Jonathan Taylor climbed to fourth in rushing, overtaking Jahmyr Gibbs and sharpening his rest-of-season fantasy appeal as Indy’s schedule softens. Ja’Marr Chase remains a top-three receiver, turning a big day into continued confidence with 10 receptions, 94 yards, and a TD while Cincinnati’s aerial attack faced Joe Flacco. Cincinnati’s remaining schedule favors the passing game, boosting Chase’s upside and the Bengals’ fantasy equity. Use rest-of-season rankings to decide adds, drops, and trades to maximize your championship odds.

Indy enters the trade deadline with roughly $6 million in cap space and a win-now roster, aiming to upgrade cornerback depth, add pass rush, and secure veteran quarterback insurance. Potential targets range from Bradley Chubb and Arden Key to Zaven Collins, Breece Hall, Jaelan Phillips, and Case Keenum, each offering a different path to immediate impact and future flexibility.

While Ballard has rarely swung deadline trades, the Colts’ position atop the AFC and a roster built for now could push for decisive moves that strengthen the defense and depth behind Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson, keeping playoff hopes alive as the stretch run approaches.

Jonathan Taylor rushed 21 times for 123 yards and another go-ahead TD with 4:32 left, lifting the Colts to a 31-27 win over Arizona despite pregame injuries to Richardson and Ward. Indy sits 5-1 atop the AFC South, with Taylor as the engine behind a dominant line and a league-leading workload. Downs contributed key catches and a TD as Indy’s offense stayed efficient, while the defense faced pass-coverage gaps without Ward. With Richardson out, Indy may pursue veteran QB help, and the red-zone attack remains lethal.

Taylor’s season-long dominance—leading in carries and rushing yards with seven TDs—continues to anchor fantasy rosters. The line has created big holes, and the offense remains a high-floor, high-ceiling unit even when the passing game is unsettled. If the Colts add a veteran QB, Indianapolis could lean on play-action to maximize Taylor and the surrounding weapons, keeping their fantasy appeal intact.

Ward’s absence exposed some defensive vulnerabilities in the passing game, and Indianapolis will need to shore that up before its next trip. The red-zone efficiency (10-for-10 TDs in two weeks) highlights the Colts’ scoring upside, but the health of Richardson remains a wildcard for the offense’s ceiling in upcoming weeks.