2011 Fantasy Football: Colts Sign Kerry Collins
If you listen closely, you can hear the perspiration dripping off the brow of Peyton Manning owners hitting the floor. Following the Colts signing previously retired quarterback Kerry Collins, it's flop sweat time for those with Manning residing in their QB slot.
Over-reaction on my part? Perhaps. The long-time conductor of the Colts' offense could start Week 1, but when the Indianapolis front office goes as far as to drag a guy, with a grizzled white beard (how happy are we that this isn't #4?), out of retirement to back-up your franchise QB, signs are he's not ready to suit up.
How are Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky feeling today? Talk about a shot to your pride. Ouch.
There is a but for Manning owners interested in taking a flier on Collins.
If the 38-year-old is forced to start the season at QB, (despite an expedited crash course to learn the offense) he really couldn't ask for two better matchups.
Week 1- Houston Texans
• 268 pass yards allowed per game in 2010
• 33 passing touchdowns allowed in 2010
Week 2 - Cleveland Browns
• 221 pass yards allowed per game in 2010
• 26 passing touchdowns allowed in 2010
The Colts play at Houston Week 1. The Texans' defense ranked dead last in pass yards allowed and tied for last in passing touchdowns allowed last season.
Indy then returns home to play the Browns Week 2. Cleveland held opposing pass offenses to 221 yards per game in 2010 (ranked 15 in the NFL), but tied for eighth in passing touchdowns allowed with 26.
Collins managed to pass for 202 yards per game and 14 touchdowns (granted 57.6 completion percentage) in nine games last season with the Titans and their Chris Johnson-first offense. His main WR threats were Kenny Britt, Nate Washington and Bo Scaife. Now he has Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie, and Dallas Clark as options in the passing game.
In the one 12-team league I'm in at the moment, David Garrard, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jason Campbell are the top available QBs post-fantasy draft. Chances are you will enjoy (or are enjoying) the same waiver wire selection.
My final verdict on whether or not Manning owners should add Collins to start the season will depend on the brief on-the-field, preseason action he sees over the next two games.
But right now, with the weapons Collins has around him, fantasy owners could do worse.
