Hey there Colts’ fans! Here are my thoughts as the Colts conclude their 2026 preseason schedule this weekend:

QUARTERBACK COMPETITION: Nothing has apparently been locked up heading into the last game as both QB Anthony Richardson and QB Riley Leonard have been equally impressive and unimpressive at times in camp. Some would say that Richardson has continued at times to make mistakes and show his inconsistency in game play, while others will say he has continued to flash that innate "wow" factor when on the field. Even though the field is split on Richardson, what is generally being universally stated is that Leonard has not charged through that open door by doing anything to shove Richardson aside for the backup role. I believe that Richardson has looked far better and more valuable in game play than has Leonard, and don’t quite see the criticism that others have perhaps unfairly lobbied. He has not lived up to the ludicrous Lamar-esque predictions and expectations of his high draft selection, but I think he has shown himself to be way more NFL-talented than Leonard. Richardson will play the first quarter against the Lions this weekend with the O-line starters going 8-12 plays, and Leonard will get the 2^nd quarter with the second unit (based solely on rotation, not on any merit); QB Easton Stick (also with NFL starting experience) will cover the second half. It is my guess that Stick may end up as the #3 and on the practice squad after the cutdowns since neither of the other two will make it through waivers if released.

I think it will come down to two factors. First, will anyone pay for one of the two young passers with substantial draft capital. AR5 likely has more value in this regard, due to his still unrealized upside. Secondly, will the team remain enamored with that upside and want Richardson here, knowing well that he will bolt after this season (barring something very unforeseen changing in his strong desire to restart his career elsewhere). One thing to note from a fantasy perspective; when he has actually played – even when he has struggled as a passer – his running contributions have rendered him a clear fantasy starter. I don’t think it is unrealistic that the team keeps both and let the battle rage on over the regular season as well. As key players start to get healthier, the decision on using a roster spot for a 6^th receiver or 6^th linebacker, etc becomes less important than a proper backup quarterback decision.

KICKING BATTLE: I know that no one is waiting with baited breath to draft the Colts kicker for fantasy this weekend, but the winner of this battle has a real chance to be a hot fantasy streaming option. Between a primarily indoor schedule and some questionable red zone success anticipated (regression to the mean after a nice start to 2025 is inevitable), keep that guy on speed dial for streamers. That being said, the real value could come for the loser of the competition, as both of these guys are NFL caliber kicking options. The loser could get a chance in a much better offense in need of a more reliable kicking option. I think PK Blake Grupe has the edge here, but PK Spencer Shrader can definitely kick in this league. Not much to know for now, but come Tuesday, we will see where things shake out.

LAST PRESEASON GAME: Several veteran starters will see some game action this weekend, even though most anyone relevant for fantasy will be sitting. Captain DT DeForest Buckner will get a little work in just so that his play in week 1 will not be the first snaps he takes since his neck surgery. He may play as little as one series, so don’t expect him to see more than a handful of snaps. New acquisition WR Keenan Allen will also see some game action just to help him acclimate; since he likely will only play in the first quarter, his presence may help Richardson the most with a true starting caliber receiver to throw to. Keep and eye on CB Justin Walley, who is having a great camp after losing his entire season to injury last year. The young guy probably has locked down the starting slot corner role, and is he shines in his first actual game play, his development could make the Colts have a really nice secondary. This could make them a sneaky matchup-based fantasy play as a team defense going into the season (not week 1 against Baltimore though).

ROSTER: In a related note to Walley’s development, the team released veteran CB Mekhi Becton who had started 11 games for them in 2025, so they clearly feel good about his development. With the signing of Keenan Allen, this makes the receiving crew fairly well set through the top five options, so the 6^th spot on the roster is going to come down to the health of the top five guys, and to special teams value. WR Anthony Gould may need to look like a gamebreaker returning kicks this week to lock down a slot. I still expect the team to be looking at a more proven veteran running backafter the final cutdowns, or at least one with potential upside to be a starter if something happens to workhorse RB Jonathan Taylor. I wouldn’t mind them looking at the guy that loses the numbers game in Arizona, whether it be RB Trey Benson or RB James Connor; heck, I spoke the Keenan Allen signing into existence a few months ago, so why not ask the football gods for help LOL. The Colts surely will also be looking for help, and perhaps some additional options at linebacker and depth guys for the O-line.

INJURIES: WR Alec Pierce was removed from the PUP list and has resumed practicing. He will not play in the preseason finale, but is "on track" to be ready for week 1. I will believe that when I see it, but optimism has been coming out of camp on him. Stud CB Charvarius Ward also has returned to full practice, but they likely will be cautious with him as the season starts to keep his sore back under control. He is a need on the field for this defensive unit.

OTHER NEWS BITS: S Cam Bynum will wear the green dot for the first time in his 6-year career for Lou Anarumo’s defense. It might be reasonable for IDP owners to expect some early season adjustments and a slow start as he handles the extra responsibilities.

P Rigoberto Sanchez received a contract extension this week. One the NFL’s best punters and a very solid placeholder, he is entering his 10^th season with Indy and was #2 in the league in punting last season with a career-best and Colts-record 44.7 net yards per punt. He averaged a tick under 50 yards in gross punting in 2024! He also is the best in the NFL at pinning opponents deep and avoiding touchback. A huge value signing which will help the team a lot, and may help the fantasy defense with field position.

That is all for now from the Crossroads of America. I will be back to preview the regular season opener in a week or so from a fantasy perspective. Until then….happy drafting!

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