Indianapolis Colts Daily Fantasy News, Rankings, Projections

Trevor Sieman needs all the help he can get, and the Colts 31th ranked scoring defense somehow got a little worse this afternoon. The team announced that they will be without PFF's number 17 ranked cornerback Rashaan Melvin for this week's matchup vs the Broncos. Sieman has disappointed us before in great matchups, so even though the injury news looks encouraging it's still probably smart to handle this situation with caution. It's worth noting that the Broncos offense has not scored more than 24 points in a game since week two.

Moncrief is dealing with an ankle injury ahead of a Week 14 matchup with the Colts. He's been pretty quiet all season but he saw eight targets against the Jaguars last week. If he misses time, it could open up some extra looks for Chester Rogers, who could also benefit from Tre'Davious White's absence. White, PFF's fifth cover corner, is currently in the concussion protocol and he was limited at today's practice. Melvin missed last week with a hand issue and he could be sidelined again this weekend. With Pierre Desir on the IR, Quincy Wilson and Kenny Moore could start on the outside - they would rank 90th and 106th in PFF coverage grades if they qualified. As a unit, they’re giving up the most yards per attempt (8.3) while allowing the eighth-most fantasy points to QBs. It'll be a nice spot for Tyrod Taylor (knee) if he plays.

Simon was one of the better run defenders on the Colts. His absence will be a boost for LeSean McCoy this weekend. As a unit, the Colts have given up the sixth-most PPR points to RBs and rank 20th in adjusted line yards. They'll also be without their best corner, Rashaan Melvin, and Pierre Desir, who had been starting opposite Melvin. Indianapolis appears to be vulnerable to both rushing and passing attacks. If Tyrod Taylor misses time, the Bills will likely choose to focus on their ground game though, which should provide Shady plenty of volume in a great spot. It's also worth noting his backups, Mike Tolbert (hamstring) and Travaris Cadet (concussion), are both dealing with injuries and are in danger of missing Week 14, potentially adding more to McCoy's workload. Tolbert is expected to resume practicing tomorrow after missing the past three games. A line hasn't been set for this contest as Taylor's status remains up in the air.

Desir was starting at corner for the Colts in place of Vontae Davis. After tearing a muscle in his shoulder Sunday, he was placed on IR though, which leaves the team even thinner in their already-weak secondary. Their best remaining DB, Rashaan Melvin, was sidelined in Week 13 and Blake Bortles tore them up, completing 74% of his passes for 309 yards and two scores. Melvin isn’t expected back this week, leaving them with Quincy Wilson and Kenny Moore on the outside, who would rank 99th and 111th in PFF coverage grades if they qualified. On top of that, the Colts are 29th in adjusted sack rate and generally struggle to apply pressure on QBs. It’s going to be incredibly hard to trust Nathan Peterman and his pass-catchers if he starts in place of Tyrod Taylor (knee) but this matchup is worlds apart from his debut against the Chargers.

Melvin, PFF’s 15th-ranked cover corner, left Week 12 with a hand injury and didn’t return. He’s the best corner on the team by a mile, so this will be a huge blow to their already-weak pass defense. They visit the Jaguars in Week 13, setting up a much better spot for Marqise Lee, who was held to a 1/13/0 line under Patrick Peterson’s shadow. Dede Westbrook ended up leading the squad with ten targets. With Allen Hurns ruled out, Westbrook should remain very involved in their passing game. He and Lee will see the likes of Pierre Desir and Kenny Moore on the outside, PFF's 86th and 100th (if he qualified) cover corners, respectively. It's worth noting the Jaguars are expected to return to a run-heavy scheme with Leonard Fournette following their Week 12 loss. The rookie runner should find success against a defense ranking 20th in adjusted line yards (per FO) and giving up the seventh-most PPR points to RBs. If Fournette can carry the offense, it would limit the volumes and upsides of the Jaguars receivers.

Melvin, PFF’s 15th-ranked cover corner, left Week 12 with a hand injury and didn’t return. He’s the best corner on the team by a mile, so if he misses any time, it’ll be a huge blow to their already-weak pass defense. They visit the Jaguars in Week 13, which sets up a much better spot for Marqise Lee, who was held to a 1/13/0 line under Patrick Peterson’s shadow. Dede Westbrook ended up leading the squad with ten targets. Even if Allen Hurns returns, Westbrook could remain very involved in the passing game.

Aiken was absent last game as he rehabbed a hamstring injury. It appears the bye week treated him well as he was able to practice all week and will be able to play this Sunday against the Titans. He should replace Chester Rogers in the slot where he'll see plenty of Logan Ryan, PFF's 35th-ranked cover corner. Ryan is allowing a friendly 0.34 fantasy points per route defended but it's doubtful Aiken picks up a high enough volume to exploit the matchup - he hasn't caught more than three passes all season. Simon hasn't played since Week 7. His return would be a boost for their run defense as he's the 22nd-ranked edge defender in the area. The Colts are currently 20th in adjusted line yards and giving up the seventh-most PPR points to RBs. DeMarco Murray seized control of the Titans backfield over the past two games, playing 77% of the snaps but he bombed last week, picking up just 10 rushing yards on eight carries. Although he popped off in Week 10 for three TDs, it was a bit flukey and he hasn't averaged more than 3.3 yards per carry in any of the past five games. It's possible Derrick Henry picks up more playing time this weekend.