Indianapolis

Colts

Mitchell got plenty of opportunities via both routes and targets but failed to come down with the big one, unlike teammate Alec Pierce who amassed 125 yards on three grabs. It wasn’t for a lack of the Colts trying to get Mitchell involved though. He had a near-miss on a heave from Anthony Richardson that was inches from his extended arms. Had he come down with the long ball, his stat line would look far more optimistic. Pierce and Mitchell could ping-pong spike weeks going forward as Richardson is both willing and capable of throwing bombs. Mitchell is a zero-floor FLEX play heading into his Week 2 game against the Packers.

Alie-Cox was platooned with Kylen Granson, who also saw just one target. Even with Jelani Woods out of the picture because of a toe injury, the Colts don’t appear to have a fantasy-relevant tight end. Fantasy managers can ignore this position group until something changes.

Pierce was a terrible fit for Gardner Minshew’s checkdown-heavy approach in 2023 but instantly meshed with Anthony Richardson and his cannon of an arm. Pierce’s first grab was a 60-yard gem from Richardson for a touchdown and he reeled in another catch of over 50 yards late in the game. Though this won’t be the norm for Pierce, it’s a great sign for the Colts’ offense that he was able to hit the ground running. Pierce will be too volatile for fantasy managers to count on in Week 2, but DFS players should be comfortable gambling on Pierce in Richardson stacks.

The stylistic shift in the Colts’ offense was on full display in Week 1. Anthony Richardson completed three passes of over 50 yards, none of which were connections with Pittman. The good news is that Pittman was still the top target-earner for the Colts by a wide margin. His eight targets were good for a 42 percent target share. The Colts only threw 19 passes, depressing the volume for everyone. Pittman may be capped at WR2 numbers in this new version of the Colts’ passing attack, but better days should be ahead for the veteran receiver. He and the Colts get the Packers in Week 2.

On the bright side, Taylor punched a short score from five yards out to keep his fantasy backers afloat. He was also the only Colts running back to see even a single touch. On the other hand, Anthony Richardson stole a short touchdown from him and did not target him once in the passing game. Both things were concerns for Taylor’s outlook heading into the season. Still, the touch domination will be enough to keep Taylor on the RB1 periphery for Week 2. He should see more work as a heavy favorite over the Jordan Love-less Packers.

The thesis of the play with Richardson was always for the big man to chuck the rock. The thesis, as it turns out, was correct. Richardson’s first touchdown of the day came on Indy’s second drive. He was under heavy pressure from the Texans’ pass-rush but uncorked a missile to Alec Pierce for a 60-yard score. He found Ashton Dulin for a 54-yard score later in the game and connected with Alec Pierce once more for 57 yards. The lone blemish in his box score, the interception, was the result of tight end Kylen Granson slipping at the top of his route just as the pass flew by him. Had he stayed upright, it would have likely resulted in another chunk play. Richardson put on a masterclass in deep throwing while also getting it done on the ground, including a fourth-down scramble to extend the game late in the final frame. Richardson looks right at home as a top-five fantasy quarterback ahead of his Week 2 game against the Packers.

Gay was listed as questionable for Week 1 because of a hernia but didn’t practice all week. Practice squad kicker Spencer Shrader will take his place in the lineup. Fantasy managers can look elsewhere for their kicker points this week.

The Colts’ starting kicker Matt Gay has missed practice all week due to a hernia. That puts Shrader in line for his first career start in the Colts’ Week 1 matchup with the Texans. While that matchup carries one of the higher totals of the week and Shrader will be kicking indoors, using a kicker with more experience is the practical move for fantasy managers setting lineups in Week 1.

It sounds like Gay is headed for a questionable tag once the Colts release their final injury report. Gay hasn’t been listed as a participant in practice this week but Steichen told reporters he did kick some this week. If he can’t go, practice squad kicker Spencer Shrader will get the nod. Shrader went 43-of-63 on his field goal attempts in college. This situation is one to avoid for fantasy managers.

Downs suffered an ankle injury early in training camp and has been sidelined ever since. Both head coach Shane Steichen and Downs himself have been optimistic about him returning soon, so we could see the second-year wideout back in action as early as Indy’s Week 2 matchup with the Packers. For now, rookie Adonai Mitchell will approach a full-time role for the Colts, making him a clear stash in any fantasy leagues where he went undrafted.