Daniel Jones named starter for the Colts, bringing steadier ball security and playoff experience, signaling a safer floor for Indianapolis but a potentially slower, less explosive offense. Alec Pierce may see fewer deep shots, while Josh Downs could become a go-to conduit on quick throws. Jonathan Taylor remains the centerpiece, with Taylor’s rushing work likely to help set up the short-to-intermediate passing game, aided by Nelson and a retooled interior line.

Jones’ second chance with the Colts hinges on managing the through-world of field position and run-first balance. The departure of Ryan Kelly and Will Fries to Minnesota adds interior questions, but Quenton Nelson anchors the line. The duo’s chemistry with Richardson’s developmental path frames a high-floor, moderate-ceiling fantasy landscape in 2025.

Colts acquire Mekhi Blackmon from Minnesota for a 2026 sixth-round pick, triggering an updated 53-man plan with Blackmon plugged into a seven-man cornerback corps. The move tightens Indy’s back end while preserving three QB, three RB, six WR, four TE, nine OL, and nine DL slots. Isaiah Land is among those released to fit the cap and rotation needs, with Buckner, Stewart, Adebawore, and Tuimoloau anchoring the defensive line. The shift emphasizes versatility in Lou Anarumo’s disguise-heavy scheme and signals bigger coverage upgrades for Indy this season.

Fantasy impact centers on Blackmon’s immediate snap potential and how Indy stacks depth behind Kenny Moore and JuJu Brents. The Colts’ pass defense could lean on crafted rotations, limiting predictable matchups and boosting opportunity for fantasy CBs and safeties in this system. For dynasty and DFS managers, monitor the CB rotation and snap counts early, as Blackmon’s role could grow quickly in a defense built on flexibility and disguise.

Last-minute roster moves and trades loom as the 2025 NFL cutdown nears. Jakobi Meyers is highlighted as a prime late-offseason target for a quick offensive upgrade. Anthony Richardson may seek a fresh start if Indy shops him, while Adam Thielen and Evan Neal surface as potential trade pieces in depth-driven moves. Kenny Pickett could be squeezed by a crowded QB room, and Brian Robinson Jr. has already been dealt to San Francisco. Sam Howell figures into a Vikings-Eagles swap that adds intrigue, with Daniel Jones cited as the Colts’ alternative in a shifting quarterback market. Week 1 rosters could hinge on a handful of these late moves.

Teams chasing upgrades or depth could reshuffle their passing games and protect rookie windows. The Raiders’ door for Meyers remains the clearest path to a fantasy shift, while Indy’s quarterback future remains unsettled. The Browns, Panthers, Giants and Commanders all face meaningful implications depending on where these veteran movers land, creating dynamism players and fantasy owners will be watching closely as Week 1 approaches.

NFL preseason wrap: Henderson erupts for New England, hinting at a fast-track to early backfield duties as the Patriots assess their options. Richardson’s showing lands as a notable setback in Indy’s QB race, tempering rookie-year expectations. Jaxson Dart shines for the Giants, tossing three TDs on a clean day and underscoring offensive potential in New York. Mahomes and the Chiefs looked sharp with a healthier WR corps, signaling a return to explosive big-play drives. Cameron Ward and the Titans OL teased upside in Tennessee, while Dallas’ off-field drama around Micah Parsons adds uncertainty for the Cowboys’ fantasy outlook. All together, the recipe for early-season fantasy pivots centers on backfield roles, QB stability, and efficient offenses ready to push big scoring opportunities.