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The Indianapolis Colts are still searching for their first win of the season as they host the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
It has been an up-and-down start to the season for quarterback Anthony Richardson and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. as the duo continues to work their chemistry.
While Richardson was solid from a fantasy football perspective in Week 1, finishing as the QB4 with 26.1 fantasy points, he followed that up with just 9.9 fantasy points in Week 2.
On the season, Richardson has completed 49.1% of his passes for 416 passing yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions while adding 10 carries for 93 rushing yards and one touchdown.
Pittman hasn’t given managers a strong return on investment this season. He’s recorded seven receptions for 52 yards on 15 targets this season through two games.
With a difficult matchup coming up against a tough Bears defense, we’re diving into the start/sit advice for Richardson and Pittman right here.
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Anthony Richardson
There is no more boom/bust player than Richardson in fantasy right now. His QB4 and QB25 finishes in respective weeks is easy proof of that. Managers spent some high draft capital to acquire Richardson, which means he’s likely locked into starting lineups more often than not.
The matchup for Richardson is brutal. Matt Eberflus’ defense has been tough on opposing offenses, allowing 10.5 fantasy points per game. According to The Fantasy Footballers, the Bears also rank as the eighth-worst matchup for quarterbacks in adjusted fantasy points allowed.
With that said, Richardson’s upside as a runner is why managers invested so highly in him. His ability to score two rushing touchdowns in a game is higher than almost any other quarterback in the NFL and if he winds up exceeding expectations as a passer, it’s almost like a bonus.
This may be a situation where managers simply avoid watching the game, but Richardson is still a fringe QB1 option with upside even in a tough matchup.
Verdict: Start ‘Em
Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Michael Pittman Jr.
Coming off a career season of 109 receptions for 1,152 yards, Pittman earned himself a nice three-year contract extension this offseason. So far, it hasn’t gone well.
Pittman has just 52 yards through two games, and his role in the offense hasn’t meshed well with Richardson’s desire to air it out downfield. That’s partly why Alec Pierce has been the better fantasy option through two weeks given that he’s the team’s deep threat.
What’s encouraging about a potential turnaround for Pittman is the fact that his 30% target share ranks eighth among all wide receivers in fantasy football.
With that said, managers may want to avoid Pittman until the chemistry is built between him and Richardson. On top of that, Pittman is dealing with back and calf injuries that held him out of practice Friday.
The Bears are closer to middle of the pack against fantasy wide receivers, allowing the 13th-fewest PPR points per game (26.7) to the position this season. However, they rank as the fourth-worst matchup in terms of adjusted fantasy points allowed, per The Fantasy Footballers.
It may be best to avoid Pittman if possible this week. If you have to start him, temper expectations.
Verdict: Sit ‘Em
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