Is Anthony Richardson Or Gardner Minshew The Colts Starting QB In Week 1? Fantasy Football Outlook

Is Anthony Richardson or Gardner Minshew the Colts starting quarterback when the 2023 season begins? What is Richardson's fantasy football outlook when he does earn the starting job?

The Indianapolis Colts selected former Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Needless to say, he's expected to lead the franchise in the near future, but he may not be ready to start from day one.

Veteran signal-caller Gardner Minshew has been solid when called upon in Jacksonville and Philadelphia – posting 44 passing touchdowns to just 15 interceptions in 32 games played. That said, he is a capable short-term starter if Richardson isn't the team's Week 1 starter.

Will Richardson play right away or will Minshew start in Week 1? Let's dive in.

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Will Anthony Richardson or Gardner Minshew Start in Week 1?

The Colts are preaching patience with Richardson after taking him fourth overall in this year's NFL draft. Head coach Shane Steichen has preached the value of detail-oriented, step-by-step instruction as the young QB learns the team's playbook and navigates a new locker room. The next start he makes will only be the 14th of his career above the high-school level.

Richardson is raw, but the Colts have been impressed by his pocket awareness in particular, and he showed off his high-level playmaking abilities during rookie minicamp last weekend. The 20-year-old's athleticism isn't in question, it's his lack of experience, decision-making, and accuracy that is suspect, and it could take him some time to get comfortable in the NFL.

That said, Colts owner Jim Irsay said he will start in his rookie season and if the team was picking first overall in this year's draft, Richardson likely would have been their choice. For now, it's too early to know if he could start by Week 1.

Anthony Richardson Fantasy Football Outlook?

When Richardson does earn the starting nod, he could have immediate fantasy upside thanks to his elite rushing profile. Even if it takes him time to become a proficient passer, he should be a top-five scrambler at the position the second he steps on the field. A QB1 season isn't out of the question, but it's far from a certainty.

If Minshew starts early on, he'll have a low-end QB2 outlook and will only carry much value in superflex or two-QB formats.

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