2010 NFL Predictions: Top Five Indianapolis Colts For Fantasy Football

As one of the NFL's most consistent teams, the Colts can be expected to pack lots of offensive firepower each year. As with all teams however, some of players are just "worth" more than others.

In this article I'll explore who I think are the most reliable fantasy options on the Colts for next year.

Peyton Manning, QB

The epitome of consistency, Manning has not only been one of the highest ranked fantasy QBs this decade, he has also been one of the most reliable.

Last year, Manning threw for over 4500 yards and 33 touchdowns while leading his team to its second Superbowl in four years. Expect more of the same this year.

Prediction: 4300 yards, 32 touchdowns

Reggie Wayne, WR

Widely regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the league, Reggie Wayne has been a consistent fantasy option the last few years. He led the league in yards in 2007, and after a relatively disappointing 2008 (although he still made the Pro Bowl), recorded his second career 100 reception season in 2009.

This upcoming season, expect Wayne to another reliable target for a WR1 pick but as I will explain in the next slide, he should not be started every week.

Prediction: 85 receptions for 1100 yards, 8 touchdowns

Pierre Garcon, WR

Before this season, putting Garcon on any list would have been out of the question. Last year, people didn't think he would even start, let alone set the AFC Championship record for receptions. Although, at times, he looked like the rookie he was, "The Waiter" still played well enough to win the starting job.

His 2009 stats were impressive given it was his first year where he got significant playing time. He gathered 47 receptions for 765 yards (a team leading 16.3 YPC) and 4 TDs. Although his hands were a bit inconsistent, he proved his value as a deep threat.

With a year of starting experience, I expect Garcon to keep his starting job and improve upon last season's numbers (most likely taking receptions away from Wayne). I believe he's worthy of a WR2 spot, possibly even a WR1 sleeper.

Prediction: 65 receptions for 1050 yards, 7 TDs

Dallas Clark, TE

In my opinion, he's the best receiving tight end in the league. There are very few tight ends who can beat a cornerback deep and Clark is one of them.

Last year, he put together one of the best seasons EVER by a tight end with 100 receptions for 1106 yards and 10 TDs. Even if his numbers decline, he'll still be among the top 3 fantasy TEs. Definitely a must draft.

Prediction: 82 receptions for 960 yards, 7 TDs

Joseph Addai, RB

What? Joseph Addai is on this list? I must be out of my mind right? Well, not completely. Although Addai didn't get much of the press in the regular season, he was still a consistent back.

His yardage for the season wasn't astounding, 828 yards on 3.8 YPC, but he still scored 10 touchdowns. Additionally, he caught 51 passes for 366 yards and 3 TDs (more receptions than Garcon). He's not a 300 carry back, but when spelled by someone else (Donald Brown), he does his best work.

I expect Addai's YPC to increase this year with the drafting of a true fullback and the offseason goal to improve run-blocking. He may lose some touches to Donald Brown, but I still expect "Joe" to keep his starting job and most of the carries. Draft him as an RB2 (if so, handcuff him to Brown) or RB3.

Prediction: 210 carries for 880 yards, 10 TDs. 40 receptions for 380 yards, 3 TDs.

Conclusion

I may have been a bit conservative with these numbers (most definitely in TDs) but the impact of Anthony Gonzalez's position battle is yet to be seen. The only sure thing is that the 2010 Colts offense will be much more balanced and the passes will be distributed more evenly.