For fantasy owners with Indianapolis Colts in their lineups, the loss of Andrew Luck probably isn’t making the decision of starting his wide receivers easy.
For the second straight week, it’s quarterback Matt Hasselbeck directing the offense as we take a look at how wide receivers Andre Johnson, T.Y. Hilton and running back Frank Gore fared on Thursday night against the Houston Texans.
Frank Gore
Matt Hasselbeck isn’t quite the gunslinger he used to be. And he certainly is no Andrew Luck either. For that reason, Indianapolis’ simplified offense has proved beneficial for the veteran running back Gore.
With 98 yards on the ground and a touchdown against the Texans, Gore has proved he is still capable of producing. Unfortunately, it just hasn’t been consistent.
It’s the second time this season he has recorded over 15 fantasy points, but his other three weeks have seen him score three points twice and six in the other.
Yet, the 32-year-old’s performance is still amazing viewers, such as cornerback Charles James II:
It’s those consistency questions that are making fantasy owners hesitant, but it’s a high reward for such a risk. If you are looking for a second running back, Gore could be your man. Just be wary of the defensive matchup.
Against a good run-defending team, it might be better to leave Gore on the bench. If you really want him in your lineup, put him at the flex.
Andre Johnson
Of course Andre Johnson was going to show up against his old team and score a pair of touchdowns. All signs leading up to this week have suggested he should be on your bench, though.
He’s only recorded four fantasy points in four games this season. In Week 5 he had around 20. His performance even surprised ESPN Fantasy Football:
Johnson looked dangerous in Hasselbeck’s offense and was getting plenty of targets, something points-per-reception owners wouldn’t mind seeing.
But again, it’s a question of consistency that will make Johnson a questionable start moving forward. If there’s room and you’re in a deeper league, he could be a third wide receiver or flex option. You’ll look like a genius giving him another chance on your roster this year if he continues to produce.
T.Y. Hilton
While Johnson opened Week 5 with a bang for the Colts’ wide receiving group, Hilton continues to put up mediocre fantasy numbers.
For the fifth straight game, Hilton has recorded single-digit fantasy points and has yet to find the end zone in 2015. His performance has puzzled NFL Network’s Andrew Siciliano:
He’s still getting targets, which makes him a viable option for PPR leagues. But for standard leagues, it might be time to stop relying on Hilton as a top receiver.
By no means am I saying to bench him. But maybe scan the market for another receiver who can put up some big-time numbers.
Stats and fantasy points courtesy of ESPN.com.
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