Indianapolis Colts: Week 9 DraftKings Player Values

The Colts suffered another close loss last week, but fantasy wise they were strong. Denver comes to town sporting a top-tier defense. Which players prevail?

Week 9 is here, the Indianapolis Colts have fired offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton, and they welcome previous dynasty centerpiece Peyton Manning back to town.

We are in for one heck of a game on Sunday, because no one knows what this Colts team is going to do with Rob Chudzinski running the offense. Plus, the Denver Broncos defense is one of the best in the league. So which Colts players, if any, are worth playing in your DraftKings lineup?

QB – Andrew Luck ($7,000)

Andrew Luck has a hurt shoulder and fractured ribs. Well, he did last week, but now he’s got on the Ray Lewis health plan and he’s 100 percent healthy. At least that is what’s being reported.

Not quite sure how Luck healed so quickly after Monday night’s game, but let’s hope his judgement is healed as well. Against the Carolina Panthers, Luck put up 17.74 points, which was bad but still almost three times more than Aaron Rodgers. He finished with 231 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. It was a tough game, for everyone, because of the down pour conditions, yet Luck continues to show the same horrible passing judgement that’s he has shown all season.

Luck is the fifth most expensive quarterback this week, Denver has the No. 1 defense against quarterbacks – according to DraftKings rankings – and only once this season has Luck not thrown an interception, which was also the only time he’s not thrown two or more interceptions. This matchup, and his horrible play, make him a sit this week.

Luck: Sit’em

Running Back: Frank Gore ($4,800)

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Gore rushed 22 times against the Panthers, which was only the second time this season he’s had 20-plus rushing attempts in a game. However, he only ran for 71 yards. He has yet to crack 100 rushing yards in a game and has only found the end zone three times. At an average of 12.3 fantasy points per game, Gore is a “get what you pay for” running back. He’s always cheap and he’s consistent, but you can’t rely on him breaking out for 20-plus points; something he’s done only once this season.

The Broncos have given up an average of 13.41 fantasy points to opposing running backs. So, unless you think Chudzinski is going to run Gore 30 times this week, then you are better off using your salary cap elsewhere.

Gore: Sit’em

Wide Receiver: T.Y. Hilton ($6,900), Donte Moncrief ($5,400), and Andre Johnson ($4,000)

First off, reports are that Hilton has an ankle injury and is currently listed as day-to-day. The fact that he was in a walking boot after the Panthers game, and no one is giving any positive indications that he will play on Sunday, has to be concerning. Hilton had a rough game on Sunday, being held to only one catch for 15 yards and a grand total of 2.5 fantasy points. It was by far his worst game of the season and only the second time he’s been under 10 fantasy points, but that shows how great of a defender Josh Norman is.

Hilton is currently a sit, until we learn more about his injury. But if he does sit, then that means Moncrief and Johnson should see more targets. That’s good fantasy wise because they are cheap Flex options who could have 20-plus point games, each.

Johnson seems to be the better play this week, even if Hilton plays. He’s now put up 25.7, 6.5, 8.4, and 18.1 fantasy points in the last four games after having back-to-back zero point weeks. Chudzinski coached Johnson at the University of Miami, so he knows what he can do and you can bet they will game plan around him this game.

It’s hard to say Moncrief is worth the salary cap this week, even if Hilton sits. He now has two weeks, in the last four, where he’s scored under five points. After being Mr. Consistent through the first four weeks, he’s be anything but. Yet, he still can show up big with a touchdown and 50 yards receiving, so if you don’t like Johnson then Moncrief is a good second option.

Hilton: Sit’em (Depends on injury status)     Moncrief: Start’em     Johnson: Start’em

Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Tight End – Coby Fleener ($2,800) and Dwayne Allen ($2,500)

Luck uses Fleener quite often as his safety outlet, a position Allen used to inhabit. Allen went from one of Luck’s top targets to non-existent in one year, for no apparent reason. It’s better to just sit Allen, this week and the rest of the year, unless something majorly changes.

With Fleener though, he put up 17.3 fantasy points against the Panthers with seven receptions for 43 yards. It was only his second game with 10-plus fantasy points, but he’s still worth a look this week, especially if Hilton can’t go. He’s averaging 8.6 fantasy points, which isn’t great, but for $2,800 he could be a huge bargain.

Fleener: Start’em     Allen: Sit’em

Defense – Colts ($2,100)

The Colts defense has been up and down each week fantasy wise. Against the Panthers they scored seven points, but against the Saints the previous week they had four. Following this pattern, you could predict the Colts having a down week. With Manning in town, and the bandwagon fans cheering him on like it’s a home game, it feels like a four or five fantasy point game for the Colts. Could be worse, but there are better defenses to pick this week.

Colts Defense: Sit’em

This is a bad week to play Colts player in DraftKings. Denver has a good defense and a new offensive coordinator leaves a lot of uncertainty. Add in the Colts’ injuries and you have the making of an atrocious outing for this team. Your best bet may be to steer clear of any and all Colts players in DraftKings.

Next: Pacers Face Boston After Getting Their First Win

But if you do decide to start any Colts players, let us know in the comments below. And as always you can follow Ink on Indy for all of your Colts new and you can follow me on Twitter and Facebook.