The Colts are favored in a game with the over/under at 52. Game script should favor Frank Gore in this game against a defense that has been extremely generous to opposing running backs. San Diego has allowed 5.1 yards per carry the first two weeks. In PPR leagues, Gore is even more attractive, with the Chargers having allowed an average of 32 PPR points in the first two weeks to opposing running backs.
Week 2 at Denver
Frank Gore received 75 percent of the Colts backfield touches in Week 1 and all but two of the carries. As long as he's healthy, he's going to get the work. His ability as a receiver keeps his floor higher than most backs each week, but at Denver is a challenge Week 2. The hope here is more volume this week, as Gore only turned 28 carries into 83 yards against Denver last year (3.0 YPC) and added a rushing touchdown, along with one reception for 19 yards. That was Rob Chudzinski's first game as offensive coordinator, and the Colts largely played with the lead. Your hoping Gore falls into the end zone this week. He's a low RB2 in this matchup.
Week 1 vs. Detroit
Frank Gore opens the season with a Colts offensive line that still has plenty of question marks after last season, but he should still be a viable RB2 or FLEX option against the Lions. Luck's willingness to check down should raise Gore's floor, but his ceiling is capped against a Lions defensive line that should present a touch matchup for a Colts offensive line that is breaking in new starters at possibly all three interior spots if left guard Jack Mewhort is out.
Fantasy Upside
Frank Gore finished as RB12 in standard and RB14 in PPR last year, despite a list of factors going against him: terrible offensive line, injured starting quarterback for nine games, broken fingers, and two sprained ankles. Despite that, he still has not missed a game in five consecutive seasons, the only RB in football who can claim that. At a position that was a dumpster fire in 2015, Gore should continue to provide consistent RB2 production, with no competition entering 2016 in Indianapolis for starter snaps. Gore actually had more touches in his first season in Indianapolis than he did in his final season in San Francisco, and volume is critical for fantasy RBs.
Fantasy Downside
Frank Gore is entering his age 33 season. His efficiency dropped from 4.3 yards in 2014 to a career low 3.7 yards per carry in 2015, the first time Gore dipped under 4.0 yards per carry in a season. Gore is battling history too. No running back age 33 or older has rushed for 1,000 yards since John Riggins in 1984, and only five players have done it overall.
Bottom Line
Gore doesn’t need to rush for 1,000 yards to repeat or improve on his 2014 season, as he provides value in the passing game as well. His 34 receptions last year were Gore’s most since 2010, which should raise his floor for 2016, especially in PPR leagues.
Gore’s ADP also creates a low risk situation, currently going in the early 7th round of 12-team leagues. As a high-volume RB option that will be most teams’ RB3 or RB4 on rosters, you could do a lot worse than Gore in the 7th round. Will he win you your league? Probably not. Is he a good insurance policy if RB is a mess again in 2016? Probably so. We have Gore ranked as a low RB2 in 2016, projecting closer to his floor, with ample return on investment opportunity in the 7th round for his ceiling.
Week 17 vs. Tennessee
With so much confusion at quarterback, the Colts may lean on veteran Frank Gore this week. He had success last week, finishing with 95 total yards and two touchdowns. He'll look to continue that success in a modest matchup against the Titans in Week 17.
The last time Gore faced Tennessee he ran for 86 yards and two touchdowns, so there's a formula for success. He should be viewed as a RB1 option this week.
Week 16 vs. Miami
Frank Gore, despite his age, is still heavily involved in Indy's offense. He may not be putting up great numbers, but hey, he's there.
He'll look to do something with his touches this week against a Dolphins defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing backs this season. Gore may not be the sexiest option, but he's still a solid RB2 play in a favorable matchup.
Week 15 vs. Houston
Frank Gore isn't going to explode for 100-plus yards and have multiple touchdowns, but he'll at least get you something, and sometimes that's good enough. He's the 13th highest-scoring running back this season (standard) because he's been healthy and productive.
Earlier in the year he ran for 98 yards and a touchdown against the Texans, but could have a hard time duplicating that success this week. Houston has improved, and the Colts have gotten worse. Still, Gore should be viewed as an RB2 play this week.
Week 14 at Jacksonville
Frank Gore had a solid outing last week, putting up 94 total yards and a touchdown. The 32-year-old back hasn't shown signs of slowing down, despite his coach saying he's taking a toll.
He'll get a somewhat difficult matchup this week against Jacksonville. The Jaguars haven't allowed 100 yards rushing to a back since Week 5. Gore had 87 total yards against Jacksonville in his first meeting. Gore should be viewed as a solid RB2 play this week.
Frank Gore - Week 13 vs. Pittsburgh
Colts coach Chuck Pagano said running back Frank Gore is "beat to crap," which isn't exactly a compliment. The 32-year-old back is in his 11th season and has carried the load for Indy, averaging over 23 touches per game the last four weeks.
To help spell him, Indy signed a familiar face in Dan Herron. We expect the younger back to have an increased role while Gore gets some rest.
In addition to less touches, Gore faces a tough Steelers rush defense this week. Pittsburgh has allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing backs this season. Gore should be viewed as a RB3 this week.
Week 12 vs. Tampa Bay
Frank Gore struggled last week, rushing 14 times for 34 yards (2.4 avg.). He had a decent day catching the ball (5-46), which made up for his bad rushing performance. He's been getting touches and yards, but his performance is starting to wear down as he's averaging under three yards per carry in his last three games.
He'll go against a Bucs defense this week that has surprisingly been tough against running backs this season. They haven't allowed a score to a back since Week 3. Gore should be viewed as a RB2 with limited upside this week.
