The Indianapolis Colts got killed last week by the Steelers and now in Week 9 against the Giants, running back Ahmad Bradshaw is expected to start over Trent Richardson against his old team and fantasy football owners should elevate him for this matchup, while both Donte Moncrief and Reggie Wayne are strong starters at WR for quarterback Andrew Luck on the road.
The Colts have been one of the best teams in the league this season, but they were beaten badly last week by the Steelers, as the defense allowed over 50 points in the game. Bradshaw has been very good for the Colts this season after being injured for the majority of last year and he is poised to start for Richardson on Sunday and it comes after he started last week against the Steelers. Richardson is dealing with a hamstring injury and that has given Bradshaw a chance to be the RB1, but he also has performed better than Richardson this season.
According to Pro Football Talk, Reggie Wayne practiced on Thursday and that lines him up to play on Monday night against the Giants. Wayne was dealing with an elbow injury and he was out for the game against the Steelers. Wayne was injured last season as well and he comes in now with 38 catches for 434 yards this season. Last season Wayne played in seven games and this year he has already reached that number and he has been very consistent for Luck. Wayne has had one 100-yard game and has had at least three catches in all seven games he has played this season.
Moncrief had a breakout game against the Steelers and now he could be another solid target for Luck alongside Wayne and TY Hilton. The Colts have said that they want to get Moncrief more touches and Chuck Pagano added that he gives the team another deep threat along with Hilton down the field for Andrew Luck. Last week Moncrief had seven catches for 113 yards and one touchdown against the Steelers and that bested all his numbers from earlier in the season.
Richardson is expected to play this week after making it back to active status in practice on Thursday, but it will be Bradshaw as the lead back. The Colts have an extra day of preparation because of Monday night football and that gives Richardson more time to heal up for the game. Richardson served as the emergency back last week against the Steelers and he comes in with over 350 yards on the ground this season.
Bradshaw has been a major factor for the Colts on offense, including as a receiver and on Sunday he had 55 yards on the ground with a TD and he also had seven catches for 52 yards. This season Bradshaw already has six touchdowns through the air on 31 catches and he has 371 yards on the ground to lead the team in rushing. Bradshaw played in only three games last season and rushed for 186 yards and now he has played in eight games and has been one of the best offensive weapons for the Colts. Bradshaw said he is motivated to matchup against his old team on Sunday.