Open Nav
Show Navigation
Show Menu
FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

What Anthony Richardson needs to do to pay off

By Jared Smola | Updated on Tue, 11 Jul 2023, 12:43 PM EDT
Anthony Richardson Headshot

Colts rookie QB Anthony Richardson has already cracked the top 12 QBs in Underdog Fantasy ADP. Drafters are obviously chasing his rushing upside, and he'll need big ground production to deliver for fantasy. There have been seven rookie-QB seasons in NFL history that would have ranked among last year's top 12 QB scores. That group had a median of 34.0 rushing yards per game (578 yards over a 17-game season) and a median of 234.8 passing yards per game. All seven of those rookie QBs averaged at least 213.3 passing yards per game. That would obviously be an easier level for Richardson to reach right away. And he's capable of smashing that 34-yard rushing benchmark. Justin Fields, Lamar Jackson, and Jalen Hurts all exceeded 50 rushing yards per game in 2022. Colts owner Jim Irsay recently reiterated that the team won't be scared to play Richardson early. The rookie doesn't sit as high in our 2023 fantasy football rankings as he does in Underdog ADP. But he certainly has the upside to deliver QB1-level production. Read more about his upside (and downside) in our Richardson profile.

Jared Smola Author Image
Jared Smola, Lead Analyst
Jared has been with Draft Sharks since 2007. He’s now Lead Analyst, heading up the preseason and weekly projections that fuel your Draft War Room and My Team tools. He currently ranks 1st among 133 analysts in draft rankings accuracy.
Best Week 9 Moves from Our Fantasy Football Pros

Best Week 9 Moves from Our Fantasy Football Pros

8 hours ago

What moves do you need to make this week in fantasy football? From lineup strategy to free agent pickups to DFS, our experts give you moves to make before Week 9.

Read More »
Fantasy Football Matchups That Matter - Week 9

Fantasy Football Matchups That Matter - Week 9

10 hours ago

A quick look at the most important matchup data to consider when making Week 9 start/sit decisions, including implied points, projected plays, WR/CB matchups, and adjusted fantasy points allowed.

Read More »
Week 9 Regression Candidates

Week 9 Regression Candidates

4:12pm EDT 10/30/24

Kyle Pitts and others have produced above expectation lately. See who might be headed for regression to the mean -- in a positive or negative direction.

Read More »
Compare Plans » Compare Plans »
THE 2024 ROOKIE GUIDE IS HERE! UPDATED POST-DRAFT
Trade Values • Model Scores • Analytics • Sleepers • Busts & More