The Indianapolis Colts will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 18. Here’s the latest fantasy football news and advice to help you with your lineups this week and moving forward, especially regarding QB Anthony Richardson.
Is Anthony Richardson Playing in Week 18?
Week 18 Status: OUT
Head coach Shane Steichen said Richardson is dealing with back spasms, which kept him out of the Colts’ playoff-eliminating loss in Week 17.
Richardson did not practice at all this week and is officially done with his second season. Joe Flacco will play out the string for the Colts.
We’ll continue to monitor the Colts’ injury report. You can also visit and bookmark our NFL Injury Tracker and Fantasy News Tracker for the latest updates.
Anthony Richardson’s Fantasy Outlook
Richardson (back/foot) did not practice at all last week and ultimately sat out against the Giants. It’s since been reported that he is dealing with “very serious” back spasms, and that all but ensures that his second season is over.
Just as concerning as the 50.6% career completion percentage and sub-1.0 TD/INT rates is his inability to stay on the field (16 games played across two seasons, and that includes a few early exits).
Richardson’s profile is fantasy-friendly, and I think he has enough in terms of team support to make this an above-average offense, but without growth as a passer, the expectation that he’ll be a consistent option in our game is unrealistic.
That said, the second that switch flips, we are talking about a top-five option that could prove to be a league winner the way Jayden Daniels has been this season. It’ll be a price-sensitive decision come drafts this summer, but I can see myself going back to this well, understanding that there is still plenty of depth at the position to insulate this risky investment.
Are you looking for start/sit advice for other players in your lineup? Read our Week 18 Fantasy Start-Sit Advice Cheat Sheet for every fantasy-relevant player in every game.