1 – Peyton Manning
Our second rated passer (60.5) in 2010, Manning is at the back end of his career. However, the back end of Manning's career is still better than nearly everyone else's prime. Last season, Manning had the second most yards (4,700 – 11th time in last 12 years over 4,000 yards), second most touchdowns (33), and third best completion percentage (66.2%). He did all this while suffering the most dropped passes (46) of all quarterbacks. Manning's 680 attempts were staggering, even by his standards (previous career high was 591). Assuming a dip in number of attempts, some of his numbers will go down – but Manning will still be an elite fantasy option.
2 – Curtis Painter
Painter didn't take a single snap in 2010 and threw two interceptions in 28 attempts in 2009. Despite having one of the more important roles on the team, Painter doesn't have a lot of experience and hasn't shown much promise.
Running Back:
1 – Joseph Addai
Addai's 4.3 YPC in 2010 were the second best of his carrer, but injuries led to career lows in both yards (495) and touchdowns (4). In Indianapolis' past-first offense (63% pass vs. 37% run), it's hard for the lead back to rack up fantasy points. Addai's biggest value comes near the goal line, where he has scored 38 touchdowns in five seasons. The Colts' run blocking offense ranked near the bottom of the league (-51.8). Addai sees less than 15 carries a game and unless the Colts shift to a more balanced attack, his numbers aren't going to be huge.
2 – Donald Brown
Of all running backs last season, Donald Brown's -6.2 rating ranked second to last. He only scored two touchdowns in 423 snaps and is really only used when Addai is injured or the Colts want a change of tempo. If something should happen to Addai, Brown is worth a look simply because Indianapolis scores so many points.
3 – Mike Hart
Hart has started just one game in the past three seasons for the Colts. He had 43 carries last season for 185 yards, 177 of which came in a three game span in the middle of the season. Hart's value is minimal unless something should happen to both Addai and Brown.
4 – Javarris James
James was an interesting name this past season because of his effectiveness near the goal line. James scored six touchdowns in the ten games he played, including two multi-TD performances. His 2.4 YPC average and season long run of 11 yards raise flags about his potential in a larger role.
5 – Devin Moore
Moore was in on only two snaps last season, carrying the ball both times for a grand total of -1 yards. He is strictly a reserve player and shouldn't be on your fantasy radar.
Wide Receiver:
1 – Reggie Wayne
Reggie Wayne was targeted more than any other receiver in 2010 (172 targets) and had the second most receptions (111). His 1,355 yards ranked third among receivers but his six touchdowns were an area of concern, although Wayne has never been a touchdown machine. Wayne was also in on an unbelievable 98.4% of Indianapolis' offensive snaps this season. He ran about 44 pass routes a game and will look to improve his 100-catch streak to three seasons.
2 – Pierre Garcon
Garcon was our 105th rated receiver at -8.6. However, rating isn't everything, as DeSean Jackson's 104th rank proves. Garcon was in on more snaps (965) than the likes of Roddy White and Larry Fitzgerald. He was thrown at 119 times and caught 67 passes. His 784 yards and six touchdowns are a little low considering how often he is on the field, but the Colts spread the ball around so much it makes it hard for too many of them to really shine.
3 – Austin Collie
Collie was our 11th rated receiver in 2010 and led the league in catch percentage (82.9%). Collie caught eight touchdowns, including six in the first six games of the season before injuries slowed him down. Collie got off to an amazingly fast start last season, averaging nearly ten catches for 120 yards a game. He is a very smooth route runner (70% of his snaps were pass routes) and, health permitting, will be a very dangerous receiver in 2011.
4 – Anthony Gonzalez
Gonzalez was supposed to be Reggie Wayne's #2, but injuries helped pave the way for guys like Collie and Garcon to step in. Gonzalez saw just 74 snaps last season and caught five passes. Gonzalez had Garcon-like production (63 catches, 778 yards) in 2008 but needs to work his way back up the depth chart to have those numbers again.
5 – Blair White
White had 36 catches and five touchdowns this season despite being so far down the depth chart. His 506 snaps (345 pass routes) were enough to show that he is worth a fantasy look should something happen to the names in front of him again next season.
6 – Taj Smith
Smith was in on one snap last season, and it was to run block. He's a reserve player for the time being.
7 – Chris Brooks
Reserve/Future contract.
8 – Kole Heckendorf
Reserve/Future contract.
Tight End:
1 – Dallas Clark
Clark's unfortunate injury cut his season ten games short. In those first six games, Clark was on the field 99.5% of the time but was a little behind his typical production, averaging just under 60 yards and six catches a game. In 2009, Clark had 100 receptions and 1,106 yards. Clark is one of Manning's favorite targets and will return to the ranks of the elite next season.
2 – Jacob Tamme
Tamme did a wonderful job filling in for Dallas Clark. Tamme averaged 63 yards a game and caught four touchdowns. He was a pass-catching TE, running a route 63% of the time. While his success in 2010 might earn him more playing time in the future, be aware that Tamme was only on the field for three snaps prior to Clark's injury six games into the season.
3 – Brody Eldridge
Eldridge caught five passes on the season but was used primarily as a blocker (blocked 78% of the time). His fantasy stock is close to zero while both Clark and Tamme are healthy and on the roster.
4 – Gijon Robinson
Similar to Eldridge, Robinson is a blocking TE. Of his 133 snaps, 80% of them were blocking. Robinson actually taught a touchdown pass in Indianapolis' week 11 game against the Patriots.
5 – Tom Santi
Santi didn't play a down in 2010 and saw a total of 127 snaps in 2008 and 2009 combined.
6 – Rob Myers
Reserve/Future contract.
Kicker:
1 – Adam Vinatieri
Vinatieri was our 13th rated kicker overall in 2010 and hit 93% of his field goals. Known as a great clutch kicker, his value on the field is sometimes overshadows his fantasy production. He hit 26 FGs last season (eighth most in the league), plays in a dome, and his offense is one of the best in the league.
2 – Brett Swenson
Brett Swenson has yet to have an impact in an NFL game.