RADIO
The Indianapolis Colts passing game is in a state of disarray when it comes to fantasy thanks to the injury of quarterback Andrew Luck. Indianapolis’ star quarterback is expected to miss at least the next month because of a lacerated kidney and veteran Matt Hasselbeck will start for the foreseeable future. The three Colts wide receivers have all had their share of ups and downs this season but the quarterback change could create big changes for all of them.
Donte Moncrief has been a surprise success for a good percentage of the season but showed very little chemistry with Hasselbeck in the two games started in place of Luck earlier this year. All five of Moncrief’s touchdown receptions came from Luck at the quarterback position. In the game that Hasselbeck had a week to prepare for, he only connected with Moncrief once for three receiving yards. That’s a staggering number that shows disconnect between the two and unless they prove it to you otherwise, there’s no way you can safely insert Moncrief into any fantasy lineup until Luck returns.
The wide receiver that may actually benefit from Hasselbeck will be Andre Johnson. Both men are veterans with their best days behind them and they showed a positive repertoire against the Houston Texans in Week 5. Johnson caught six passes for 72 yards and two touchdown scores. In Hasselbeck’s other start, Johnson did not catch a single pass but Hasselbeck was named starter of that game at the last minute. The Texans game was a better sample of who Hasselbeck trusts with the time to game plan and prepare. ESPN’s Mike Wells broke a story that Johnson is expected to have a bigger role in the offense going forward due to Hasselbeck’s trust of him. Many fantasy owners rightfully dropped Johnson due to his atrocious start to the season but he may be worth the pickup if you’re desperate for a wide receiver. There are a couple of stud receivers on bye and Johnson could be an interesting risky play against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
T.Y. Hilton will hold the same value with Hasselbeck as he did with Luck. As the most talented receiver with an ability to make the big plays, Hasselbeck will need to look for him to have success. Hilton did not have a big drop off or rise in Hasselbeck’s prior starts this season. Hilton should remain the same, Johnson could become more valuable and Moncrief will see a decline with Matt Hasselbeck as starting quarterback.
