Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is making his return to the turf this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.
The second-year signal caller has missed the last two and a half games after sustaining a hip injury against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4.
Even if he’s back under center, does that mean he will be utilized to his fullest potential?
With an intriguing AFC matchup coming up, we’re diving into the start/sit decision for Richardson and the Colts defense in fantasy football for Week 7.
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Anthony Richardson
Richardson’s best attribute is his uncanny athleticism. His 6-foot, 4-inch, 244-pound frame puts him in a class of his own compared to the NFL’s other starting quarterbacks. Along with his unteachable genetics, the Florida alum boasts raw arm talent and speed that give him the potential to be one of the league’s most dangerous quarterbacks.
Due to injury and questionable decision-making at times, Richardson hasn’t quite taken that next step yet. On top of that, his first game back from injury likely won’t be the best time for designed QB run plays.
With that in mind, ESPN has Richardson as the 14th-ranked fantasy quarterback option for Week 7. Most leagues are between eight and 12 players, leaving Richardson outside the starting tier.
Fantasy big boards aren’t a hill worth dying on, but they do offer a nice look at how a player is believed to perform based on the opposing defense. The Dolphins have allowed the second-fewest passing yards and the fewest touchdowns to their opponents through the first six weeks.
With running back Jonathan Taylor set to miss his third-straight week of action, the Indianapolis passing offense should be more present. It’s just not enough of a safe bet to warrant starting Richardson.
Verdict: Sit ‘Em
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Colts Defense/Special Teams
According to NFL Fantasy, the Colts have had one of the worst fantasy football defense/special team units in the league through the first six games of the season. Indianapolis’ defense/special teams unit has only scored 10-plus fantasy points once in 2024.
However, the horseshoe has not gone up against an offense quite as bad as the Dolphins’ yet. Starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is still on the injured reserve list with a concussion sustained during Miami’s Week 2 contest against the Buffalo Bills.
Including that Week 2 game and the three other matchups since, the Dolphins have scored a combined 40 points. Miami has the fifth-fewest total passing yards in the NFL, along with the fewest passing touchdowns.
In terms of a rushing attack, the Dolphins haven’t been much better. Their 584 yards is good for the eighth-fewest in the league, whereas their three rushing touchdowns are the second-least.
That’s why ESPN has the Colts’ poor defense/special teams unit ranked as the seventh-best fantasy option this week.
Indianapolis has just four team interceptions, 10 sacks and seven forced fumbles, but Miami’s offense has under-performed so severely that the Colts should be on their way to the best defensive performance of their season this Sunday.
Verdict: Start ‘Em
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