Top 5 Indianapolis Colts 2013 Fantasy Football Players

Top 5 Indianapolis Colts in Fantasy Football 2013

A year ago this time, nobody had any clue what the Indianapolis Colts would do. With Andrew Luck under center, the season started with a tough loss against the Chicago Bears. Despite Luck’s rookie mistakes, the signs of a star in the making were on display for the world to see.

Week 9 I got to experience this for myself against the Miami Dolphins, in what at the time was a pivotal wild-card game. Luck was outstanding and led one of his many fourth-quarter game-winning performances absolutely abusing an NFL defense like he was a veteran.

The debate has always been whether or not Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III will reach the highest pinnacle, and last year RG3 got out to an incredible start. But it’s important that from a fantasy standpoint while many will be willing to reach for RG3, Luck is an incredibly viable option that may be available after the 4th round depending on the number of teams in the league and the quality of players.

The only two things that make people wary of Luck are his age and the market he plays in. Despite having an incredibly quiet offseason, expect Andrew Luck’s play will make a loud entrance onto the scene this year. Luck not only threw for over 4000 yards last year with minimal depth but was the third leading rusher on the team and had the most rushing touchdowns with five.

A potent offense combined with a good free agency class to bolster depth will allow for the Colts team to be a sleeper. The team climbed from 32nd to 7th in ESPN’s NFL power rankings, but many people don’t know how the Colts personnel matches up against larger names in bigger markets. Here are the top five weapons from the Colts you should add to your team which should lead you to victory.

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No. 5: Ahmad Bradshaw

Ahmad Bradshaw was a good signing from free agency and will push Vick Ballard to his best while providing the Colts with a physical running back they have been missing since drafting Donald Brown. Bradshaw's injury history should hurt his value, but his use in Pep Hamilton's West Coast offense makes him as a solid back for any team.

Recall that last year Bradshaw was dealing with a foot injury and still rushed for 1,000 yards even with a very pass happy offense. Expect his production to be about the same if not increased, as Bradshaw seems to be at his best when embroiled in a position battle, even if it is a casual one.

No. 4: T.Y. Hilton

Nobody doubts that this year's Colts (fantasy wise) will be like last year's. The receivers will once again be stealing the show. What most people don't know is exactly what sets Pep Hamilton has in store for this year.

Even as a rookie last year, Hilton was prolific. He was Luck's favorite big play threat and the speedster was also vital in total yardage leagues, although it looks like his returning duties may be limited this year as he climbs up the depth chart. Still, expect Hilton to be a solid bench player who can easily be moved in as a flex depending on bye weeks and favorable matchups.

No. 3: Darrius Heyward-Bey

Free agent Darrius Heyward-Bey has incredible potential as a mid-round steal. People have every reason to hate on Heyward-Bey, but depending on how he gels with Andrew Luck, he could have by far the best year of his career.

Finally playing with a competent quarterback should ease Heyward-Bey's drop rate, and due to his injury he will slide in most drafts. Pep Hamilton has remained confident he can run the ball with the Colts and implies that two receiver sets should be seen more often than last year. This instantly puts an emphasis on Heyward-Bey and makes him an interesting player to watch.

No. 2: Reggie Wayne

At this point, it may seem as if I am simply going up the Colts depth chart due to lack of inspiration, but it's completely factual. At the top still stands Reggie Wayne, by far the Colts best wide receiver in terms of hands, health, and connection with Andrew Luck.

Some people may be wary of Wayne's edge, but last year proved to be an incredible year for the veteran who doesn't seem to be slowing down. Despite only registering five touchdowns, Wayne accounted for over a quarter of Luck's yards last season. Expect Wayne's production to only increase with Luck's progression.

No. 1: Andrew Luck

The Colts organization continues to give Andrew Luck the pieces to win, something he has done his entire life. As a result, Luck's fantasy numbers may be off the chart and reach into superstar territory this season. Luck showed a lot of flash last season, but Hamilton's offense should increase Luck's efficiency, while still giving him plenty of dropbacks to work the same magic he did last season.