The Indianapolis Colts have made the decision to bench their former 4th overall pick and hand the keys over to former Super Bowl winner Joe Flacco.
Life in the NFL comes at you about as fast as a Will Anderson sack, just ask Anthony Richardson. Anderson and Richardson are inextricably tied as the ladder was drafted one pick before the former in the 2023 draft. More recently Anderson was the Texans top defensive player in a 23-20 win over the Colts, while Richardson’s continued struggles at QB ultimately caused the coaches to bench him.
Whether Richardson’s struggles classify as a textbook example of the Sophomore Slump or an indicator of his ability to quarterback at the NFL level has been heavily debated the past 8 weeks. By the numbers, Richardson is QB 30 or worse in nearly all QB throwing stats: Yards/game, touchdowns, completion percent, throwing yards (#29 actually)…the list goes on. He is top 12 in interceptions though, as well as all QB rushing metrics. Meanwhile Flacco’s lowest completion percentage this season (57.9 week 6 vs Tennessee) is higher than Richardson’s highest in a full game this year (50% week 2 vs Green Bay).
Aside from the metrics, the final straw may have come in an odd moment in the 3rd quarter week 8 in which Richardson took himself out of the game for a play. When asked if it was injury related he cited being tired and needing a breather. Perhaps Shane Steichen is getting tired of the underperformance?
Fantasy wise through the first 8 weeks Flacco has favored Josh Downs and Michael Pittman. Downs has 30 targets/24 catches/217 yards in 3 weeks with Flacco vs 17/8/134 in 3 with Richardson. Michael Pittman had 22 targets/14 catches /185 yards in 3 weeks with Flacco vs 31/15/167 in 5 games with Richardson. Alec Pierce enjoyed his time with Richardson more, while Jonathan Taylor and Adoni Mitchell were neutral.
Lukasz Stec, @Lukasz_FF01
Michael Pittman is one of the top fallers in PlayerProfiler’s Dynasty Deluxe lifetime value rating for the end of October.
Michael Pittman’s dynasty fantasy football value is on a concerning downward trend. Pittman has been consistently unproductive so far in 2024, with only two games surpassing 40 receiving yards. This lack of production is alarming for fantasy managers who have relied on him as a steady WR2 or flex option.
A significant factor contributing to Pittman’s decline is the presence of second year quarterback Anthony Richardson. While Richardson’s athleticism and rushing ability are exciting for the Colts’ offense, they limit the upside of his wide receivers. Richardson’s tendency to run rather than pass, especially in red-zone situations, reduces Pittman’s opportunities to score touchdowns and accumulate yardage.
Given these challenges, it’s wise for dynasty managers to consider trading Pittman before his value drops further. Pittman is also battling a back injury that threatened to put him on IR and could become a factor in his availability again at any point. His name recognition and past performances might still fetch a decent return in trades. Act now to capitalize on his remaining value and strengthen your roster for the future.
-Jonny Tooma (@FantasyPicasso)
Anthony Richardson was seen throwing in front of the media for the first time since October of last year, including a pass to Michael Pittman Jr. that caused him to go down for a couple of minutes.
Richardson looked noticeably smooth throwing the ball, indicating that he is fully recovered from the shoulder injury he suffered last season that ended his year. Richardson mentioned there are some days his shoulder still feels “a little achy”, but is expected to have no restrictions in his participation in spring team activities.
During OTAs on Wednesday, Richardson rolled out of the pocket and threw a pass to a crowded area of the field where Michael Pittman Jr. leapt into the air to make a play on the ball and collided with defensive back, Jaylon Jones. At this point, it sounds like Pittman avoided a serious injury after Head Coach Shane Steichen shared that Pittman and Jones banged knees and he should be fine.
The Colts will be an exciting offense in 2024 with Richardson at the helm and Pittman Jr. as his established WR1. Fantasy Managers shouldn’t be afraid to project future success for this offense and take advantage of Pittman and Richardson’s current ADPs.
Wide Receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is finalizing a three-year $70 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts.
Shortly after getting tagged with the Franchise Tag, Michael Pittman Jr. is getting a three-year $70 million deal that can reach up to $71.5 million max, with $46 million guaranteed. The Colts wanting to keep their top passing weapon was evident after applying the tag worth $21.8 million for one year. The ensuing contract extension is win for both the team and the player. Pittman Jr. can look for another payday at 29 years old at the completion of this deal.
Quarterback Anthony Richardson is smiling at the moment to keep his big target on the field. While Richardson and Pittman did not get to play together for much last season due to the QB’s injuries, they did have a decent connection. Their last game together Pittman Jr. had 8 catches for 97 yards and 1 TD, then Richardson sat out the rest of the season on injured reserve. The connection should only get better barring injury.
Pittman Jr. has the potential to be a low end WR1 on the season. Richardson has a howitzer cannon for an arm to make some beautiful connections deep down the field. The biggest downside may be Richardson not improving as a passer and relying more on his running skills. If things come together as planned, look for the Colts offense to be juggernaut.
WR Michael Pittman Jr. was franchise tagged by the Indianapolis Colts. The 1-year tag is worth $21.816 million.
Michael Pittman Jr. was drafted 2020 out of USC by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2nd round. Pittman is a massive specimen at 6’4″ and 223 lbs. The big man became the Colts top receiver mid way through his rookie season. Although Pittman’s numbers are not flashy, he has been very reliable for the revolving door of quarterbacks throwing to him in his short career. Pittman hit career highs with 109 catches and 1,152 yards receiving in 2023 despite his losing his starter in rookie QB Anthony Richardson.
Pittman Jr. will return with Richardson for next season on a 1-Year franchise tag worth $21.816 million. Hopefully with the health issues in the past, Richardson can gel with Pittman and produce season the WR is capable of. The Colts are likely trying to keep Pittman Jr. long-term, it will not be a surprise if they work out a deal before the season starts.
Dynasty owners should be patient and see how Pittman Jr. and Richardson play before making firm decision on keeping or targeting him in trades. Pittman should still range in the mid to high range WR2.
Michael Pittman has cleared concussion protocol and will play in Week 17 when the Colts face the Las Vegas Raiders.
Michael Pittman has cleared concussion protocol and will play in Week 17 when the Colts face the Las Vegas Raiders. Pittman is the WR11 despite missing last week’s game due to this lingering concussion.
The Colts are getting a huge boost with the return of Pittman. Gardner Minshew and the rest of the Colts offense looked bad last week in Pittman’s absence. Minshew is now playable in Superflex leagues with Pittman’s return. Pittman has 99 receptions for 1062 yards and 4 touchdowns. Pittman, however, has a tough matchup this week playing a Raiders defense that has been playing lights out as of late. Temper your expectations for Pittman in this one, he is still a high end WR2 this week.
