We are proud to be among the first, if not the first, to publish full projections for the upcoming season, going live just days after the Super Bowl. Publishing detailed projections in early February comes with trade-offs, not the least of which is a near-total lack of clarity on how free agency, cap transactions, and the NFL draft will reshape rosters.
We've been updating our projections in near real time, including during the recent onslaught of free-agent transactions. This version will remain largely stable until we can layer in the April NFL draft, but stable projections don't mean settled debates.
We have a staff of sharp analysts with sharp takes of their own, so I thought it would be worthwhile to solicit their views on the key coin-toss situations that will shape each team's outlook in the coming months. These are important questions where reasonable, informed people can credibly land in very different places. I asked my colleagues to weigh in with one assumption: they were answering strictly through the lens of a standard 0.5-PPR redraft league.
Indianapolis Colts Coin-Toss Questions
- What Tier Is Jones If He's Healthy for Week 1?
- Will the Colts Add a Running Back Behind Taylor?
- Where Does Warren Rank Among Fantasy Tight Ends?
- Can Pierce Handle a Featured Role with 120-Plus Targets?
- Will the Colts Add a No. 2 Receiver, or Can That Be Downs?
Do you expect the Colts to draft (or sign) a new No. 2 WR? If not, where do you rank Josh Downs?
Maurile Tremblay: Yes, I'd expect them to add one somehow. The Colts still need a starting-caliber receiver to absorb Pittman's departure. Tyler Warren is the No. 2 pass catcher overall, which leaves Downs as more of a slot and committee piece. A true No. 2 opposite Pierce should be on the team's shopping list. If they do not add anyone, I'd put Downs around WR40-45 in PPR formats.
Andy Hicks: Downs is better suited to a number-three role, but until the Colts draft or sign a better option, he will make an adequate number two. I would expect Indianapolis to draft a receiver in the first three rounds, but if the Colts do not find a suitable option this year, they have a reasonable group to work with. Downs as a number two would put him in the WR4 fantasy range. Depending on the type of receiver the Colts take, he would move down a tier or two.
Jeff Haseley: I don't think they're done adding at wide receiver. If they don't add a veteran or rookie, Josh Downs moves into the WR3 conversation as a reliable slot chain-mover.
