The Indianapolis Colts have TY Hilton coming back from a concussion, but he is expected to be cleared to play for Week 1 for Andrew Luck. The team has Dwyane Allen, Frank Gore, Andre Johnson, Donte Moncrief and Coby Fleener as solid fantasy football options, as the Colts could be one of the most productive teams in football.
Luck comes in after throwing 40 touchdowns last season and he was one of the top rated players in all of fantasy football. Luck was able to put up great numbers without a consistent rushing attack and now the Colts may have that with Frank Gore coming in. Gore is one of the most consistent players in the NFL over the last decade and he could give the Colts a true number one back for the first time in a while. The team also added weapons with Andre Johnson and Phillip Dorsett this offseason.
According to ESPN.com, Hilton is expected to be ready for the first game of the season despite dealing with a concussion in the preseason. Hilton is "on track" for the season opener and he comes in after coming back to practice this week for the Colts. Hilton signed a major extension this offseason and he is coming in after having three straight strong seasons for the Colts. Adding Johnson gives the Colts more weapons and takes some pressure off of Hilton.
Hilton is an explosive player and his deep threat ability makes him a valuable fantasy football option. Hilton had 82 catches last season for 1345 yards and seven touchdowns and he had six games with 100+ yards receiving. Gore is a strong fantasy option this year, as he comes in after rushing for over 1100 yards in his final season with the Niners. Gore has had at least 1100 yards in four straight seasons and since 2005 he has only rushed for less than 1000 yards twice. Even if Gore falls off a little bit, he could be the key to the Colts offense being the best in the league.
Dwayne Allen is a solid sleeper for the Colts this season, as he has had injury issues the past two years, but is coming in healthy. Allen had just 29 catches last season, but he is poised to get more targets if he can stay healthy. Fleener is a solid option in deeper leagues along with Moncrief and Dorsett, who could be another good explosive option with Hilton, as he has great speed.
Check here for more on the Colts and Hilton's status for Week 1.
The Colts also could be in for a boost on defense, as reports have Robert Mathis potentially playing in Week 1 of the season. According to the Indianapolis Star, head coach Chuck Pagano said that there is a "possibility" that Mathis could play in the first game of the season against the Buffalo Bills. Mathis tore his Achilles last year and he was on the PUP list for a while, but he has been practicing with the team and Pagano said the team is "increasing his snaps." Mathis previously put up a career best 19.5 sacks in 2013 and he was missed by the Colts last season on defense with his injury.
