The Colts recorded no takeaways or sacks in the 22-16 win over the Cardinals in Week 16.

Analysis: The Colts held QB Kyler Murray in check as they continue to prove they're an elite NFL defense. They've allowed 21 points per game (11th) while ranking second in the league with 31 takeaways. The Raiders' offense has been lethargic since its Week 8 bye week, recording 17 or fewer points in seven of the last eight games while totaling 17 turnovers. There aren't any players who can truly break open a game for the Raiders, so fantasy managers should feel safe chasing ceiling with Colts D/ST this…read more

The Colts recorded two interceptions and a sack in the 27-17 win over the Patriots.

Analysis: The Colts' defense has given up 21.4 points per game (ninth) and forced 31 turnovers (first) through 14 games. The matchup against the Cardinals is dangerous though. QB Kyler Murray can break open a game quickly, evidenced by the Cardinals' 27 points per game (eighth), though he'll be without WR DeAndre Hopkins. The Cardinals scored just 12 points against the Lions last week without Hopkins, so there's plenty of hope for the Colts. It'll be tough to trust this unit in the fantasy playoffs, but…read more

The Colts recorded four sacks and two takeaways in the 31-0 win over the Texans in Week 13.

Analysis: The Colts have recorded a turnover in every game this season, and they lead the league with 29 takeaways. They also rank ninth with 21.8 points allowed per game. Meanwhile, the Patriots scored at least 24 points in eight straight games before the weather ended their streak in Week 13 against the Bills, but they still averaged one turnover per game in that stretch. It's quite difficult to bench Colts D/ST because there likely aren't many better options, but its ceiling is certainly lowered…read more

The Colts recorded two sacks and two takeaways in the 38-31 loss to the Buccaneers in Week 12.

Analysis: The Colts allowed 30 points for the third time in five games, but they've forced a turnover in every contest this season, ranking second with 27 total takeaways. They also rank 15th with 25 sacks. The Texans rank last in the league with 14.9 points per game and 25th with 18 giveaways. Their offensive line can't handle the Colts' pass rushers, evidenced by Tyrod Taylor's 7.4 percent sack rate. Colts D/ST is an elite fantasy option in Week 13.

The Colts recorded four takeaways and a sack in the 41-15 win over the Bills in Week 11.

Analysis: The Colts defied the odds and held the league's top-scoring offense (at the time) to just 15 points. Now, their Week 12 opponent -- the Buccaneers -- leads the league with 30.9 points per game. The Bucs have turned the ball over 13 times, but QB Tom Brady has been sacked just 12 times through 10 games. The Colts likely can't repeat last week's magic; they're due for a letdown game anyway. Steer clear in season-long formats, but sprinkling this unit into some DFS lineups isn't a bad move.

The Colts recorded three sacks and a fumble recovery in the 23-17 win over the Jaguars in Week 10.

Analysis: The Colts have forced a turnover in every game this season, and they rank second in the league with 21 takeaways and 13th with 22 sacks. This is a stellar fantasy unit, but the next two weeks against the Bills and Buccaneers could be rough. The Bills rank second in the league with 31.1 points per game while coughing up just 10 giveaways through nine games. Don't start Colts D/ST this week, but it's worth holding onto this unit.

The Colts posted two sacks and two takeaways in the 45-30 win over the Jets in Week 9.

Analysis: The Jets were up 42-10 in the third quarter, but the Jets made up ground in garbage time. The Colts have allowed 23.6 points per game this season (17th), but they've posted at least one turnover in every game, 20 total (second). They'll have a strong opportunity to keep that rolling in Week 10 against the Jaguars, who have coughed up the ball 14 times this year (sixth-most). The Jaguars also have averaged a mere 16.5 points so far (30th), so the Colts D/ST has a solid floor this week, too.

The Colts recorded three sacks and two interceptions in the 34-31 loss to the Titans in Week 8.

