Fantasy Football Today Express – Daniel Jones Re-Signs With Colts! Fantasy Football Impact & 2026 Outlook!

Date: March 11, 2026
Podcast: Fantasy Football Today Express
Hosts: Adam Aizer, Jamey Eisenberg, Dave Richard

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the re-signing of quarterback Daniel Jones with the Indianapolis Colts, analyzing the move from both real-life NFL and fantasy football perspectives. Hosts Adam Aizer, Jamey Eisenberg, and Dave Richard examine Jones' past performance, his 2025 season breakout, the impact of his significant injuries, and what this means for the Colts' skill-position players and fantasy managers heading into 2026. The episode centers on setting expectations for Jones as a fantasy asset and the ripple effects on the team's offense, with attention to draft strategy and potential sleeper picks.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Daniel Jones’ Career and Fantasy Relevance ([00:58] – [02:47])

• Adam Aizer opens by noting Jones’ uneven career but highlights three fantasy-relevant seasons, including a career-best in 2025 where Jones was a top-14 QB per game.
• Jamey Eisenberg frames Jones as a viable option only in superflex or 2QB leagues, not standard leagues. He explains the Colts’ clear intention to retain their quarterback, especially after signing Alec Pierce, and their commitment to maintaining continuity:
  • "They accomplished everything they wanted to this off season, you know, keeping both of their top two free agents... You hope that he's ready to go... maybe we get a repeat performance..." ([01:38])
• Jamey expresses tempered optimism: with Daniel Jones’ injury history and expected reduction in rushing, his ceiling is a “decent fantasy quarterback,” not a superstar.

Comparisons & Draft Value ([02:47] – [04:02])

• Dave Richard argues that in fantasy drafts, he'd much prefer Malik Willis, especially with Willis’ anticipated rushing upside as Miami’s starter, making Jones a clear tier below for 2026 drafts:
  • "Whenever I evaluate a quarterback from here until August, the first quarterback I'm going to compare him to is Malik Willis... Not even near where I would take Malik Willis..." ([02:52])
• Dave and Jamey agree that Jones’ rushing output will be diminished post-Achilles injury.

2025 Production Breakdown: Rushing vs. Passing ([04:02] – [05:28])

• Adam highlights alarming rushing trends:
  • 2025 was a career-low in attempts and yards per carry for Jones, who was only on pace for 227 rushing yards but offset by 7 rushing TDs—suggesting unsustainable efficiency near the goal line.
• Positively, Jones thrived as a passer, projecting to 4,300 yards and 22 TDs over a full season:
  • "He did it as a thrower ... 4,300 yard pace, 22 touchdowns to 10 interceptions..." ([04:55])
• “At least he showed that he could be a better passer... career high [numbers],” Adam adds ([05:21]).

Receiving Corps Outlook ([08:01] – [10:24])

• With Michael Pittman gone to the Steelers, focus shifts to Alec Pierce, Tyler Warren, and Josh Downs:
  • Jamey expects Pierce to see a volume increase to Pittman's previous level, with "8+ targets per game" being feasible ([08:45]).
  • Tyler Warren is projected as a top-5 fantasy tight end; Downs is pegged as a potential WR3 sleeper, especially if he regains late-season form from 2024.
  • "Warren's going to be a top 5ish tight end on draft day. Pierce will be a borderline number two wide receiver on draft day." ([09:35])
• But question marks remain, specifically Jones’ health and whether he can anchor the passing attack for a second consecutive year.

Injury Impact & Sample Size Analysis ([10:24] – [12:19])

• Adam and Jamey rehash the timeline and effects of Jones' broken fibula and subsequent Achilles tear:
  • Evaluating Jones' “healthy” first nine games is most telling (22.8 fantasy points per game, QB9)—but after injuries, he stopped running and the offense slowed.
  • "Their offense was much better [in the first nine games].” – Jamey ([11:50])

Scheme and Statistical Improvement ([12:19] – [14:44])

• Adam points to play-action rates and offensive design as catalysts for Jones’ leap:
  • Highest career play-action rate (2nd in NFL), posting 9.2 yards/attempt—well above previous performance.
  • Dave credits Shane Steichen’s scheme and improved O-line, remarking, "the scheme and the play caller... Shane Steichen just kind of had a good rhythm to put Daniel Jones into and it worked out." ([13:39])
• Historical note: Giants’ owner John Mara once said, "We've done everything we can to screw this kid up," emphasizing Jones' improved situation in Indy ([12:19]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jamey Eisenberg:
  "You're not going to draft him in one quarterback leagues. You'll certainly draft him in super flex and two quarterback leagues." ([01:38])
• Dave Richard:
  "The rushing upside is just too great [with Willis]. And Daniel Jones has rushing upside. I just, I wonder how much of it will be there with him coming back from the Achilles injury." ([03:10])
• Adam Aizer:
  "He did it as a thrower with a 4,300 yard pace, 22 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. That was the 17 game pace... at least he showed that he could be a better passer.” ([04:55])
• Jamie Eisenberg:
  "It really all comes down to can Daniel Jones pick up where he left off... So I think there's a lot of good pieces. I think Shane Steichen's a good coach. I think the offensive line is very good. Obviously Jonathan Taylor's a stud... but again, how healthy is Jones?" ([09:59])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:58] – Daniel Jones’ fantasy relevance; 2025 context
• [01:38] – Jamie on Jones’ value, injury, and Colts’ off-season plan
• [02:52] – Dave compares Jones to other QBs in fantasy drafts
• [04:02] – 2025 rushing breakdown; passing improvement
• [05:28] – Passing stats detail; impact of Pittman’s departure
• [08:01] – Analyzing pass-catchers: Pierce, Warren, Downs
• [10:24] – Timeline of Jones’ injuries; effect on production
• [12:19] – Scheme, play-action, and Jones’ statistical jump
• [14:44] – Fantasy draft strategy recap; potential upside/waiver note

Fantasy Outlook & Draft Takeaways

• Daniel Jones: Draft only in superflex/two-QB leagues, late rounds; expect QB2/low-end starter production if healthy. Rushing may never return to previous highs post-injury, but passing upside in Steichen’s system remains.
• Alec Pierce: Target bump with Pittman gone; possible WR2 with WR1 weekly upside if he absorbs much of Pittman’s vacated share.
• Tyler Warren: Clear top-5 fantasy TE after a breakout in 2025.
• Josh Downs: Sleeper WR3/4 with real potential for a big leap if involvement increases.
• General Colts offense: Still full of weapons, but entire fantasy value hinges on Jones’ health and ability to repeat his early 2025 form.

Conclusion

Adam, Jamey, and Dave agree that Daniel Jones is one of the most curious QB cases for 2026: a promising scheme fit and fantasy upside if healthy, but major injury red flags and a long history of inconsistency. He’s a worthwhile late-round (or waiver) stash in multi-QB formats but a risky investment otherwise. The Colts' supporting cast should remain solid fantasy options, contingent on Jones returning to—and sustaining—his 2025 level of play.

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