Daniel Jones Joins the Colts: What It Means for Indy’s QB Battle and Fantasy Football
In a surprising move, Daniel Jones has signed with the Indianapolis Colts, setting the stage for an intriguing quarterback competition with Anthony Richardson. While Richardson has shown flashes of brilliance, including his deep-ball potential and chemistry with rookie receiver Josh Downs, his struggles with consistency in passing and injuries have kept him from fully locking down the starting role. This opens the door for Jones, who, after a rollercoaster few seasons with the New York Giants, is now looking for a fresh start.
For fantasy football managers, this change could have a significant impact on both the Colts’ offense and the value of key players. If Jones emerges as the starting quarterback, it could provide a substantial boost to Michael Pittman Jr.’s fantasy stock. With Richardson at the helm, Pittman has had to battle for consistency, as Richardson’s deep-ball accuracy and focus on connecting with Josh Downs have left Pittman with underwhelming numbers. However, Jones, who is known for his steady playmaking and ability to facilitate the offense, could open up more opportunities for Pittman to thrive as a top target in the passing game.
This shift also presents an opportunity for fantasy managers in dynasty leagues to consider Daniel Jones as a potential “buy low” option. With the competition for the starting job in Indianapolis and Jones’ opportunity to prove himself once again, he could be a sneaky value, particularly if he secures the role and brings stability to the Colts’ passing attack.
If Jones takes the reins and becomes the starter, fantasy owners can expect more balanced offensive play in Indianapolis, likely improving the overall fantasy potential of players like Pittman and even Jonathan Taylor. On the flip side, if Richardson wins the job, his dual-threat ability could still provide value for fantasy teams—just not at the same level of consistency as a traditional pocket passer like Jones.
Ultimately, the Daniel Jones signing in Indianapolis introduces an exciting, healthy competition for the starting QB spot, with big implications for fantasy football managers looking to capitalize on any shifting dynamics in the Colts’ offense.
Author: Sagar (@FantasyBallQAs)
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G-men starting wild card Tommy DeVito vs. the Bucs
The Giants face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 12 fresh off a Bye and after benching $160M quarterback Daniel Jones. Head coach Brian Daboll has named Tommy DeVito the starter, passing over Drew Lock. DeVito played in eight games last season, making six starts. He threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns against the Commanders in Week 11 of 2023. Apart from that, DeVito never topped 200 yards passing, and threw just five other touchdown passes total. Fantasy gamers should not expect an upgrade in the Giants offense with DeVito replacing Jones.
The team faces a Tampa defense that is bottom-half against the run, but even more ineffective against the pass. The Bucs are currently last in the league in Success Rate allowed on opponents’ dropbacks: a soft matchup for DeVito and the Giants’ pass catchers. The G-men will also likely be in a negative Game Script against a Tampa offense that has been in the top quarter of the league this season and getting Mike Evans back. The Giants are used to negative scripts this season (-5.26, No. 27), and are No. 6 in team pass attempts per game with 38.0.
That said, the only auto-start in the pass game is rookie sensation Malik Nabers. Wan’Dale Robinson is flex-ible in PPR leagues as a Bye week fill-in – 8.4 targets per game, but just 394 (No. 50) receiving yards. Fantasy gamers may want to pass up starting Robinson with the uncertainty of the QB situation. Tyrone Tracy Jr. is a startable RB2 against a Bucs run D that is No. 26 in RB fantasy points against. Tommy DeVito is a wild card as a fantasy QB producer, startable only as a desperation bye week sub-in.
– Joel Ybarra, @metaffb
Fifth year starting QB benched, possibly for good
The Giants are benching Daniel Jones for their upcoming Week 12 bout versus the Buccaneers, and most likely for the remainder of the season. The former No. 6 overall pick (2019) was coming off a two-interception game against the Carolina Panthers in Week 10 before the team’s Bye this past week.
The Giants are 2-8, having lost their last game to the lowly Carolina Panthers (3-7) in overtime. Jones has thrown only eight touchdowns on the season to seven interceptions, and has an injury guarantee that kicks in if he is injured and cannot pass a physical by March of 2025. The team is not in contention and if Jones was injured during play, it would cost the Giants an extra $23M in dead cap if they released him. That means Daniel Jones’ time with the Giants is likely done. Tom Pelissero reports the Giants are likely to name Tommy DeVito their starter going forward.