Analysis: The Colts allowed their highest point total of the season but still rank 14th in the league with 22.9 points allowed per contest. Most importantly, they rank second in the league with 18 takeaways while averaging 2.2 sacks per contest. They provide a sky-high ceiling as a result, and the matchup against the Jets is intriguing. The Jets pulled off an improbable win over the Bengals last week, but it's unlikely that Mike White can keep up this performance for long. Regardless, the floor is high…read more

The Colts recorded four turnovers and two sacks in the 30-18 win over the 49ers in Week 7.

Analysis: The windy and rainy conditions assisted the Colts en route to a season-high four takeaways, and Colts D/ST has now registered a turnover in every game this year, 16 in total (third in the league). This will be a tough matchup, as RB Derrick Henry looks unstoppable while WR A.J. Brown is healthy again. However, it wouldn't be surprising if it was a low-scoring game because the Titans and the Colts rank first and 11th, respectively, in rushing attempts per game. It's worth chasing that floor…read more

The Colts recorded three turnovers and two sacks in the 31-3 win over the Texans in Week 6.

Analysis: The Colts had their best performance of the season against the hapless Texans, and they now rank fourth in the league with 12 turnovers while averaging two sacks per game. The 49ers are coming off a bye week and will likely go back to QB Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 7. They averaged 23.4 points per game through the first five weeks while turning the ball over seven times. Garoppolo has been sacked just six times through four starts, so the Colts' ceiling may be a bit slower in Week 7. However, Colts…read more

The Colts allowed 523 total yards and forced a turnover in the 31-25 loss to the Ravens in Week 5.

Analysis: The Colts sacked QB Lamar Jackson twice and mostly held their own, though they allowed 25 or more points for the fourth time this season. Still, they proved they still have a semblance of last year's dominance, and they'll look to keep it rolling in Week 6 against the Texans. The Texans haven't scored more than 22 points in a game with QB Davis Mills under center, and they've turned the ball over eight times this season. There's a sturdy floor and an even better ceiling this week.

The Colts allowed 203 total yards and forced two turnovers in the 27-17 win over the Dolphins.

Analysis: The Colts rank fourth in the league with eight turnovers and tied for 12th with 10 sacks through four games. They're also ranked 16th with 24.3 points allowed per game. There's actually a decent floor here. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has been sacked 11 times so far in addition to three interceptions, and the Colts have an athletic enough front seven to contain him to some extent. This won't be a week-winning performance for Colts D/ST, but it may be worth taking a shot in Week 5 with a juicy…read more

The Colts allowed 265 total yards and forced three turnovers in their 25-16 loss to the Titans in Week 3.

Analysis: The Colts have now piled up six turnovers through three games, and they've added five sacks to their ledger, too. They draw an intriguing Week 4 matchup against the Dolphins, who will start QB Jacoby Brissett and could be without WR Will Fuller (chest). Brissett isn't an effective passer -- he averaged just 4.3 YPA over two games -- but he offers more on his feet than QB Tua Tagovailoa did. However, the Colts' linebackers are athletic enough to keep him in check, and this will be a good…read more

The Colts allowed 371 total yards and forced two turnovers in the 27-24 loss to the Rams in Week 2.

Analysis: Even with top CB Xavier Rhodes (calf) out the first two weeks, the Colts still allowed just 55 total points against two menacing pass attacks -- the Rams and Seahawks. There's no indication that Rhodes will return in Week 3, and the Colts have another tough test on hand with the Titans, who can beat teams with RB Derrick Henry or WRs Julio Jones and A.J. Brown -- or both. The floor is low this week, and there isn't much upside to strive for against QB Ryan Tannehill.

The Colts allowed 28 points and forced a turnover in their Week 1 loss to the Seahawks.

Analysis: The Seahawks emphasized the ground game, and QB Russell Wilson was hyper-efficient through the air as a result. The Rams could follow a similar game plan as they did in Week 1 when QB Matthew Stafford threw 26 times for 321 yards (12.3 YPA) and three scores. With CB Xavier Rhodes (calf) possibly sitting out again, the Colts have the odds stacked against them in Week 2.

CB Xavier Rhodes (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday's season opener against the Seahawks.

