Best and Worst Colts Fantasy Football Options in Week Three

Every week, we're partnering with FanDuel to look at which Colts have the best and the worst value for this week's games. FanDuel is a weekly fantasy football site in which you're the general manager.  You have a salary cap of $60,000 and you have to try and assemble the best team possible under the cap.

The Colts take on the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday needing a win.  Let's take a look at the fantasy value of some of the team's key players.

Quarterback:

Andrew Luck, 3rd overall QB, $9,500 value

Luck hasn't had a great start to the season overall, but he's still a great player to start in fantasy - especially against the Jaguars.  If the Colts coaches have learned anything this week, expect Luck to have a big week.

Running Back:

Trent Richardson, 31st overall RB, $6,200 value

Ahmad Bradshaw, 49th overall RB, $5,200 value

Last week, Ahmad Bradshaw had a great game by both actual standards and fantasy standards, and then Trent Richardson had his best game as a Colt - though still fumbling twice and losing one of them.  I still don't think that Richardson is a good option to start in fantasy, but Bradshaw could be a good option - especially with where he's currently valued.

Wide Receiver:

Reggie Wayne, 19th overall WR, $6,800 value

T.Y. Hilton, 24th overall WR, $6,500 value

Hakeem Nicks, 40th overall WR, $5,800 value

I'm not sure if any of the three Colts wide receivers are great options in fantasy, because 1) there's a lot of options, 2) Andrew Luck hasn't been great so far, 3) the play calling has greatly limited the passing game.  I still think that all three of those objections could be diminished greatly or even go away as we move on, but right now I think the receivers are a bit risky in fantasy.  Reggie Wayne is the most consistent one of the group, but T.Y. Hilton provides more upside - if the Colts and Luck work more on getting him involved. There are upsides, but also risks with the receivers.

Tight End:

Coby Fleener, 13th overall TE, $5,400 value

Dwayne Allen, 17th overall TE, $5,200 value

The Colts do love to use their tight ends.  But in fantasy, should you?  I'd be cautious with them.  Coby Fleener has been less than impressive so far this year, and then Dwayne Allen has been kept in to block much more - which, while he has done a great job at it, doesn't count toward fantasy points.  Both Colts tight ends are guys who can have a great game any given week, but they too, like the receivers, bring some risks in fantasy football.

Kicker:

Adam Vinatieri, 12th overall K, $5,000

The Colts are playing the Jaguars.  Therefore, they likely will score some points.  Thus, Adam Vinatieri will get some points.  The main question is whether the Colts will be able to finish drives with touchdowns or have to settle for field goals.  Given his fantasy value for this week, it appears that the Colts are expected to score touchdowns, giving Vinatieri extra points but limited field goals.  But we'll see.  Vinatieri isn't a bad option for fantasy this week.

Defense:

Colts Defense, 10th overall defense, $5,100 value

This is the highest you'll ever see the Colts defense this year, except for perhaps their home game against the Jaguars.  They're a projected top-ten fantasy defense for this week against the Jaguars.  Jacksonville's offensive line has just has struggled just as much, if not more so, than the Colts pass rush, and their offense has looked bad.  If ever there was a week to start the Colts defense (and I'd still be a little wary), this week is it.

Editor's Note: SB Nation's partner FanDuel is hosting a $350,000 Fantasy Football Contest for Week 3's NFL games. It's only $10 to join and first place wins $30,000. Starts Sunday, September 21st at 1pm ET. Here's the link.