Fantasy Football: 5 reasons Colts QB Anthony Richardson can be a top-end option

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Aug 24, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) during pregame warm-ups against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Reason No. 2: Richardson is not as raw as many analysts say

Don’t get me wrong, Richardson has A LOT of work to do to reach his sky-high potential. He only started 13 games in college, and of those games, there were several bad throws. However, almost all the misses could be chalked up to touch (or lack thereof). This is an easier correction to make than poor form.

As far as fundamentals go, Richardson actually uses his eyes at an elite level. He manipulates defenders and shows an ability to look them off and free up space for his pass catchers. The footwork is inconsistent based on college tape, but reports say this is an area that head coach Shane Steichen is working heavily on in training camp.

If Richardson can rein it in and hit the layups, he has already proven to be an elite deep-ball thrower on tape and in practices since arriving to Indianapolis. The former Gator graded out with a sparkling 93.1 deep pass grade (via PFF), highlighted by 17 big-time throws.

In layman’s terms, Richardson has a bazooka — and he knows how to use it downfield. His absurd arm strength will result in long touchdowns throughout the season, which always feels good from a real-life and Fantasy Football perspective. In addition to Richardson’s running prowess, his arm talent puts him over the top as a sleeper in drafts.

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