The Indianapolis Colts enter the season as one of the primary contenders for the AFC crown. The Buffalo Bills have some of the pieces in place, but would need a lot to break right to make a run. On Sunday, the teams start their seasons against one another.
Fantasy football advice, Week 1: Who to start/sit for Colts vs. Bills
The Colts have possibly the best quarterback in the league. The Bills’ quarterback struggled to beat out Matt Cassel in the preseason. Good thing those aren’t the only positions in football!
The Colts come into Sunday's game largely healthy from a fantasy perspective. Backup running back Vick Ballard is out with a hamstring injury, but the rest of the team appears good to go. The Bills aren't nearly so lucky. Running back LeSean McCoy, wide receivers Sammy Watkins, Percy Harvin and Robert Woods, and tight end Charles Clay all appeared on the team's injury report. All are probable to play, but the sheer number of injuries has to be frustrating.
Sunday’s game, scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, will be played in Buffalo. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
Indianapolis Colts
Start 'em: Yes, Buffalo has a strong defense. Yes, you'd prefer a different opponent. No, that doesn't take Andrew Luck anywhere near bench consideration. ... Frank Gore is just about the only viable running back left on the Indianapolis roster. ... T.Y. Hilton is an appealing WR1, and Andre Johnson is a low-end WR2 or strong flex play. ... Adam Vinatieri is still a strong fantasy kicker, and apparently will be until the end of time.
Start 'em?: Both Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener have been viable fantasy options, and still could be, but good luck picking which is better on a week-to-week basis.
Sit 'em: With so many weapons on the Indianapolis roster, there probably won't be much for Donte Moncrief or Phillip Dorsett to feed on. ... The Colts' defense still isn't anything special.
BILLS
Start ‘em: Even against the Colts, you’re using the Bills’ defense if you have them.
Start 'em?: A rough offensive line, a not-great quarterback and a nagging injury? I'm not excited about LeSean McCoy right now. ... Sammy Watkins is crazy talented, but the team around him just doesn't measure up. ... Charles Clay is one of those bye-week fill-in tight ends that could certainly be appealing, but he's unlikely to be a reliable regular starter. ... Dan Carpenter has been a perfectly fine fantasy kicker, if not anything special.
Sit 'em: It's undeniably interesting that Tyrod Taylor is the Buffalo quarterback, with his running ability, but let's see him prove it before we invest. ... While there is still an argument for using Watkins, there really isn't one for Robert Woods or Percy Harvin.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Andrew Luck, Frank Gore, T.Y. Hilton, Andre Johnson, Adam Vinatieri, Buffalo defense
Start if you’re desperate: Dwayne Allen, Coby Fleener, LeSean McCoy, Sammy Watkins, Charles Clay, Dan Carpenter
Bench: Donte Moncrief, Phillip Dorsett, Indianapolis defense, Tyrod Taylor, Robert Woods, Percy Harvin
