The Indianapolis Colts went 4-12 in what amounted to be a lost season in 2017. Jacoby Brissett spent the year under center due to Andrew Luck’s persistent shoulder injury and the team never really found a rhythm. Coach Chuck Pagano was jettisoned after the season and the team recently hired former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich to replace him.
The Colts essentially only have two offensive skill positions nailed down from a fantasy perspective — three if it is assumed that Luck will fully recover. T.Y. Hilton is still a threat and Jack Doyle has emerged as a dependable yet unspectacular solution at tight end. Other than that, the cupboards are nearly bare. Donte Moncrief is a free agent. Frank Gore is a free agent. Marlon Mack didn’t show enough to be handed a surefire starter role for 2018. This team is in dire need of playmakers if they want to compete in what has all of a sudden become one of the most compelling divisions in the NFL. The Colts rank fourth in available cap space heading into free agency, so the top targets are within reach.
Three additions we want to see for fantasy:
Allen Robinson, WR: The Colts have managed to prevent Luck from having multiple weapons at wide receiver for much of his career. Robinson’s skills are highly complementary to Hilton’s and he would add a much-needed size component to the perimeter passing game. There are questions about whether he can return to 2015 form, but the possible reward is surely worth the risk.
Carlos Hyde, RB: Though the team could opt for another rookie solution, adding a veteran to the mix makes sense. Reich employed a robust backfield committee in Philadelphia and Hyde (who has been injury-prone for much of his career) could benefit from a lead role with slightly reduced touches to extend his career. Hyde is coming off his best season as a professional but probably won’t command huge dollars due to the strength of the rookie class.
Sammy Watkins, WR: Though he wasn’t used extensively in 2017, Watkins was among the most efficient receivers in the league when targeted, scoring eight touchdowns on just 66 targets and boasting a WR rating (passer rating when targeted) of 122.0. If the Colts can’t lure Robinson, Watkins would be a nice consolation prize. His speed combination with Hilton on the turf would be a nightmare for opposing defenses.