The Indianapolis Colts are one of the most exciting young offenses in the league, thanks to a new quarterback, a dynamic running back, and a rising star at wide receiver. With Shane Steichen calling plays, the Colts offer a strong foundation for dynasty managers looking to build around youth, athleticism, and upside. Let’s break down the key names to know.
My complete guide for this series can be found here, and click here for all teams in the series.
Anthony Richardson: The Dynasty Cheat Code
Anthony Richardson’s 2025 campaign left a lot to be desired, but it proved what many hoped: he has elite fantasy upside, even in limited volume. When healthy, Richardson is a game-changer with both his arm and legs.
2024 Fantasy Production: Despite missing six games, Richardson passed for 1,800 yards and 8 touchdowns while rushing for 500 yards and 6 touchdowns. These numbers would have been much better if not for him missing 6 games on the year, and despite the missed time, Richardson still was able to post very respectable fantasy numbers.
Dynasty Value: Richardson is just 23, and there are already questions about his long-term future in the NFL due to health. When on the field, Richardson offers the elite rushing floor of players like Lamar Jackson or Jalen Hurts, with a strong offensive mind in Steichen backing him. However, now entering his third year in the league, he has yet to prove he's worth the 1st round pick the Colts used on him back in 2023, as the team has brought in former 1st round pick Daniel Jones. Jones is currently projected as the Week 1 starter due to...Richardson's health....again. The only thing holding Richardson back at this point from developing into a top-tier QB in the NFL is his ability (or lack thereof) of being able to stay on the field. If he can figure out a way to keep playing, it's not too late for Richardson to develop into the stud the Colts thought they were getting.
Jonathan Taylor: Back on Track
After an injury-plagued 2023, Jonathan Taylor returned to form in 2024, leading the Colts' backfield with authority. He may no longer be the consensus RB1 overall in dynasty, but he’s firmly in the top tier again.
2024 Fantasy Production: Taylor rushed for 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns, adding 18 receptions for 136 yards. He looked explosive and handled a full workload by midseason, benefiting from the added space created by Richardson’s rushing threat.
Dynasty Value: Still only 26, Taylor has multiple years of RB1-level production ahead of him. While he may cede occasional red-zone looks to Richardson, the overall health of this offense keeps his value high. He’s a strong buy for contenders and continues to remain a stable long-term asset.
Josh Downs: The PPR Sleeper
Josh Downs emerged as a reliable safety blanket for the Colts' passing offense, especially on quick timing routes and in the red zone. His role in the offense appears secure as the full-time slot receiver.
2024 Fantasy Production: Downs posted 72 catches for 800+ yards and 5 touchdowns. While he didn’t see many deep targets, his route running and hands earned trust from the coaching staff and quarterback alike.
Dynasty Value: At 23, Downs is a strong PPR flex option with WR3 upside. In leagues that reward receptions and consistent production, Downs is a great depth piece who could have value spikes in shootouts. He’s not a league-winner, but a very solid dynasty asset, and should continue his ascent into a top WR for both the team and fantasy purposes.
The Colts are quietly building one of the most fantasy-friendly cores in the NFL. Richardson (when healthy), Taylor, and Downs all offer strong value depending on your roster needs — whether you’re building for the future or trying to win now.
Honorable Mentions:
- Michael Pittman Jr.: Reliable WR2 with size, just signed a long-term extension—still only 27 and returning from an injury-plagued year.
- Adonai Mitchell: The 2nd year WR out of Texas brings size and speed—a long-term breakout candidate worth stashing in deeper dynasty formats, despite his lack of involvement in the offense his rookie year.
- Alec Pierce: The 4th year speedster has quietly emerged as the team's deep threat and put up 800+ yards last year. While he was very boom-or-bust, its not out of the realm of possibility his 2025 matches or exceeds his production from 2024.