The Indianapolis Colts quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones is heating up as both signal-callers are expected to receive significant playing time in Thursday's preseason opener against Baltimore. Head coach Shane Steichen has indicated that both quarterbacks will play a "good amount" during the contest, though he hasn't declared a starter for the game. This ongoing battle has major implications for fantasy football drafters preparing for the upcoming season.
Richardson's High-Risk, High-Reward Profile
Anthony Richardson enters his second season with elite rushing upside that makes him incredibly intriguing for fantasy purposes. Despite his passing struggles in 2024, where he completed just 47.7% of his passes with 12 interceptions in 11 games, Richardson's rushing production remains elite. He averaged 5.80 yards per carry and scored six rushing touchdowns, providing a consistent fantasy floor that few quarterbacks can match.
In half-PPR scoring, Richardson's rushing ability translates to approximately 8-10 fantasy points per game from his legs alone. This rushing floor makes him a compelling mid-round quarterback option, even with his passing inconsistencies. Fantasy drafters should view Richardson as a QB2 with QB1 upside if his passing accuracy improves from his concerning 2024 regression.
Jones Offers Veteran Stability
Daniel Jones brings six years of NFL experience and significantly better passing fundamentals to Indianapolis. His 63.3% completion percentage in 2024 far exceeds Richardson's accuracy issues, and Jones has shown improved ball security with just seven interceptions in 10 games last season. While his rushing production has declined, Jones still managed 265 rushing yards and two touchdowns in limited action.
For fantasy drafters, Jones represents a safer floor play who could finish as a low-end QB2 in half-PPR leagues. His dual-threat capability, while diminished, still provides weekly upside that pure pocket passers lack.
Draft Strategy Implications
This competition creates uncertainty that fantasy drafters should exploit. Both quarterbacks are likely being drafted below their potential value due to the unclear situation. Richardson should be targeted in the QB15-20 range as a high-upside bench stash, while Jones makes sense as a late-round quarterback option if he wins the starting job. In superflex leagues, both players offer significantly more value and should be drafted 2-3 rounds earlier than their single-quarterback league ADPs.
Filed under: Free Articles
