Between a new starting quarterback, an inconsistent supporting cast, and a team still trying to figure out its identity, the Indianapolis Colts enter the 2025 season with countless on-field question marks. That uncertainty could be tricky for fantasy football managers who must decide which Colts are worth using on their teams and which are better left alone.
Eight Indianapolis players and the team’s defense are ranked inside ESPN’s top 300 in fantasy, but none of them are safe bets. Some could be standouts, while others could be complete busts.
If you play fantasy football and are looking to strike gold, the Indianapolis roster is full of high-risk, high-reward options. With the start of the regular season looming, let’s take a look at all of the fantasy football storylines surrounding the Colts.
Which Indianapolis Colts should you pick up in fantasy leagues and which you shouldn't
Can Daniel Jones be a viable starter in fantasy?
The messy QB situation in Indianapolis was always going to be a turnoff for fantasy football managers. After years of inconsistent play, the Colts’ newly minted starter, Daniel Jones, has relatively low expectations. Meanwhile, Anthony Richardson, once hyped as a fantasy breakout candidate due to his big arm and rushing ability, can’t be counted on either — even if he reclaims the starting job.
As it stands, neither Jones nor Richardson projects as a top-20 QB, leaving them with minimal fantasy relevance. However, Jones being named the starter (for now) does impact the fantasy outlook of the Colts' other skill position players.
Is Jonathan Taylor still an elite running back?
There is no doubt that the most valuable fantasy asset in Indianapolis is former first-team All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor. Taylor has elite upside and a high floor as long as he avoids catastrophic injury.
The dream is that Taylor can replicate his 2021 season when he led the league in rushing yards and touchdowns. But, even if he doesn’t reach those peaks, he’s finished as a top-12 fantasy RB (in points per game) four times in his career.
Taylor’s stock is even higher now that Jones has won the QB battle over Richardson. Not only is Jones less likely to steal rushing attempts from Taylor, but his improved short-range accuracy should also help Taylor’s receiving game.
With Taylor, a season-ending injury is always a risk, but he’s still way too talented to ignore. At worst, Taylor can be considered a low-end fantasy RB1 with true league-winner potential. Of course, if Taylor does miss time, DJ Giddens or Tyler Goodson could become intriguing options.
Which wide receiver has the best chance of thriving?
The Colts’ wide receiver room is full of interesting prospects, but none of them project as weekly fantasy starters. The same issues that have plagued Indianapolis receivers in past years — inconsistent performances, QB volatility, and a run-centric offense — are still on the table.
Michael Pittman, Jr. and Josh Downs will command the most targets and, similar to Taylor, should get a boost from Jones’ better short and intermediate passing accuracy and volume. Both remain solid flex and/or WR3 candidates, but nothing more unless the QB play is dramatically better than expected.
The next two wideouts on the depth chart — Alec Pierce and Adonai Mitchell — should only be considered late-round flyers in fantasy drafts, given their low target share and Jones’ preference for shorter passes over the deep bombs Richardson loved to throw.
Can Tyler Warren match Sam LaPorta and Brock Bowers?
For two seasons in a row, a rookie has led all tight ends in fantasy scoring — Sam LaPorta in 2023 and Brock Bowers in 2024. If that trend continues, Tyler Warren (currently being selected around the 11th round in fantasy drafts) could be the steal of the year.
The Colts’ No. 14 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft definitely has the talent to replicate those historic seasons, but the overall dysfunction of the Indianapolis offense makes it difficult to bet on him. That being said, based on what we knew at the time, neither LaPorta nor Bowers was walking into a good situation either.
It also helps that a struggling QB’s safety blanket often ends up being an elite tight end.
What about the Colts’ defense and special teams?
Last season, the Indianapolis D/ST finished 21st in fantasy, but there’s reason to believe they will be better in 2025. A new defensive coordinator, key free agent additions in the secondary, and a favorable schedule are all positive signs. The Colts D/ST profile as a legitimate, matchup-dependent streaming option.