The fantasy values for Jonathan Taylor, Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, and Tyler Warren could absolutely tank after tonight’s Colts game against the Chiefs, and it all hinges on one guy: Daniel Jones. The Colts came into this season hyped as a playoff contender, but they went in with no backup plan if Jones couldn’t deliver. Week 1 gave us a brutal preview of just how dicey that bet is.
Jones’ Week 1 Wreckage and a Troubling History
In Week 1, the Colts got absolutely shelled at home by the Ravens, losing 41-23. Sure, it’s just one game, but the alarm bells are ringing for Daniel Jones. He’s coming off a torn Achilles that cut short his promising 2025 campaign, and his performance in the opener was a rollercoaster. Jones opened with a strong drive, throwing for 59 yards and a touchdown. Awesome, right? Not so fast. For the rest of the game, he managed a paltry 107 scoreless yards. That’s a huge red flag. Back in 2023, before he was knocked out for the season, Jones played the worst football of his career, and it hammered the team’s fantasy production. The Giants, in 2023, got embarrassed 40-0 at home by the Cowboys in Week 1, and despite Jones leading them to a respectable 9-7-1 record a year prior, he ended up with a torn ACL by December, the team was out of postseason contention, and the offense limped to the finish line. Saquon Barkley, for example, only averaged 10.6 points during the fantasy playoffs. That’s the nightmare scenario if Jones can’t stay healthy or elevate this offense.
A Gauntlet Ahead and Fantasy Fire Sale Risk
It gets worse. After tonight’s clash with the Chiefs, the Colts face a tough Texans defense at home. Then, buckle up, because four of their next five games are on the road against the Commanders, Steelers, Vikings, and Jaguars. We could be looking at a Colts team sitting at 3-5 or even 2-6 heading into the NFL trade deadline. If Jones can’t elevate this offense, those talented skill players like Taylor, Pierce, Downs, and Warren could become unstartable. And if the team is firmly out of playoff contention by December, Jonathan Taylor, who already missed three games in 2024, seven in 2023, and six in 2022, could be at serious risk during the fantasy playoffs. One game doesn’t make a season, no doubt. But sometimes, it shows you exactly what’s coming down the pipe. Jones has to be healthy and at the absolute top of his game to drive this offense, and Week 1 is telling us fantasy managers should be seriously concerned.
Tonight’s matchup against the Chiefs isn’t just another game. It’s a massive test for Jones and the entire Colts squad. If he can’t turn things around against an elite team, that rough road stretch awaits, and those fantasy values are gonna take a massive hit, for real.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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