former first-rounder did rank fourth among eligible signal-callers with 34.3 rushing yards per game.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has looked good during training camp, with JJ Stankevitz of the team's website reporting that the wideout has received plenty of looks from quarterback Anthony Richardson. The 22-year-old had a decent rookie season, finishing with 68 catches for 771 yards and two touchdowns. He also ranked first on the team in missed tackles forced and yards after catch. With that in mind, Michael Pittman Jr. is the team's No. 1 wideout. However, Downs can climb the depth chart if he continues to build chemistry with Richardson heading into Week 1, making him an ideal late-round draft choice for fantasy managers looking to roll the dice.

New York Giants co-owner John Mara says that he doesn't have any regrets about signing quarterback Daniel Jones (knee) last year, even if the team flirted with finding his potential replacement this offseason. Jones, who signed a four-year, $160 million contract last offseason, had two touchdowns and six interceptions while playing just six games because of neck and knee injuries, including a torn ACL in his right knee. The Giants seriously inquired about moving into the top three of this past spring's NFL Draft with their eye on a quarterback, but they'll ultimately kick off the 2024 season with Jones at the helm. While the 27-year-old former first-round pick has gotten the vote of confidence from the front office, he'll need to overcome his shortcomings as a passer to be a viable fantasy option in two-QB leagues this fall. In 2023, Jones did rank fourth at his position with 34.3 rushing yards per game.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce saw his fantasy stock drop after the team selected former Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. However, Mitchell has struggled early in training camp, and Pierce remains ahead of him on the depth chart. As it stands now," James Boyd of The Athletic wrote. "Pierce remains firmly in place as the Colts' third starting receiver." Pierce, a second-round pick out of Cincinnati in 2022, has racked up 73 receptions for 1,107 yards and four touchdowns in his first 33 NFL games. Given the quarterback situation for the Colts since he joined the team, it hasn't been a horrible start, but the franchise likely hopes Mitchell will eventually surpass him in the offense. As the potential No. 3 target in Indianapolis, Pierce has limited fantasy upside and should be considered a late-round best ball flier.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell is struggling to make an impact early in his first NFL training camp, according to James Boyd of the Athletic. "Mitchell has not been the same playmaker he was during the spring when the rookie seemingly made a noteworthy catch every practice." Boyd wrote. "But the second-round pick has been relatively quiet throughout team periods, especially when he's been with the first unit. As it stands now, however, [Alec] Pierce remains firmly in place as the Colts' third starting receiver." While this isn't a promising report, it often takes time for rookie wideouts to transition to the pro game, so it's too early to overreact. That said, the speedster out of Texas will likely have limited fantasy upside in Year 1 while competing for targets with Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Pierce in a potential low-volume passing offense led by quarterback Anthony Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor.