Fantasy Upside
Trent Richardson is heading into 2014 with a better understanding of the Colts playbook. Last year he was traded after two games and came into Indianapolis having to start and learn the playbook at the same time. Now, he’s more familiarized with the offense and is entrenched as the starter. He’s also in an offense that wants to emphasize the run game.
And while Richardson struggled rushing the ball last season, he did have some success in the passing game. After the Week 8 bye he actually totaled more receiving yards (246) than rushing (230).
Fantasy Downside
Last season was a disaster for Richardson. It got to the point where the Colts weren’t even using him in the playoffs. He only totaled four touches in two postseason games with Indianapolis. In the final nine games he averaged 25 rushing yards with a 2.8 ypc and only scored twice (one rush, one receiving).
He’s also disappointed so far in the preseason. He’s averaged 2.5 YPC through the first three games. If his stats continue to look like this the Colts will likely give Ahmad Bradshaw more touches as the season progresses.
Bottom Line
It’s a make-or-break year for the Colts back. Richardson showed potential as a rookie when he finished as fantasy’s No. 11 RB, but now he’s just a laughing stock. He’s going to have a difficult time finding running lanes behind the Colts’ young and inexperienced offensive line.
The thing about TRich’s rushing woes is that the bar cannot be set any lower for him. Despite being a starting back in a run-focused system, Richardson’s ADP has dropped him as the 28th running back being selected.
He has the chance to have a good year for Indianapolis, but there’s a lot of risk involved with selecting him. It’s best to take him as a RB3 or a flex option.