Analysis: Rhodes is the only starter sitting out for the opener, but his loss can't be overstated, as he serves as the team's top cornerback with a fierce passing attack coming to town. The Colts will now need to slow down DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett with Kenny Moore, Rock Ya-Sin and TJ Carrie. It's not a bad combination, but they're still likely outmatched. Colts D/ST still has some upside with an effective pass rush against Russell Wilson, though there's significant risk.

The Colts' starters are expected to be at full health for Week 1 against the Seahawks.

Analysis: Last season, the Colts allowed 241.6 passing yards per game, the 12th-most in the league. They didn't make any personnel changes, but the extra year of experience for CB Rock Ya-Sin and FS Julian Blackmon could be a benefit. Still, this matchup is daunting, as WRs DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett (groin) continue to form one of the best one-two punches at wide receiver while QB Russell Wilson finds them short, intermediate and deep. Wilson does tend to hold onto the ball too long -- he was sacked…read more

LB Darius Leonard (ankle) is back to full health, but Kwity Paye (ankle) sitting out of practice recently.

Analysis: The No. 21 overall pick, Paye is expected to make an immediate impact on the Colts' defensive line once healthy. Paye was considered one of the top pass rushers in his class, and he joined a defense that racked up 40 sacks in 2020 and finished among the top fantasy defenses in the league. It's a concerning injury, but the walking boot can sometimes allude to a severe injury even if it's not the case. Keep an eye on his progress, but remember that this was a top-tier defense without Paye last…read more

LB Darius Leonard underwent a minor ankle procedure Monday and will miss the start of training camp.

Analysis: Week 1 is roughly seven weeks away, so this shouldn't be a major concern, though it's worth monitoring. After all, Leonard has recorded at least 121 tackles in each of his first three NFL seasons. As long as he's back to full health, the Colts' defense will once again have Top-5 fantasy potential in 2021. Their entire secondary was retained, and heavy investment in their pass rush, such as using the 21st overall pick on DE Kwity Paye, will provide an immediate upgrade on the edge.

The Colts selected DEs Kwity Paye (first round) and Dayo Odeynigbo (second round) in this year's draft.

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The Colts gave up 354 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 28-24 loss to the Steelers in Week 16.

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The Colts let up 425 total yards and forced two turnovers in the 27-20 win over the Texans in Week 15.

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The Colts allowed 424 total yards and forced three turnovers in the 44-27 win over the Raiders in Week 14.

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The Colts let up 398 total yards and forced two turnovers in the 26-20 win over the Texans in Week 13.

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The Colts gave up 449 total yards and didn't force a turnover in the 45-26 loss to the Titans in Week 12.

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The Colts gave up 367 total yards and forced four turnovers in the 34-31 overtime win over the Packers in Week 11.

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The Colts allowed 284 total yards in the 34-17 win over the Titans in Week 10.

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The Colts allowed 266 total yards and forced a turnover in the 24-10 loss to the Ravens in Week 9.

Analysis: The Colts added two sacks, and their defense only allowed 17 points because Ravens CB Marcus Peters recorded a fumble-return TD. They clearly outperformed their baseline and put together a decent fantasy day, but they have another tough test ahead on a short week. The Colts' defense ranks third in both pass defense (206.4 yards/game) and run defense (83.6 yards/game), and it's 10th in the league with 13 turnovers. However, the unit could be overmatched by A.J. Brown and Derrick Henry, and…read more

The Colts allowed 326 total yards and forced two turnovers in the 41-21 win over the Lions in Week 8.

Analysis: The Colts allowed QB Matt Stafford to throw for 336 yards (his second-highest total of the year) and three touchdowns, but they managed to pick him off once and forced him to lose a fumble. They'll be turnover-reliant again in Week 9 against the Ravens, who have scored at least 20 points in every game this year but rank 18th with nine turnovers so far. The Colts' linebackers are athletic enough to handle QB Lamar Jackson, although he's always capable of a big play. There's plenty of upside…read more

The Colts allowed 398 total yards and forced a turnover in the 31-27 win over the Bengals in Week 6.

