Overall Fantasy Impact: Above Average

Offensive Outlook: The Colts are the gold standard for consistent offensive production in the NFL. Year in and year out, you can’t go wrong with taking the Colts main offensive producers high in your fantasy draft. They weathered the departure of Edgerrin James two years ago, and they survived a fragment of a season last year from Marvin Harrison. 2007 Indy numbers: 5th in the league in offensive yardage, 3rd in scoring, without breaking a sweat.

That’s because Peyton Manning is the constant, running an offense that doesn’t change much but still confounds opposing defenses. They’re also practically slump-proof, which means that you shouldn’t be nervous about taking several Colts on draft day if you have the chance.

QUARTERBACK: If someone told you before the season that your fantasy quarterback was going to throw for 4,100 yards and 30 TDs, chances are you’d take it sight unseen. Well, those are the average numbers for Manning’s 10-year career. Others may have big seasons here and there, but with Manning, you have no worries. Tom Brady will likely go before him in most drafts this year, but don’t be surprised if Manning brings in numbers similar to or better than his New England counterpart. And he never gets hurt, so don’t bother with a handcuff pick of Jim Sorgi.

RUNNING BACKS: Joseph Addai produced as expected in his first full year as the starter, racking up 15 total TDs. Tony Dungy believes in spelling Addai far more than he ever did Edgerrin James, so Addai might trail some other number-one runners in yards. And he failed to reach the 100-yard barrier after Weeek 10, as his yards per carry tumbled. These are minor quibbles though, because Addai, in his 3rd year, might be hitting his prime. He’s a first-rounder without question.

Kenton Keith was a pleasant surprise as Addai’s caddy last year, racking up 533 yards in relief. Still, the Colts jumped at the chance to reacquire Dominic Rhodes after a lost season in Oakland. Rhodes inspired confidence with 100-yard games in the last two weeks of ‘07, and he’ll get a chance to supplant Keith based on his experience with the system.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS: Reggie Wayne has officially assumed the mantle as the Colts’ go-to receiver, which automatically puts him in the elite of fantasy receivers. For the second straight year, he posted career-highs in catches (104) and yards (1,510) while rolling up double-figures in TDs for the second time in his career. Expect more of the same in ‘08, which means he must be mentioned right at the top of any receivers list and should be drafted no later than Round 3.

Harrison is 35, still can’t practice with his knee injury and is now facing some disturbing off-the-field issues. The guy who posted 9 straight seasons of over 1,000 yards and 10 TDs is likely gone for good. Tread lightly here unless he shows in the preseason that he can stay on the field. The better choice seems to be second-year man Anthony Gonzalez. Although a bit smallish to be a premier receiver, it’s not inconceivable that he could play the Wes Welker role and catch a ton of passes. Pencil Gonzalez in as at least a third fantasy receiver with the potential to be a solid No. 2 by the end of the year.

Dallas Clark finally had the explosive year fantasy owners had been expecting since he came into the league. He stayed relatively healthy, rolled to career highs in yards and receptions, and posted 11 TD’s to lead all tight ends. Don’t over-commit here though; Clark’s injury history and the depth of solid tight ends in the league makes him a guy more likely to bust than boom.