Most fantasy drafts are right around the corner, and if you are like me, you probably want to be as informed as possible before making the decisions that will shape your mood in the upcoming 17 weeks. Contrary to popular opinion, Chat-GPT is nowhere close to being a reliable fantasy tool, so you all are forced to rely on us, the bloggers, to try and get an edge over your competition. I say this because I was running mock drafts and thought about trying AI out, with just the first prompt “Give me some
advice for my half-PPR league, drafting from the #6 spot, what are your thoughts on Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, and Xavier Worthy” — Chat told me that Jeanty was probably not getting many touches in a Jags’ offense featuring Travis Hunter, that Tyler Warren played for the Steelers, with quarterback Russell Wilson who likes to target tight ends, and that Xavier Worthy was a rookie. After that I got the idea to make this article, and I took a mental note never to trust AI fantasy football advice.
Anthony Richardson, quarterback
DO NOT DRAFT Anthony Richardson. Do not make the same mistake I did a year ago. You might be enticed by his rushing ability and potential. You might be thinking that this is finally the year where he puts it all together and becomes a viable fantasy starting quarterback, and that could very well be true, but the risk is just way too high. Not only do you have a concerning injury history, but even when he actually was available it was boom-or-bust. If you can get him in the final round, or as an UDFA as a low-risk high-reward stash in case he breaks out then go for it, but do not draft him thinking you found a gem and potential league winner, because you will be running the risk of being severely disappointed.
Jonathan Taylor, running back
Taylor offers plenty of value as a bell-cow running back, with no #2 option eating into his snaps or taking away potential red-zone carries. He finished off last season scorching hot, and could be once again the focal point of the Colts’ offense. While the pass-catching upside is not there with Taylor, he still is a running back that can easily erupt for 20+ points, and he is still relatively young for the position. It also helps that the Colts have a really good offensive line in front of him. Keep in mind that last season’s numbers are skewed because of an impressive final three weeks, and that if the Colts’ passing attack once again falters then opposing defenses could easily stack the box against him, limiting his yards. Taylor is an excellent value pick in the late second, early third round.
Tyler Warren, tight end
An absolute must-draft if you are in a dynasty league, an intriguing option if not. Warren offers plenty of versatility on a position where there are not many good options for fantasy football this season. He was by far the most productive tight end in college, he could be used as a runner and wildcat quarterback, and Shane Steichen loves getting the tight ends involved. The main issue with Warren is that none of that matters if the quarterback cannot hit a pass under 10 yards, which is where tight ends usually make their money. There is also the ever-present risk of drafting rookie tight ends, a position where the learning curve is steep. So far Warren is going as the #11 tight end in most drafts, but his upside is much better than that.
Michael Pittman Jr., wide receiver
Potential league winner right here. MPJ has a criminally low #50 wide receiver rank so far, and going after names like Jayden Reed, Cooper Kupp, Stefon Diggs, and Chris Godwin. Despite having his worst season so far last year, Pittman still got over 100 catches, and while he never was a productive scorer in the NFL (4.2 touchdowns per season last 4 years), volume itself warrants a higher position. If the Colts’ offense improves then you get a #1 wide receiver on a good offense, and even if the quarterback situation remains a mess Pittman is most likely due a mean-reversal. He is also now fully healthy after a bad back bothered him most of last season.
Josh Downs, wide receiver
A higher ADP than Michael Pittman Jr., despite getting fewer targets, Downs is an intriguing fantasy option. He has put together two solid seasons, missed just three games, and looks like Richardson’s favourite target. Like MPJ, his stock is limited by the quarterback situation in Indianapolis, but one could make the case that Downs is quarterback-proof because of his ability to generate consistent separation and safe hands. He is a high-floor option that could be available in the 5th or 6th round, and while he will most likely not win you your league, if you are thin at wide receiver he should be a nice security blanket.
Alec Pierce, wide receiver
Pierce’s last season will be extremely hard to replicate, as the numbers he got on such low volume are just not sustainable: 22.3 yards per reception (5 more than #2), and 7 touchdowns on just 37 receptions. That is already priced in, with an ADP similar to that of AD Mitchell. Pierce is just not worth a draft pick at the moment, but worth keeping an eye on because players on contract years tend to give 110% effort.
D/ST
New defensive coordinator, several big signings in free-agency, and some reinforcements via draft. The Colts’ defense should at least be better than last year, and an easier schedule certainly helps. Still, this is not an unit worth using a draft pick on right now, and most experts agree with that. Wait the first few weeks and if they actually show signs of improvement then get them at the least as a streaming option.