Analysis: The Colts could get LB Darius Leonard (groin) back this week, which would be a major boost in both run defense and pass coverage, especially against TE T.J. Hockenson. The Colts' defense is strong against the pass regardless, though, allowing just 199.7 passing yards per game, second in the league. The Colts D/ST should be viewed as a high-floor play as a result, as the ceiling is fairly low with the Lions turning the ball over just four times this season.

The Colts let up 385 total yards and forced two turnovers in a 32-23 loss to the Browns in Week 5.

Analysis: The Colts' defense only allowed 25 points, as one of the Browns' touchdowns was a pick-six. It still wasn't a great effort, but the team has been piling up turnovers (nine) and sacks (11) this year to become one of the top fantasy defenses in the league. The secondary is legit, allowing just 180 passing yards per game -- the best in the league -- and the defense has let up just 88 total points this season. Meanwhile, Bengals QB Joe Burrow has been sacked more than any other quarterback (22),…read more

The Colts allowed 269 total yards and forced a turnover in a 19-11 win over the Bears in Week 4.

Analysis: The Colts were fantastic, keeping the Bears out of the end zone for 58 minutes before letting up a late touchdown. They've been steady all year, albeit against fairly bad offenses, ranking first in the league in pass defense (159 yards/game) and fourth in run defense (77 yards/game). Meanwhile, the Browns have scored at least 34 points in every game since Week 1, turning the ball over just once in that stretch. This game will prove whether the Colts' defense is legitimate or just benefiting…read more

The Colts allowed 260 total yards in Week 3's 36-7 win over the Jets.

Analysis: The Colts recorded three interceptions and took two to the house, shaping up as highest scoring fantasy defense by far in Week 3. The Week 4 matchup will be a bit more ambiguous, as the Bears have afforded QB Nick Foles just one half of action thus far. While Foles secured an incredible comeback, his numbers were mediocre, completing 55 percent of his passes recording 6.5 yards per attempt. He managed to toss three scores and a pick, though. Perhaps Foles reduces the ceiling of Colts D/ST, but…read more

The Colts allowed 175 total yards and forced three turnovers in Week 2's 28-11 win over the Vikings.

Analysis: The Colts dominated the Vikings from start to finish, adding three sacks to be one of the top fantasy streams. They didn't leave unscathed, though, as S Malik Hooker (Achilles) has been ruled out for the season, leaving starting duties in the hands of rookie third-rounder Julian Blackmon. While that's a bit concerning, their cornerbacks should be able to hold their own since the Jets' receiver corps has been decimated by injuries. Furthermore, they're trotting out RB Frank Gore as their…read more

The Colts allowed 241 total yards but didn't force a turnover in Week 1's 27-20 loss to the Jaguars.

Analysis: The Colts were shredded by QB Gardner Minshew in the season opener, as he completed 19 of 20 passes for 173 yards, three scores and no picks. However, unwritten in that stat line is that the Colts sacked him four times. The Colts' secondary still showed major vulnerability, and if they can't clean that up in time for Sunday, it could be another long day for the bunch. Furthermore, the Vikings' offensive line is a step up from the Jaguars', and RB Dalvin Cook and WR Adam Thielen are both…read more

The Colts will travel for the season opener versus the Jaguars.

Analysis: The Colts draw a favorable matchup to start the year since the Jaguars plan to trot out undrafted rookie James Robinson as their starting RB and QB Gardner Minshew remains under center. Robinson could very well be good, but the Colts' defensive line is a tough way to start your NFL career. The Colts' front four should be considered one of the top units in the league after the addition of All-Pro DT DeForest Buckner. The team's secondary should take a step forward as well, as Rock Ya-Sin and…read more

The Colts traded a first-round pick for DT DeForest Buckner in April, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Buckner was an immediate upgrade for the Colts' defensive line since he has 19.5 sacks over the past two seasons, and DE Justin Houston -- 20 sacks in that span -- will carry over to this season, too. There are some concerns in the secondary outside of CB Kenny Moore (groin) and FS Malik Hooker, but the Colts are hoping for a second-year bump from 2019 second-round pick Rock Ya-Sin, and they signed veteran CB Xavier Rhodes to add some stability. This D/ST unit has loads of potential if the…read more

The Colts held the Panthers to six points and 286 total yards in Week 16's loss.

