Anthony Richardson was one of the more polarizing players entering
last year’s draft season. Proponents of Richardson pointed
to his rookie production in 2023 that saw him score seven total
TDs against only one interception. Critics pointed to his underdeveloped
throwing ability and a playing style that lent itself to injury.
Taken in most leagues as a QB1 in 2024, Richardson proceeded to
have arguably the most disappointing season of any viable signal-caller
in fantasy football. Eleven games played, 14 total TDs, 12 INTS
and a 47.7% competition rate.
Prospects for success aren’t much higher for Richardson
entering 2025 than they were when the 2024 season ended. He reportedly
experienced shoulder soreness earlier this summer, with coaches
saying they had no timetable for his return. Those concerns seem
to be diminished, as Richardson is participating in training camp.
Daniel Jones’
presence is a major hindrance to Richardson’s fantasy stock as
well as camp battle for the starting QB is happening. It would
also seem logical that Richardson has an even shorter leash than
he did last season, so any struggles he may experience in 2025
could find him on the bench. For these reasons, I would suggest
leaving Richardson for others to draft. He’s simply too volatile
a player to rely on.
A healthy Jonathan Taylor is an incredibly productive Jonathan
Taylor. Although he missed a few games (3), last season was his
best since his breakout performance during his second year in
2021. And his finish to last season was second to none. The last
five games of 2024 saw him run for at least 96 yards in every
contest while scoring seven total TDs. If healthy, fantasy managers
should expect Taylor to continue to get opportunities to shine.
The one aspect of Taylor’s game that keeps him from ascending
to the top tier of fantasy running backs is his lack of production
through the air. His receptions have come down every year since
2021 (40-28-19-18), finishing last season with only 18 catches.
That places a ceiling on his productivity and means his fantasy
value is tied heavily to his touchdowns. Even with those inherent
limitations, Taylor is a solid RB1 in fantasy football given his
expected volume. Draft him with confidence.
Michael Pittman Jr.’s prospects as a fantasy option are
limited greatly by the flaws at the QB position in Indy. He’s
also confined by the way in which the offense is called, as the
Colts ranked 27th in pass attempts. Those limited reps will continue
to cap Pittman’s chances of having a breakout season. His
best finish was WR26 back in 2021.
However, it can’t be overstated how much Pittman’s
production will be determined by Anthony Richardson or Daniel
Jones. Given Richardson’s recent struggles, it would seem
Jones would be a better fit for Pittman’s fantasy value.
Whether or not Pittman can have his first multiple-TD game since
2021 is yet to be seen, but he enters this year as a low-level
WR3/flex option. I like that position for him. Despite the long
odds of Pittman having a surprisingly productive season, the 125
or so targets he should get make him a startable option during
bye weeks and injuries to your roster. He’s a depth piece
with some upside if Jones is the starting QB for most of the season.
Rather quietly, Josh Downs had a slightly more productive 2024
season than Pittman. Despite playing two fewer games, Downs finished
with more receptions (72 to 69) and more receiving TDs (5 to 3)
than Pittman. Much of that appeared to be that Downs was more
in sync with Joe Flacco than with Richardson. With the pocket-passing
Flacco, Downs had nearly a 26% target share while averaging 66
receiving yards per game. That’s compared to 21% target
share and 48 receiving yards per game with Richardson at the helm.
That recent history suggests Downs is best situated to produce
if Jones gets the nod over Richardson. While the QB position is
being determined, Downs should be viewed -- like Pittman -- as
a low-end WR3/flex option with upside on any given week.
Despite being a rookie tight end, Tyler Warren enters the NFL
with high expectations. Much of that is his high productivity
while at Penn State, finishing his last collegiate season with
104 receptions for 1,233 yards and eight scores. He’s reminiscent
of George Kittle, as he’s a violent runner after the catch
and hard to bring down.
There is a world where Warren could finish the season with the
second-most receptions on the team. His ability to find space
in the intermediate routes and his capacity to run after the catch
should make him an inviting target for whoever is under center.
Target Warren as a TE2 with limited upside.
