Colts

Def/Spec Team

Butler played well in his new spot, recording an interception in Indianapolis’ win over Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Even when Adams returns, Butler could continue to see time at safety moving forward. “As we get into next week, I’m sure that there will be things that we will want to do with Darius back there,” said defensive coordinator Ted Monachino. Despite the surprising win at Green Bay, the Colts D/ST is 30th in pass defense and will continue to be a risky fantasy option after a Week 10 bye.

Bortles has six interceptions through three weeks but will look to replicate his past success against the Indianapolis defense. The Colts are coughing up 304.3 passing yards per game, so a repeat performance could be in the cards when the AFC South rivals meet in London. While the Colts D/ST will struggle against the pass in this matchup, Bortles will provide plenty of playmaking opportunities for the Indianapolis defense, making this group a mid-level fantasy option for owners in a pinch.

Antonio Cromartie, who the Colts signed less than three weeks ago, will start at cornerback when Indianapolis hosts Detroit on Sunday. With the depleted state of the Colts’ secondary, Matthew Stafford and the Detroit passing game look primed to explode in this matchup. The Colts D/ST is not on the fantasy radar in Week 1.

The Colts are on pace for a mere 21 sacks this season, which would fall well below their underwhelming total of 35 from a year ago. Indianapolis’ defense is a liability once again in 2016, a common theme for the Colts in recent years. The Indianapolis defense has allowed 40 or more points 12 times in the 78-game Grigson-Pagano era and has shown little reason to expect improvement. The Colts D/ST is not worth fantasy consideration in Week 7 against Tennessee.

Jackson is the Colts’ leading tackler and will be sorely missed as Indianapolis attempts to make a playoff push in the AFC South. Jackson can return for the playoffs if Indianapolis qualifies, but his absence for Week 14’s matchup against Houston won’t help that cause. Even against Houston QB Brock Osweiler, the Colts D/ST is a dicey streaming option in Week 14.

The recent turnover binge comes after the Colts forced just eight turnovers through the first 11 games of the 2016 season. The level of competition helped the Colts’ cause, as Bryce Petty, Brock Osweiler, and Sam Bradford led the opposition during the three-game run that saw Indianapolis go 2-1. The Colts D/ST will face stiffer competition in Week 16, when they travel to Oakland where the unit will not be worth fantasy consideration in championship week.

The Colts D/ST will be looking for numerous players to step up in Jones’ absence, and this blow certainly hurts the chances of the Indianapolis D/ST being fantasy-relevant. The weakened Colts defensive line will be tested out of the gates as they travel to Buffalo to take on Rex Ryan’s run-focused offense in Week 1.

Mariota also lost two fumbles in the difficult Week 2 loss against Cleveland. The Colts D/ST has recorded just one sack in 2015, so perhaps this is a chance to get their pass rush on track. Despite the potential for sack production, the Indianapolis D/ST group won’t be a reliable Week 3 fantasy option on the road, even with Vontae Davis cleared to play.

With CB Greg Toler nursing a neck injury, the Indianapolis Star believes that the Colts will be on the hunt for cornerback depth with the regular season drawing closer. Indianapolis will need some defensive back production alongside Vontae Davis after recording just 12 interceptions in 2014. The Colts D/ST is an interesting Week 1 option as they travel to Buffalo to take on the Bills and their perennially murky quarterback situation.

CB Greg Toler (neck) and CB Darius Butler (hip) have been ruled out for Monday’s Indianapolis home opener, leaving Jalil Brown to start opposite star corner Vontae Davis. The Colts defense allowed a reasonable 195 yards through the air in Week 1 but will now be short-handed while facing Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Jets. The Colts defense should get a boost playing at home this week, but won’t be a starting option in fantasy leagues.