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

Aug 24, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) passes the ball while being hit by Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Marvin Wilson (73) and defensive tackle Robert Cooper (64) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 24, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) passes the ball while being hit by Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Marvin Wilson (73) and defensive tackle Robert Cooper (64) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Aug 24, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 24, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Reason No. 3: The running game — with or without Jonathan Taylor — will take pressure off of Richardson

The idea of Jonathan Taylor getting traded would put a bit of a damper on things for the Colts. But given Steichen’s background with running back committees, it is far from a death knell. Still, Taylor is one of the best running backs in the league when healthy and would ease the pressure on Richardson if fences can be mended between the star ball carrier and the franchise.

Taylor might take more touchdowns from Richardson than you’d ideally like to see as a fantasy football manager. But he would make things significantly easier on the young signal-caller between the 20-yard lines. If there is anything to keep defenses honest, it is a stout running game. Indy should have that in 2023 whether JT is on the roster or not.

Veteran Kenyan Drake was signed recently as a depth piece and camp body. And with the uncertainty surrounding Taylor, the Colts have interest in Kareem Hunt, as well. I expect Richardson to be the biggest red zone threat on the team regardless, so fantasy owners should take him at his current ADP and not look back.