Should I drop Anthony Richardson? Week 9 fantasy projection for Colts QB

Anthony Richardson rubbed a lot of people the wrong way when he removed himself from the Indianapolis Colts Week 8 matchup against the Houston Texans on Sunday. The second-year quarterback admitted to being tired before telling Shane Steichen to take him out of the game and put Joe Flacco in for one play.

Richardson's 2024 NFL season hasn't been easy, and his struggles have led the coaching staff to bench him for Sunday Night Football's Week 9 duel against the Minnesota Vikings, per ESPN. Some would imagine that this is his punishment for asking to leave the game, but Steichen made it clear that wasn't the case.

Then again, fantasy managers appear to be running out of patience for Anthony Richardson, more so after the latest update. If you're one of those wondering whether you should drop him, check out what we have to say.

Should I drop Anthony Richardson for Week 9 fantasy football?

This question will loom ahead of Sunday's game for several fans, and rightfully so. Richardson has struggled to find his rhythm and his injury early in the season didn't help his case. With this benching, it's worth asking if he'll be a good option to have on the roster moving forward.

The answer right now is: No. Anthony Richardson is still talented and has plenty of room to improve, but this season hasn't gone as smoothly as some thought. The consequences are already here.

Besides, Joe Flacco filled in nicely when Richardson was out, throwing for 716 yards and seven touchdowns against only one interception. This made him an attractive option for both the Colts and other fantasy managers.

So what should managers do in this situation? They could turn their heads to quarterbacks starting their journeys this season and those who are trending in the right direction.

Joe Flacco, for instance, could be a good option to replace Richardson on your lineup. Jameis Winston played at a high level last week and led the Browns to a 29-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens.

Justin Herbert showed glimpses of that spectacular passer he was early in his career with 279 passing yards and two passing touchdowns against the New Orleans Saints.

Shane Steichen stated that Anthony Richardson is still the Colts' franchise quarterback, but at least for this week, you should bench him and see how Flacco performs.