This season so far has been a garbage one for the Indianapolis Colts. Expected to be an AFC contender in many circles, the team is 3-5 and only in first place because of a garbage AFC South. Sunday afternoon, the Colts host the undefeated Denver Broncos, making a win as much a question mark as ever.
Fantasy football advice, Week 9: Who to start/sit for Broncos vs. Colts
Peyton Manning puts his team’s undefeated record on the line at his old team.
For the Broncos, quarterback Peyton Manning, running backs Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson, wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, and tight end Owen Daniels all appeared on the week’s injury report. All five are expected to be good to go for Sunday. The Colts have worries around wide receiver T.Y. Hilton; he’s questionable with a foot problem, and signs are pointing to Hilton being inactive.
The Colts host the Broncos Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET. Here’s a look at the fantasy names to consider:
BRONCOS
Start ‘em: Vontae Davis will probably match up with Demaryius Thomas, but Thomas’ upside keeps him a starter, and Davis on Thomas means Emmanuel Sanders is a must-start as well. ... There’s not much to say about Brandon McManus or the Broncos’ defense this week other than “start them.”
Start ‘em?: In his last four games, Peyton Manning has 34 fantasy points. That’s bad. He’s looked better of late, but it’s not going great. ... Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson are splitting carries. Both have touchdown upside, but with the split it’s hard to fully trust either one.
Sit ‘em: The struggles of Owen Daniels were enough for Denver to go get Vernon Davis last week. You don’t really want to use either right now, with Davis the most promising one down the road.
COLTS
Start ‘em?: Maybe -- maybe -- you can justify using Frank Gore this week. He’s only a flex play.
Sit ‘em: Against Denver, most of the Colts are tough to trust. Andrew Luck, T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief, Andre Johnson, Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen are all too risky. ... With all those offensive players on the bench, Adam Vinatieri and the Colts’ defense belong there too.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Brandon McManus, Denver defense
Start if you’re desperate: Peyton Manning, Ronnie Hillman, C.J. Anderson, Frank Gore
Bench: Owen Daniels, Vernon Davis, Andrew Luck, T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief, Andre Johnson, Coby Fleener, Dwayne Allen, Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis defense
