Andrew Luck - Week 6 vs. Houston
Andrew Luck's streak of three touchdowns in every game ended in Week 5, but he still had another phenomenal game. He threw for 300 yards for the fourth time this season and finished with two total touchdowns. He hasn't had a bad game all year and that's why he's the top scoring fantasy player of the season.
This week he faces the Houston Texans who have been average defending the pass. In every game this season the Texans have allowed at least 220 passing yards.
Luck remains a high-end QB1 this week.
Andrew Luck - Week 5 vs. Baltimore
So much for the Colts running the ball too much. Andrew Luck currently has the most pass attempts (167), passing yards (1,305) and passing touchdowns (13) in the league this season. He's been a dream for fantasy owners as he's scored at least three touchdowns in every game this season. Even more impressive, he's had back-to-back four touchdown games.
We'll see if Luck's hot streak can continue against a stingy Baltimore Ravens pass defense. The Ravens haven't allowed multiple passing touchdowns in any game so far this season. Baltimore has allowed plenty of yards however, over 200 in each game.
You'd be foolish to bench Luck after what he's done to start the season. Start him with confidence.
Andrew Luck - Week 4 vs. Tennessee Titans
Andrew Luck is off to an incredible start this season. He's scored at least three touchdowns in every game so far, including four last week against Jacksonville. He's also thrown for 370 yards twice. He's the highest scoring player in fantasy and looks unstoppable.
But let's pump the brakes a little bit. This week he'll face the Tennessee Titans who have been tough on quarterbacks. The Titans have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks. They've allowed just two passing TDs and have only an average of 181 yards per game.
Luck also has a bad history against Tennessee. Last season he didn't throw a touchdown pass in either of the two games against the Titans. He has just two passing touchdowns in his four career games against them.
Considering the start to his season it would be ludicrous to bench Luck. He should still be viewed as a QB1, but just realize he doesn't have a great matchup this week.
Andrew Luck - Week 3 vs. Jacksonville
Andrew Luck is off to a red hot start. He's currently tied with Peyton Manning for the highest scoring fantasy player this season. He's scored six total touchdowns so far (5 passing, 1 rushing), and shows no signs of slowing down. The Colts ran the ball a lot more in Week 2 than in Week 1 (34 carries between RBs compared to nine), but Luck was still able to make his impact.
Luck's hot start should continue into Week 3 as he'll face a favorable Jaguars defense. Redskins backup Kirk Cousins was able to lead the Jaguars to five touchdown drives as he threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns. In Week 1 the Jags gave up 322 yards and two touchdowns to Nick Foles.
When you combine Luck's already impressive season with a great matchup you'll likely end up with positive results. He should be viewed as a QB1 and a top five option at his position this week.
Andrew Luck - Week 2 vs. Philadelphia
Andrew Luck had a strong season opener against the Denver Broncos. He threw for 370 yards and accounted for all three of the Colts' touchdowns (2 pass, 1 rush). Indianapolis was down 24-0 at one point, meaning the Colts had to abandon the run early, leading to more drop backs for Luck (the Colts only ran the ball nine times excluding Luck's scrambles).
The Colts QB gets another great matchup in Week 2 when he faces Philadelphia. The Eagles allowed the seventh-most fantasy QB points last season and don't look all that much better this season. They allowed Chad Henne to throw for 266 yards and two TDs in Week 1.
This week could also be another case of the Colts falling behind and becoming attached to the passing game. Indianapolis' defense severely misses Robert Mathis and it could struggle against the Eagles' fast-paced offense.
Luck should be viewed as a top five QB option this week. Start him with confidence.
Andrew Luck - Week 1 vs. Denver Broncos
Andrew Luck's best fantasy performance of 2013 came against the Denver Broncos. He scored four touchdowns (3 pass, 1 rush) and threw for 228 yards. If he comes close to those numbers again, he'll be a great option this week.
The Broncos finished 27th in pass defense a season ago, but they did spend a lot of money to improve in that area. Denver added DE DeMarcus Ware, CB Aqib Talib and SS T.J. Ward.
Luck has some new weapons of his own such as a healthy Dwayne Allen and WR Hakeem Nicks. The Colts QB should be viewed as a strong QB1 start against Denver.
Fantasy Upside
Andrew Luck has plenty of options to throw to. Veteran receiver Reggie Wayne returns from injury, T.Y. Hilton has another season of progression, Dwayne Allen returns from injury, and the Colts added talented wideout Hakeem Nicks in free agency. If that wasn’t enough, they drafted Donte Moncrief in the third round.
Luck has already shown how great of a player he is in his first two seasons. In his first year he broke the rookie record for passing yards and last season he had an exceptional TD-INT ratio (23-9). He’s also dangerous with his feet, rushing for nine touchdowns in his first two years.
Fantasy Downside
Pep Hamilton is Luck’s downside. While the Colts passer did improve his overall quarterback rating last season, his numbers took a scary drop. He attempted 57 fewer passes and had 552 less passing yards in his second year compared to his rookie season.
Another cause for concern is the Colts’ offensive line. The line was already thin heading into training camp and now it’s about as thin as a Gillette razor. Luck is a talented player, but it’s hard for any quarterback to continually take a beating and still be successful.
Bottom Line
Luck enters this season with incredible upside. Hamilton’s system shouldn’t be too big of an issue. Reports say the Colts plan to air it out just as much as any other team in the league. The offensive line is a cause for concern, but Luck hasn’t really had the best of luck (sorry, I had to) with his o-line in the past and he’s still been successful.
If you take Luck in the draft you’re getting a true QB1. Last season he was able to make something out of nothing (aside from Hilton) and this season he’s got actual talent around him. He could finish as a top five quarterback this season.
