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At this time last year, there was a ton of concern surrounding Andrew Luck and his shoulder injury. The Indianapolis Colts quarterback missed the entire 2017 season because of the injury, but was making his long-awaited return in 2018.
The Colts got him back at the perfect time as the team focused on revamping their offensive line last offseason. In the 2018 NFL Draft, the Colts took Quenton Nelson and Braden Smith in the first two rounds of the draft.
After all, Indianapolis had to treat Luck as if he was made of glass as he made his return. In the end, the decision to enhance their offensive line paid huge dividends.
Last season, the Colts' offensive line allowed just 18 sacks as a unit, which led the NFL. It was the least amount of sacks that Luck had taken in any season that he played in at least 15 games.
By protecting Luck, the Colts' Pro-Bowl quarterback won the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year Award by throwing for 4,593 yards, 39 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. Those numbers helped Luck garner 326.9 fantasy points in 2018 (fifth-most among quarterbacks).
Now, after his first healthy season under his belt since the 2017 injury, there are presumptions that this year will be even better for Luck. Can he give us another fantasy-filled season in 2019? Let's take a look at the numbers he could possibly muster up.
Since being drafted by the Colts in 2012, Luck has been given the green light to throw plenty in the Indianapolis offense. So much so, Luck has thrown over 545 passing attempts in every single season that he's played in at least 15 games.
Correspondingly, that should amount to more yards for the Colts' franchise quarterback. In four out of the five seasons he's played in 15 or more games, Luck has thrown for over 4,200 yards.
Where could he land in the upcoming season? It's plausible that Luck throws for 4,600 yards in 2019 with a few new shiny weapons in the Colts offense.
As it pertains to touchdowns, Luck should light up the scoreboard in 2019. Earlier this offseason, the Colts added Devin Funchess and drafted Parris Campbell.
Add that to the trio of T.Y. Hilton, Eric Ebron, and Jack Doyle and you have a recipe for success. Last season, Luck threw for 39 touchdowns, which is the second-most in his career.
Furthermore, the most he has thrown in one season is 40 touchdowns. Can the nicest guy in the NFL throw for over 40 touchdowns in the upcoming NFL season? Let's get crazy.
Despite some people being weary with Luck's injury, the Colts quarterback will throw for 42 touchdowns in 2019. To put things into perspective, Patrick Mahomes led the NFL with 50 touchdowns in 2018. Throwing 42 touchdowns isn't too bad for a guy two-years removed from shoulder surgery.
Interceptions have always been a small blemish in Luck's game. In the six seasons he has played in, Luck has thrown double-digit interceptions in five of them. Although, when you throw it nearly 600 times, you should expect some bad plays to occur.
As expected, we'll say that Luck continues his trend of throwing double-digit interceptions in 2019. To be exact, the possible 2019 NFL MVP candidate will throw 13 interceptions over the course of 2019.
On top of his aerial stats, Luck has some sneaky athleticism that allows him to get some fantasy points on the ground. It didn't show last year but that was when the Colts had to be extra cautious with their prized possession.
Now, Indianapolis and Frank Reich can let Luck scramble a bit more in 2019. In seasons he has started in 15 or more games, Luck has rushed for at least two scores. Therefore, you can almost bet that Luck will get you a couple of easy touchdowns with his legs.
Provided that, Luck could be in store for a season where he throws for 4,600 yards, 42 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and tacks on a couple of rushing touchdowns. Luck should absolutely be one of the first quarterbacks taken in fantasy drafts this year.
