DW Season Preview: Indianapolis Colts

Last Year: 12-4

Key Additions: RB Donald Brown, HC Jim Caldwell, DT Fili Moala

Key Losses: Marvin Harrison, Tony Dungy

Offense: Not many worries on the offensive side of the ball. Not with all world QB Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne and Joseph Addai leading the way. Rookie Donald Brown will help supplement the run game and keep D’s honest. Anthony Gonzalez will take future HOF’r Marvin Harrison’s spot opposite Reggie Wayne. Dallas Clark should see an increased workload with the absence of Harrison. The O-line gives Manning enough time to throw but needs to improve on creating holes for Addai and company.


Defense: Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis provide the speed pass rush but the team struggles stopping the run. The interior line is much bigger than in years past. Bob Sanders health is the key to the defense. When he is on the field he erases mistakes, the problem is that he is rarely healthy. He missed 10 games last year, 12 in 2006 and 10 more in 2004. When he played 15 games in 2007, he was the Defensive Player of the Year. Sanders may not be available the regular season opener due to offseason knee surgery. Safety Antoine Bethea has a cracked bone in his hand and will be fitted with a cast.

Fantasy Studs: Peyton Manning: 27 Tds, 4002 yds: Peyton Manning is still an elite QB. He may not be the fist or second QB taken in your draft but you would be wise to expect #1 or #2 numbers. Reggie Wayne:82 Rec, 1145 yds, 6 TDs. Manning’s go to receiver had a decline in numbers after catching 104 balls in ’07 but looks like a good bet to rebound.
Prediction: 12-4. This team barely skips a beat with Jim Caldwell replacing Tony Dungy and reclaims AFC South supremacy.