Fantasy Football Cafe Forum

by **The Lung** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 7:30 pm

From: http://fantasy.sportingnews.com/nfl/experts/bill-bender/20090817.html

Colts: On a downward spiral?

WHAT'S NEW

Can you still trust Peyton Manning?

For the first time in a long time, it's a semi-valid question.

In 2008, the Colts failed to finish in the top 10 in total offense and points scored for the first time since Manning's rookie season in 1998. One could blame that on the two knee surgeries Manning had before the season, multiple injuries to Joseph Addai and a disappearing act from Marvin Harrison.

Harrison is gone for good, and so is longtime coach Tony Dungy. Will Manning be able to keep Indy's engines humming under Jim Caldwell?

The good-faith answer is yes. Manning is healthy, and he still hit for 27 TDs and 4,002 yards in '08. Addai, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark could be considered underrated in some fantasy circles, and third-year receiver Anthony Gonzalez is a breakout candidate. Rookie Donald Brown, who led the NCAA in rushing in '08, adds another playmaker.

So don't write off the Colts just yet. It's a safe bet they'll be every bit the part of a Super Bowl contender when New England rolls into Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 10. Despite all the changes, Manning will not let this team fold.

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