Fantasy football maintain skeptical laying off Richardson or keeping him… read more…

When Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson was selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, there was immediate buzz about his raw athleticism and high ceiling. The dual-threat QB, known for his powerful arm and explosive running ability, appeared to have the tools to become a star in the NFL. For fantasy football managers, Richardson’s potential as a dual-threat quarterback presented a tantalizing upside. However, after a few weeks of the 2023 season, some fantasy owners may be feeling uncertain about whether to keep or lay off Richardson for the rest of the season. Let’s break down the key factors that can guide your decision.

1. Performance and Potential

Richardson’s first few games in the NFL have been a mix of highs and lows. In his debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he showed flashes of brilliance, passing for 223 yards and running for 40 yards with a touchdown. He followed that with a strong performance against the Houston Texans in Week 2, tossing two touchdowns and rushing for a score. These performances showed that Richardson could be a top-tier fantasy QB, especially given his rushing ability, which adds significant value in fantasy leagues that reward points for rushing yards and touchdowns.

However, Richardson’s 2023 campaign has not been without its challenges. He struggled to stay healthy, as he was forced to leave the Week 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams with a shoulder injury. This injury raised concerns about his long-term durability, especially given his playing style, which often involves taking hits on designed runs and scrambles. If Richardson continues to miss games or play through injuries, his fantasy value could be compromised, especially in a position as crucial as quarterback, where consistency is key.

2. Injury Concerns

One of the most significant concerns regarding Richardson is his injury history. The shoulder injury he sustained in Week 4 has kept him sidelined for several games, and even though there is optimism around his recovery, the risk remains. Richardson’s style of play, which involves frequent running, increases his exposure to hits and potential injuries, as seen with his early-season shoulder issue.

For fantasy managers, the injury risk is a crucial factor to consider. A high upside player like Richardson may offer significant rewards when healthy, but there’s a chance that his injuries will continue to limit his availability or effectiveness throughout the season. If you are risk-averse, you might be leaning towards laying off Richardson, particularly in leagues where roster spots are limited and you need to prioritize consistency.

3. The Colts’ Offensive System

Another factor to consider when deciding whether to keep or lay off Richardson is the Colts’ offensive scheme. Under head coach Shane Steichen, who previously worked with Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia, the Colts have leaned heavily on the quarterback’s mobility, creating an offense tailored to Richardson’s strengths. This system is designed to allow Richardson to thrive in play-action and rollouts, giving him opportunities to use his legs while still developing his passing game.

However, despite the potential of the system, there are still question marks about the Colts’ overall offensive talent. Indianapolis has a decent offensive line and playmakers like running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., but they have struggled to build consistent offensive momentum. Richardson’s performance is likely to be impacted by the team’s overall offensive efficiency, and if the Colts’ offense continues to underperform, Richardson’s fantasy value may take a hit as well. On the flip side, if the offense starts clicking, Richardson could see a major boost in both passing and rushing stats.

4. The Fantasy QB Landscape

Quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, and Josh Allen have set the bar high in fantasy football, and many owners may be searching for a QB that can offer elite-level upside. Richardson certainly has that potential, especially in leagues that reward rushing stats heavily. His ability to rush for 40+ yards a game can provide a substantial fantasy floor, even if his passing stats aren’t elite. This makes Richardson an intriguing option for fantasy managers in two-quarterback leagues or those seeking a high-upside starter who could turn into a top-5 QB.

However, if you are in a one-quarterback league and have a more consistent option at the position, such as Dak Prescott or Kirk Cousins, the risk of continuing to roster a banged-up Richardson may not be worth it. If he is not playing or is limited in his rushing attempts, his fantasy value drops significantly, especially in a week-to-week matchup scenario.

5. The Waiver Wire and Trade Options

If you are debating whether to lay off or keep Richardson, you also need to consider the state of the waiver wire and potential trade options. Are there other quarterbacks on the waiver wire who can provide more consistency, or is there an opportunity to trade Richardson to a team that believes in his potential? If you can secure a solid trade offer, moving Richardson while his upside is still high might be a good way to mitigate risk.

On the other hand, if Richardson is available in your league and you’re able to stash him on your bench while waiting for his return, that could pay off handsomely if he stays healthy and starts to string together big performances. However, if you are already dealing with too many injured players or roster instability, you may want to prioritize consistency over potential.

### Conclusion

In the end, whether you keep or lay off Anthony Richardson depends on several factors, including your current roster construction, risk tolerance, and overall league dynamics. His dual-threat ability and upside make him an intriguing fantasy option when healthy, but the injury risk is a real concern. If you’re in a position to wait for him to return to form and can afford the risk, keeping Richardson might pay off. However, if you need immediate and reliable production, especially if his injury is still lingering, it might be wise to explore other options. Either way, it’s crucial to stay updated on his injury status and any changes to the Colts’ offensive scheme that could impact his fantasy value.