Daniel Jones will lead the Colts Week 1 against the Dolphins, stepping in as starter and captain alongside Nelson, Franklin, Moore II and Buckner after a team vote.

Anthony Richardson wore the C in recent seasons but has been moved to backup, signaling a leadership shift as Jones anchors Indianapolis’ offense to start the year.

Captains are often quarterbacks, and this rollout underscores a new balance between veteran leadership and a rising supporting cast as the season begins.

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.

ESPN's top 100 for 2025 includes two Colts: Jonathan Taylor and Quenton Nelson, with DeForest Buckner noted as a snub by evaluators. Taylor posted 1,431 rushing yards in 13 games in 2024, fourth in the league, underscoring his central role in Indy’s offense. Nelson remains elite on the line, anchoring run and pass protection as he earned Pro Bowl lineage and All Pro honors. Buckner, still a dominant force, is highlighted by observers for high motor and sustained production.

For fantasy, Taylor stays a cornerstone given workload and line support; Nelson’s presence preserves backfield efficiency; Buckner’s continued pressure helps the defense but may cap offensive upside if the defense remains stable. Colts remain heavily influenced by their ground game when Taylor is rolling, keeping the QBs in more favorable situations.

Quenton Nelson spoke bluntly about Indianapolis’s revolving door at quarterback, emphasizing how chemistry with a franchise quarterback is a real edge for offensive lines. The Colts’ decision to start Daniel Jones over Anthony Richardson adds another layer to a 2019 Luck-era QB carousel, underscoring Nelson’s point that stability matters for protection and run-game timing.

Jones signed a one-year, $14 million pact with Indy, and Nelson said little changes for the unit beyond supporting both signal-callers. Richardson remains in the mix, with the organization still evaluating him after two seasons with scattered starts and a 2023 No. 4 overall pick heavy hype.

Richardson’s numbers through 15 games across two seasons show 2,391 passing yards, 11 TDs and 13 interceptions, a reminder of the rookie volatility surrounding the Colts. Richardson was surprised to be cast as No. 2, as his camp and agent emphasized trust and improvement. Ballard acknowledged the roller-coaster path since drafting him, hinting at continued evaluation ahead of 2025.

Nelson’s remarks and the Jones-Richardson dynamic frame Indy’s 2025 outlook: quarterback consistency will shape the fantasy value of Colts weapons and how defenses defend Indy’s attack.

Colts Madden 26 ratings spotlight a veteran-friendly core with a mix of elite blockers and playmakers. Quenton Nelson leads the line at 92, followed by DeForest Buckner and Jonathan Taylor at 88, then Kenny Moore II at 88 and Charvarius Ward at 87, underscoring Indy’s top-tier thrust on both sides of the ball. Bernhard Raimann sits at 85 with Grover Stewart at 85, Braden Smith at 83, Cam Bynum at 82, and Michael Pittman Jr. at 82, forming a high-floor backbone for fantasy managers. Rookie upside is shown by Tyler Warren at 75, with DJ Giddens at 71 and JT Tuimoloau at 74, signaling future breakout potential behind a sturdy veteran nucleus. Luke Rhodes ranks third among long-snappers at 79, a reminder that special-teams efficiency can indirectly influence field position and scoring opportunities.

From a Fantasy lens, Nelson anchors the middle, Taylor remains a premier workhorse, Pittman holds as the primary target, and Raimann’s development could unlock big upgrade potential as he acclimates. Buckner’s presence continues to pressure opponents’ interior lines, aiding run defense and, by extension, the Colts’ overall fantasy upside. Ward and Moore II present strong corner support, while Rhodes’ special-teams consistency translates to favorable game flow. Rookie Warren and Giddens offer out-of-nowhere upside in deeper leagues, with Tuimoloau providing a longer-term edge as he matures into a more disruptive edge presence.

Aug. 14 marks Madden 26 launch, and Indy’s ratings reflect a balanced roster with clear fantasy resonance for 2024. DJ Giddens’ surprise team-high rookie ceiling and Warren’s tight-end potential pair with the veteran backbone, creating avenues for late-round relief and weekly upside beyond the obvious stars.