Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, December 15th, 2024, 4:25PM ET
Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
Network: CBS
Indianapolis Colts
Quarterback
Anthony Richardson: Sit, QB2
The last time we saw Anthony Richardson, his three scores (two through the air, one on the ground) got it done in the one-point win against the Patriots. He only completed half of his attempts (12 of 24) for 109 yards, but it was encouraging to continue to see him continue to take off with his legs. Since Week 11, he’s averaging 9.6 carries a game and has three scores in that span. All that said, I still don’t see a path to stream Richardson in what is the first week of the fantasy playoffs for many, especially against a rested Denver defense.
Running Back
Jonathan Taylor: Start, RB1
Before the BYE against New England, Jonathan Taylor rushed for 96 yards on 25 carries, catching his lone target for seven yards and a touchdown. It was his first receiving touchdown on the year and his first score overall since Week 8. It’s been a quiet season on that front, to say the least, but as the Colts fight for a playoff spot, look for them to continue to lean on Taylor.
Wide Receiver
Michael Pittman Jr.: FLEX Option, WR3/4
Alec Pierce: Sit
Adonai Mitchell: Sit
It’s left to be seen if Josh Downs will be ready to suit up this week due to his shoulder injury, but head coach Shane Steichen didn’t seem overly optimistic the last we heard from him pre-BYE. That will leave Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and rookie Adonai Mitchell to navigate the target share.
I would quicker start Pittman over the other two bodies, but Pittman himself is on the FLEX radar. He has just two receiving touchdowns on the year and has one 100+ yard receiving game to his name; it came back in Week 4 against the Steelers, another tough defense just like the Broncos.
Tight End
Mo Alie-Cox: Sit
The Colts TE room has offered much of nothing from the position this season, so Mo Alie-Cox can be left on the waiver wire.
Denver Broncos
Quarterback
Bo Nix: Start, QB1/2 Borderline
Bo Nix enters Week 15 off the BYE with a 17:8 passing touchdown to interception ratio, with an additional four scores with his legs. He has 158 yards more to throw to reach 3,000 on the year and will continue to be a back-end QB1 or high-end QB2 despite a down in Week 13. He’s been steady & fantasy relevant for a good chunk of the season, and FantasyData has him as the QB8 on the year.
Running Back
Javonte Williams: Sit
Jaleel McLaughlin: Sit
Audric Estime: Sit
It’s anyone’s guess – especially out of a BYE – who out of the Denver backs will produce. Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Audric Estime all have had their moments this season, but none have taken full control of the backfield. I would be hard-pressed to start any of them this week, but I would keep the closest eye on McLaughlin for ROS if I had to pick a name.
Wide Receiver
Courtland Sutton: Start, WR1
Devaughn Vele: Sit
Marvin Mims Jr: Sit
Courtland Sutton is for sure the Denver receiver to own & start. FootballGuys has him ranked as the WR9 on the year in full-PPR leagues, with 182.8 total points to his name. He has had no less than 70+ receiving yards in a game since Week 8, and in that same span, no less than 8 targets per; he is averaging 9.5 targets a game. Fire up Sutton as Nix continues to lean on him.
Devaughn Vele strung together some serviceable outputs in Weeks 10 through 12 but came back down to earth in Week 13 against the Browns. He’ll look to get right against a Colts defense allowing the 19th most fantasy points to opposing WRs per FantasyData, but I don’t think there is a path to starting him this week. Marvin Mims Jr. may have popped off the last time we saw him, catching three of four targets for 105 yards and a touchdown, but you shouldn’t be rushing to have him in your lineup.
Tight End
Adam Trautman: Sit
Like the Colts, the Broncos TE room has been uninviting this season. Names such as Adam Trautman and Lucas Krull are in no way stream-worthy options.
-Matthew Cava (@cavaM_ Twitter & Reddit)