Analysis: The Colts' strong performance against the Panthers snapped a three-game streak of allowing more than 30 points, and they even tacked on three turnovers in the process. The Jaguars haven't been able to string together performances, either, failing to score more than 20 points in seven straight contests. Gardner Minshew is vulnerable, being sacked on 6.5 percent of dropbacks -- the 16th-most in the league -- but the Jags have coughed up just 19 turnovers this season. This should be considered a…read more

The Colts allowed 34 points and 424 total yards in Week 15's loss to the Saints.

Analysis: The Colts let up 30 or more points for the third consecutive week, but they failed to force a turnover in this contest. Now, they'll get a shot at rookie quarterback Will Grier, who has never played an NFL snap. Grier didn't have major issues with turnovers in college, and the Colts' pass defense isn't especially threatening, allowing 249.7 YPG -- 21st in the league. Still, the Colts have the linebacking talent to keep up with Christian McCaffrey to some extent, and Grier is bound to make some…read more

The Colts allowed 38 points and 542 total yards to the Buccaneers in Week 14's loss.

Analysis: Despite getting lit up on the scoreboard, the Colts D/ST actually finished seventh among defenses due to four turnovers and a sack. That's a typical Jameis Winston game, but they won't get that luxury against the Saints, who sport a league-low eight turnovers while Drew Brees is sacked on just 3.1 percent of dropbacks -- the best rate in the league. Given the Saints' high-octane offense, the Colts D/ST floor is damagingly low to any team with championship aspirations.

CB Kenny Moore's (ankle) status is uncertain for Week 14's matchup against the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Moore suffered this injury during Week 13's loss to the Titans, and if he's unable to go, the Colts' secondary could take a hit since Moore has allowed just 5.9 yards per target this season. This will be a low-floor play if that's the case, as the Buccaneers rank fourth in the league with 28.3 points per game and third with 39 passing attempts per contest. It's tough to hang with the likes of Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, but the Buccaneers also have the second-most turnovers (28) while Jameis…read more

CB Rock Ya-Sin (ankle) may play in Week 13's matchup against the Titans.

Analysis: Ya-Sin was able to practice in a limited fashion last week, so he appears to have a good shot at suiting up for this divisional contest. The rookie second-rounder has had his fair share of struggles this season, but he's an improvement over the replacement for sure, which is necessary against a suddenly explosive Tennessee pass offense. QB Ryan Tannehill has posted 9.2 YPA and a 10:3 TD:INT since taking over as the starter, although he's vulnerable against strong pass rushes with 14 sacks in…read more

The Colts allowed 13 points and forced a turnover in Week 11's win over the Jaguars.

Analysis: The Colts held their opponent under 20 points for the third time in four games and their fifth time this season. They'll now meet the Texans for a crucial divisional battle, as the Texans mustered 23 points and coughed up two turnovers to the Colts in Week 7. The Colts' secondary is in rough shape on short rest, though, as Pierre Desir can't seem to shake his hamstring injury and both Kenny Moore (shin) and Rock Ya-Sin (ankle) left this past Sunday's game and didn't return. That's three…read more

The Colts allowed 16 points and forced two turnovers against the Dolphins in Week 10's loss.

Analysis: The Colts' defense wasn't bad in this contest, but it definitely didn't help that QB Brian Hoyer threw three picks, leaving them with poor field position. If a better defense -- such as the Jaguars -- gets a hold of that many opportunities, they may be able to run a few back and impact the Colts D/ST value. It would definitely help if QB Jacoby Brissett (knee) was ready in time. Regardless, the Colts have the task of slowing down QB Nick Foles in his first game back from a shoulder injury.…read more