Who Should I Start? Anthony Richardson Sr. or Caleb Williams

Monday, December 15, 10:20 AM

Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reports that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (eye) has been medically cleared from the orbital fracture he sustained in mid-October, and the "hope is to have him back practicing in the near future." The 23-year-old has been on Injured Reserve since Week 6 after getting injured in a freak accident in pre-game warmups. Richardson Sr. opened the season as the backup to Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles). However, with Jones suffering a torn Achilles tendon in Week 14, Richardson Sr. could be back in the starting mix once healthy. Veteran quarterback Philip Rivers got the start for the Colts in Week 15 and completed 18 of 27 pass attempts for 120 yards, one touchdown, and one interception against the Seattle Seahawks. If Richardson Sr. can return this season and the Colts turn the starting job over to him, his rushing ability gives him clear fantasy upside. Across 17 career NFL games (15 starts), Richardson Sr. has rushed for 634 yards and 10 touchdowns. His progress should be closely monitored heading into the team's Week 16 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

Saturday, December 13, 10:56 AM

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams' passing volume remained a concern in Week 14, completing just 19 passes for 186 yards with two touchdowns and an interception in the 28-21 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Williams hasn't completed over 20 passes since Week 8, and his completion percentage of 57.8% ranks 33rd out of qualified quarterbacks. With a lack of volume, Williams will continue to be an inconsistent fantasy option moving forward. The matchup in Week 15 presents problems as well, as the Cleveland Browns have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. The winter conditions in Chicago are likely to be a factor as well, with single-digit temperatures expected and winds exceeding 25 mph. Williams is a risky start in Week 15, as he presents much more risk in this game than in past matchups.