These three Indianapolis Colts have the ability to stand out during the 2024-25 NFL season.
The Indianapolis Colts are just over three weeks away from the start of the 2024 NFL season and have a number of playmakers on their roster. Indy’s offense is rife with talent, particularly among its receivers, who should get plenty of targets from second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson. As fantasy football tournaments take off around the country, these three Colts players should be given a chance on every team.
Josh Downs | Wide Receiver
Josh Downs has 68 receptions in nine starts as a rookie and frequently demonstrated his ability, despite playing with a backup quarterback for the most of the season. The 23-year-old slot receiver from North Carolina put together one of the best rookie seasons for Indianapolis receivers. Downs may see a lot of targets off quick slants in his second year in an offense that is willing to run the triple option look as much as possible.
His reception stats will add up, but his speed provides a vertical threat that was matched with Richardson’s arm strength during their little time together in 2023. The Colts have long favored slot receivers, and Downs might be next after horseshoe star T.Y. Hilton left the team two years ago.
.@GVOaant sending it DEEP.
đș: #TENvsIND on CBS
đ±: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/LxW25sxi72 pic.twitter.com/6HxBFiohzv— NFL (@NFL) October 8, 2023
His only setback is a high ankle sprain sustained during practice. If the ailment persists, it may result in nagging snap issues throughout the season.
Anthony Richardson | Quarterback
This is an apparent choice, but I’m here to tell you to take him sooner than you think. Richardson averaged more than 25 points per game in his two full games last season. It’s a small sample size, but there’s potential and plenty of options to choose from.
His ground game is as good as last year, when he scored four touchdowns in four starts. Training camp has revealed that he is still moving as good as he was during his first season, albeit with greater awareness of how to slide in risky situations.
The No. 4 overall pick says I'll do it myself đ€ @GVOaant
đș: #INDvsHOU on FOXâ°đ±: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/FhXtx7w3wW pic.twitter.com/Q51VXDYcry
— NFL (@NFL) September 17, 2023
If the injury bug leaves him alone, Richardson is a viable choice from round three onward. A dangerous long ball and strong legs might propel him into contention for fantasy QB1 this season. Rushing touchdowns and low turnovers may easily lead him to that rank early in 2024.
Adonai Mitchell | Wide Receiver
AD Mitchell’s name has spread over social media as training camp progresses. The second-round rookie could receive plenty early looks, especially if Downs misses the first few weeks.
AD Mitchell on a stutter pic.twitter.com/4k4APsddZf
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) August 15, 2024
Richardson’s exceptional route running and stable hands make him a safe target on multiple levels. Despite not scoring many touchdowns, Mitchell averaged 15.4 yards per carry in his final season at Texas. Playmakers can accumulate points, thus he could be a nice mid-round pick.
If his name appears on the board in the final few rounds, he’s a total steal. The boundless potential is a sufficient justification to keep him on the bench. He might sneak into the flex spot for owners willing to take a chance in the Colts’ Week 1 clash against the Houston Texans.
The Bottom Line
The Colts will present a passing threat that relies on the ground game, so receivers may be a risky bet certain weeks. Regardless, expect Downs and Mitchell to produce some standout plays that will benefit your teams during the season.
Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman, Jr. will also receive a high volume load this season and have plenty of prowess to help their fantasy teams advance to the championship. Downs, Mitchell, and Richardson are players who could fall into your lap, so don’t pass up the chance to sign three underappreciated studs from Indianapolis.