Daniel Jones’ huge performance against the Miami Dolphins led the Colts to a victory in week one.
Indianapolis Colts’ new quarterback Daniel Jones led the team to victory and helped snap the NFL’s longest active opening day winless streak at eleven. Jones ran for two touchdowns as well as throwing another to veteran wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. He was effective and consistent on Sunday, throwing for 272 yards and rushing for another twenty-six. “I think we played well as a team. It’s a good start. I think we feel good about the start. But I think everyone on our team is mature enough to know we have to continue to grow and improve, and I think that’s the mindset of our team now.” Jones stated post-game.
Many questioned who would be the starter heading into the season, but it was Jones beating out Anthony Richardson. The Colts’ primary beneficiaries on Sunday were Michael Pittman Jr, who finished the day with eight catches, 60 yards and a score, as well as rookie tight end Tyler Warren, who had seven receptions for 76 yards. Both players are early winners for fantasy, as there was much uncertainty about this team being able to produce points. The Colts know there is a lot of work to be done heading into week two against a tough Denver Broncos team, but if Jones can stay poised like he did against the Dolphins, look for more fantasy relevance from this team.
Author: Dane Madoche(@FF_DaMaddog)
Colts veteran receiver Michael Pittman only missed one game last season, showcasing his toughness and grit as he chose to play through a fractured back injury.
A lot of factors went into Michael Pittman’s regression this past season: Anthony Richardson took a step back as a passer, backup quarterback play was significantly worse, the rise of Josh Downs as the Colts new alpha and now news that Pittman chose to play through a back injury. Pittman had his lowest receptions, yards and touchdowns since his rookie year (69-808-3), but I’m not convinced things would be all that much better if he played fully healthy.
While Pittman is evaluating offseason surgery to address the back issue, projecting a big bounce back for him next year is difficult. He will be turning 28 mid-season, and while he could still have a good year or two, his Dynasty value is on the decline and unlikely to rise. Too many things would have to go right for those looking to buy low and profit. Lets hope he is able to recover fully and not have to play through pain next season.
Author: Lukasz Stec (@Lukasz_FF01)
Michael Pittman: A Dynasty Buy with Major Bounce-Back Potential for 2025
Michael Pittman’s 2024 season didn’t meet lofty expectations, but his performance through injury makes him a prime dynasty buy heading into 2025. Playing most of the season with a painful back fracture, Pittman defied odds by avoiding Injured Reserve and contributing to the Colts’ offense. Despite the setbacks, his consistency as a target machine remained intact.
When rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson was sidelined for the final two games, Pittman showed his potential. He posted 100+ receiving yards and a touchdown against the Giants, then followed up with 10 targets in the next game, proving he’s still the top weapon in Indianapolis’ receiving corps.
With little competition in the WR room, especially after a lackluster rookie season from Adonai Mitchell, Pittman’s role should remain secure. With a lower ADP in redraft leagues and strong dynasty upside, now is the time to buy low on the 27-year-old wideout before his value fully rebounds in 2025. Josh Downs has showed some flashes but has not looked very promising and consistent asset for the team due to his unfortunate injury history.
-Sagar @FantasyBallQAs
The Indianapolis Colts have made the decision to bench their former 4th overall pick and hand the keys over to former Super Bowl winner Joe Flacco.
Life in the NFL comes at you about as fast as a Will Anderson sack, just ask Anthony Richardson. Anderson and Richardson are inextricably tied as the ladder was drafted one pick before the former in the 2023 draft. More recently Anderson was the Texans top defensive player in a 23-20 win over the Colts, while Richardson’s continued struggles at QB ultimately caused the coaches to bench him.
Whether Richardson’s struggles classify as a textbook example of the Sophomore Slump or an indicator of his ability to quarterback at the NFL level has been heavily debated the past 8 weeks. By the numbers, Richardson is QB 30 or worse in nearly all QB throwing stats: Yards/game, touchdowns, completion percent, throwing yards (#29 actually)…the list goes on. He is top 12 in interceptions though, as well as all QB rushing metrics. Meanwhile Flacco’s lowest completion percentage this season (57.9 week 6 vs Tennessee) is higher than Richardson’s highest in a full game this year (50% week 2 vs Green Bay).
Aside from the metrics, the final straw may have come in an odd moment in the 3rd quarter week 8 in which Richardson took himself out of the game for a play. When asked if it was injury related he cited being tired and needing a breather. Perhaps Shane Steichen is getting tired of the underperformance?
Fantasy wise through the first 8 weeks Flacco has favored Josh Downs and Michael Pittman. Downs has 30 targets/24 catches/217 yards in 3 weeks with Flacco vs 17/8/134 in 3 with Richardson. Michael Pittman had 22 targets/14 catches /185 yards in 3 weeks with Flacco vs 31/15/167 in 5 games with Richardson. Alec Pierce enjoyed his time with Richardson more, while Jonathan Taylor and Adoni Mitchell were neutral.
Lukasz Stec, @Lukasz_FF01
Michael Pittman is one of the top fallers in PlayerProfiler’s Dynasty Deluxe lifetime value rating for the end of October.
Michael Pittman’s dynasty fantasy football value is on a concerning downward trend. Pittman has been consistently unproductive so far in 2024, with only two games surpassing 40 receiving yards. This lack of production is alarming for fantasy managers who have relied on him as a steady WR2 or flex option.
A significant factor contributing to Pittman’s decline is the presence of second year quarterback Anthony Richardson. While Richardson’s athleticism and rushing ability are exciting for the Colts’ offense, they limit the upside of his wide receivers. Richardson’s tendency to run rather than pass, especially in red-zone situations, reduces Pittman’s opportunities to score touchdowns and accumulate yardage.
Given these challenges, it’s wise for dynasty managers to consider trading Pittman before his value drops further. Pittman is also battling a back injury that threatened to put him on IR and could become a factor in his availability again at any point. His name recognition and past performances might still fetch a decent return in trades. Act now to capitalize on his remaining value and strengthen your roster for the future.
-Jonny Tooma (@FantasyPicasso)
Anthony Richardson was seen throwing in front of the media for the first time since October of last year, including a pass to Michael Pittman Jr. that caused him to go down for a couple of minutes.
Richardson looked noticeably smooth throwing the ball, indicating that he is fully recovered from the shoulder injury he suffered last season that ended his year. Richardson mentioned there are some days his shoulder still feels “a little achy”, but is expected to have no restrictions in his participation in spring team activities.
During OTAs on Wednesday, Richardson rolled out of the pocket and threw a pass to a crowded area of the field where Michael Pittman Jr. leapt into the air to make a play on the ball and collided with defensive back, Jaylon Jones. At this point, it sounds like Pittman avoided a serious injury after Head Coach Shane Steichen shared that Pittman and Jones banged knees and he should be fine.
The Colts will be an exciting offense in 2024 with Richardson at the helm and Pittman Jr. as his established WR1. Fantasy Managers shouldn’t be afraid to project future success for this offense and take advantage of Pittman and Richardson’s current ADPs.
