Coming from someone who traded for Anthony Richardson in my home league in fantasy in Week 3, he was electric in his limited starts. The former rookie led my team to victory, especially in Week 4, when Richardson posted the second-highest fantasy points total with 29.6.
I thought this was the start of a special run.
However, that was short-lived due to multiple that hampered him and led to a stint on the injured reserve during his first season in the NFL.
I still don’t regret my decision due to my dire need at quarterback after going 8-6, making the playoffs, and coming second only to lose in the final championship.
Ultimately, the Indianapolis Colts quarterback was only serviceable at the start of the year, and that will be the huge asterisk when it comes to his fantasy profile and projection heading into 2024.
Anthony Richardson 2023 Stats and Fantasy Production
In the three games, the former 4th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft started and played the full game, Richardson posted a top four, then top 20, and then a top-two finish for Weeks 1-2 and then Week 4.
During the span of four games Weeks 1-5, he averaged the 12th most fantasy points at quarterback, tying Patrick Mahomes and Justin Fields, according to FantasyPros.
The 6’4″ and 244-pound dual-threat threw for 577 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception with a 59.5% completion percentage in four games. However, what made him different was the rushing floor and upside, running 25 times for 136 yards on the ground and four touchdowns.
However, this upside also comes with risk, as Anthony Richardson despite his size could not take a hit and injured himself right when he got started.
Anthony Richardson 2024 Fantasy Outlook
For this upcoming season, his ADP is in the tier two of quarterbacks and is usually drafted 6th. This is right behind division rival Houston Texans rookie phenom C.J. Stroud, who is considered an MVP candidate with his plethora of weapons with the Stefon Diggs trade.
Anthony Richardson is drafted usually 52nd overall on the fringe of the back half of round four and early round five. This is around the range where Stroud, Joe Burrow, Dak Prescott, and Kyler Murray go in drafts.
The injury with his Shoulder A/C Joint Sprain and multiple concussions from last September and October could be a gamble if he is going that early in redraft leagues in the summer or fall.
Although Anthony Richardson is expected to be fully cleared to participate in training camp with no issues, there should be some hesitation to draft him that early with his style of play and past injury history.
However, the 21-year-old quarterback finally getting more than two plays with star running back Jonathan Taylor (due to holdout) is exciting and something to look forward to under head coach Shane Steichen.
Even with the re-signing of veteran receiver Michael Pittman and their new draft addition Adonai Mitchell for the Colts, it is tempting to fall into the trap again with him just cause of the ceiling.
Final Thoughts on Anthony Richardson
Hopefully, Anthony Richardson play for more than just a handful of games in 2024. If he can avoid injuries, he will have a fruitful season with another year under his belt.
Even if he tones down the rushing and slides a bit more, it still makes him a top-five to ten-scoring quarterback in fantasy just cause of the potential of rushing touchdowns and equity.
Not turning the ball over will be key as well, fumbling the ball eight times in 2023 while getting sacked seven times in four games played.
His hypothetical upside is so high with more weapons and a healthy offensive line, along with his rushing floor if he still runs as much as he did last year.
If we can get a full season of Week 4 Richardson or somewhere close, he will be unstoppable in fantasy football and win leagues for teams.
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