NFL training camps are open, and for millions of people worldwide their fantasy football preparation has begun in earnest. Here at Sports World News we will break down all 32 NFL teams in terms of their fantasy value. Readers will find the must-own players in every format, the sleepers in specific formats, and hidden gems only necessary for those in very deep leagues.
Today's preview will be on the Indianapolis Colts.
Must Own:
Andrew Luck, QB: Luck is arguably atop the list of players one would start an NFL franchise with. In terms of fantasy, however, he's been a very good quarterback and not elite. Part of that is the Colts' stubbornness regarding the running game; head coach Chuck Pagano loves to run the rock and they surrendered a first-round pick for Trent Richardson so he can do just that.
His pass attempts dropped dramatically in 2013, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. His completion percentage rose, his interceptions were cut in half, and his touchdowns remained exactly the same. Now he has Hakeem Nicks to work with, who joins incumbents T.Y. Hilton and Reggie Wayne, so Luck should be in line for even more improvement.
Trent Richardson, RB: In this article I spelled out why Le'Veon Bell will be the next Trent Richardson, and I wasn't being particularly kind. Nor should I have been. Richardson was a first-rounder heading into 2013, and he was very, very bad.
After being traded to the Colts he averaged 2.9 yards per carry and became an afterthought to Donald Brown. Awul.
That said, T-Rich is the clear lead back with very little competition behind him. The Colts are committed to the run, and Richardson is capable of catching passes out of the backfield. His upside as a superstar may never come to fruition, but he'll be a valuable RB2 on volume alone.
T.Y. Hilton, WR: Hilton is a DeSean Jackson-type-small, extremely fast, capable of huge plays. When Wayne went down, Hilton was a capable No.1, finishing the year with 82 catches, over 1,000 yards, and eight touchdowns. He had five or more receptions in 11 of his 16 games last year too, so he's not an all-or-nothing guy either.
In his career, he has 13 touchdowns, eight of which were longer than 30 yards. He's a good source of targets, and even though there's more weapons around him, his role is set.
Hakeem Nicks, WR: Disappointing season last year with no touchdowns, but the Colts offer a much better situation. Luck's a QB upgrade, the line is better, and the running game isn't in shambles. Defenses can't focus on him so he'll see one-on-one, and his athleticism is likely to win out.
Reggie Wayne, WR: Wayne's 35 and coming off a torn ACL, but he's such a good player that he'll be a worthy FLEX anyway. Before getting hurt he was averaging a little over five receptions a game for 71.9 yards so the age isn't worrisome. The knee? Maybe. Only time will tell, but it's not smart to bet against Reggie Wayne.
Sleepers (Best Format):
Ahmad Bradshaw, RB (Standard): Bradshaw won't be a factor if Richardson is playing well. But if he struggles or gets hurt someone needs to line up back there. It will be Bradshaw, who is fine on the goal line and can catch passes.
Coby Fleener, TE (Standard): Dwayne Allen is listed as the starter, but there will be plenty of two-TE sets for both to get action, and I believe in Fleener's connection with Luck dating back to college. He showed flashes of startability last season and that will grow.
Dwayne Allen, TE (Standard): Allen missed virtually all of last year, but he was the starter before Fleener and he should assume that role again to start the season. He might be a more reliable red zone target for Luck, so I see Fleener getting more catches, and Allen more touchdowns.
Deep Finds:
Defense/Special Teams: Robert Mathis is ageless as a pass rusher, Vontae Davis is among the better cornerbacks in the NFL, and several fumbles forced by LaRon Landry wouldn't shock me.
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