– Joel Ybarra, @metaffb
Rookie RB tops 100 yards rushing, loses costly fumble
Tyrone Tracy Jr. had another great day on the ground Sunday despite losing a fumble that cost the Giants the win against the Panthers in overtime. Tracy Jr. logged another 18 carries, marking the fifth game in the last six where he received 16 or more carries. The rookie accrued 103 yards on the ground and another touchdown. With Daniel Jones struggling, Tracy Jr. and fellow rookie Malik Nabers represent a strong core of young offensive weapons that are showing some pop and would be even more impactful with better quarterback play.
Daniel Jones was just 22-of-37 passing Sunday with two interceptions and zero touchdowns. The veteran QB totaled just 190 yards passing and spread the ball around. Nabers had six catches for 50 yards on 10 targets. Wan’Dale Robinson caught four of his eight targets for 51 yards. Jalin Hyatt and tight end Theo Johnson both had four catches for 39 and 37 yards, respectively. With Jones only throwing eight touchdown passes on the season and more than 250 yards just three times, the ceiling for the pass catchers is capped. Jones himself is merely a bye week fill-in, with rushing production buoying his floor.
– Joel Ybarra, @metaffb
Daniel Jones looks to get a win in Week 10 after dropping four straight
The Giants came within one score of the Commanders in Week 9, but eventually lost 27-22 to drop their fourth straight game. They will look to bounce back in Week 10 against a beatable Panthers defense that has given up the most points per game (32.6) of any defense on the season.
The Giants offense has struggled, however, scoring a league-low 15.4 points per game. One bright spot has been Malik Nabers, who has drawn 32 targets in three games after returning from a concussion. The rookie wideout’s fantasy production has slowed, however, as he has not gained more than 71 yards or a touchdown in any one contest since returning in Week 7. The Panthers do not have a good pass defense, but teams have not had to take to the air to beat them since the Carolina run defense is also a liability. Nabers is the only sure-start pass catcher. Start Daniel Jones only in an emergency.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. is the running back to roster on the Giants, and he is must-start RB2 (RB15 in our Week 10 rankings). Tracy did not have a great Week 9 performance, but still rushed 16 times for 66 yards against the Commanders. He is the definite RB1 in New York, and now gets a Carolina D that just gave up 215 total yards to Alvin Kamara.
– Joel Ybarra, @metaffb
Rookies Lead the Way in Fantasy Scoring
The Giants face off against division foe Washington Commanders in Week 9 action. The G-men are struggling to maintain relevance in the NFC East, but have an interesting pair of fantasy relevant offensive weapons, including rookie Alpha WR Malik Nabers and new lead back Tyrone Tracy, Jr.
The only thing that has slowed down Nabers was a Week 4 concussion which sidelined him for two games. When on the field, Nabers is a target dominator (No. 1 36.5-percent Target Share). He will face a Commanders defense that is bottom half against the pass, and on the other side of the ball, a Commanders offense that is top-3 in scoring. That adds up to another high-volume target game for the first round rookie.
Another rookie creating some excitement in the Giants’ offense is fifth round rookie RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. Tracy completed his hostile takeover of the Giants’ backfield in Week 8, when he carried the ball 20 times to Devin Singletary’s two. Tracy rumbled for 145 yards and a TD against the Steelers in Week 8 before sustaining a concussion. Fortunate for fantasy gamers rostering the rookie back, Tracy has cleared concussion protocol ahead of the team’s Week 9 contest against the Jayden Daniels-led Commanders.
Apart from the two exciting rookie playmakers, don’t get excited about starting any other options outside of deep leagues. Wan’Dale Robinson is a decent PPR play and Darius Slayton will have some boom performances, but Nabers and Tracy Jr. will suck up an outsized portion of the volume. Daniel Jones has accounted for just six touchdowns passing on the season and zero rushing. The Giants offense generates just 303.6 (No. 26) yards per game – not an offense to trust in fantasy apart from its flashy new weapons.
– Joel Ybarra, @metaffb
