Can Carson Wentz Be Fantasy Relevant For the Colts in 2021?
Carson Wentz was horrible for the Philadelphia Eagles last season. He consistently turned the ball over, made wilds throws, and essentially quit on the team once he got benched for Jalen Hurts. The Indianapolis Colts traded for Wentz in the offseason in hopes of resurrecting the former second overall pick in 2016. Early reports have shown that Wentz has a newfound passion for football since arriving in Indianapolis as he looks to get his career back on track. With a cohort of weapons, an elite offensive line, and the reuniting with Frank Reich, does Wentz have fantasy value for the Colts?
First, Frank Reich. Reich was the offensive coordinator for the Eagles in 2017 when Wentz was in the midst of an MVP-level season, throwing for 3,296 yards, 33 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions across 13 games before tearing his ACL. Of course, backup Nick Foles finished the season for the Eagles and led them to a Super Bowl victory over the Patriots.
I like the Colts’ offensive personnel a lot. The team has solid running backs in Jonathan Taylor and Marlon Mack, above-average receivers in Michael Pittman Jr. and T.Y. Hilton, and Quenton Nelson headlines a fantastic offensive line. 39-year old Philip Rivers threw for over 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns with this group and I think we can agree that Wentz is a more talented quarterback than Rivers. Taylor and Pittman are both entering their second year in this offense and should only be more accustomed to playing the NFL. If Wentz struggles it will not be because they lack offensive talent. This Colts team won eleven games in 2020 and almost knocked off the Bills in the first round of the playoffs, and their defense has several playmakers, like Darius Leonard and DeForest Buckner, to give this offense extra possessions.
The biggest question mark I have for Wentz is if 2020 was just a one-off season or if he just not a good quarterback anymore. Wentz’s confidence was shattered in Philadelphia, as Nick Foles got credit for the Super Bowl win and the team drafted quarterback Jalen Hurts despite Wentz carrying the team to the playoffs in 2019. I am just not sure that Wentz can handle the pressure.
I would not go after Wentz in fantasy until he gets a couple of games under his belt in Indianapolis, as the worst possible outcome would be wasting a draft pick on a Wentz who repeats his 2020 performance. That being said, he could end up being a useful replacement quarterback later down the line.
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