Questionable
Injury Ankle
Est. Return 8/1/2025
2024 Defense Stats
TCKL
173
SACKS
3.5
INT
2
FF
5
TD
0
2025 Projections
2025 Fantasy Outlook
Franklin blends together the attributes that fantasy managers should be seeking in top IDP options. He's the definition of an every-down player, as he's topped 1,000 defensive snaps in three straight seasons - peaking at 1,112 in 2024. That allows him to tally ridiculous tackle totals, though he manages to add on some playmaking ability that other players at middle linebacker often lack. Franklin isn't great in coverage, but the Colts do rely on him in the role, allowing him to log six pass breakups in each of the last three seasons. Add in some selective usage as a pass rusher, and Franklin is a strong bet to remain one of the most valuable linebackers in IDP formats. Read Past Outlooks
RANKS
#
IDP
Undergoes ankle surgery
Head coach Shane Steichen told reporters Friday that Franklin (ankle) had a clean-up procedure last week, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.
ANALYSIS
The Syracuse product has popped up with an ankle injury and will likely remain out until training camp, per Bowen. Franklin has emerged as one of the NFL's top insider linebackers over the past three seasons, recording a whopping 519 total tackles across his last 50 regular-season contests. While Franklin is sidelined over the next couple of months, expect Liam Anderson to work with Indianapolis' first-team defense.
The Syracuse product has popped up with an ankle injury and will likely remain out until training camp, per Bowen. Franklin has emerged as one of the NFL's top insider linebackers over the past three seasons, recording a whopping 519 total tackles across his last 50 regular-season contests. While Franklin is sidelined over the next couple of months, expect Liam Anderson to work with Indianapolis' first-team defense.
NFL Stats
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2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
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2018
2024 NFL Game Log
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
Snap Counts
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2024 Zaire Franklin Split Stats
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Past Fantasy Outlooks
2024
2023
2022
2021
It took some time for Franklin to get a chance to play full-time on the defensive side of the ball, but he emerged as one of the most prolific tacklers in the league in 2022. It would have been fair to question if a repeat was coming in 2023, but he doubled down on his production by topping 1,000 snaps for the second straight season while finishing second in the league with 179 tackles. Franklin doesn't offer much in terms of pass rush or work in coverage, but he'll stuff the stat sheet with stops weekly, making him one of the most valuable IDP players available. The Colts boast an elite defensive line, so Franklin should have no trouble continuing to crash down on ball carriers with little resistance from the opposing offensive line.
More Fantasy News
Another productive season
Franklin recorded 173 total tackles (93 solo), including 3.5 sacks, six passes defended, including two interceptions, and five forced fumbles over 17 regular-season games in 2024.
ANALYSIS
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Monster performance in Week 17
Franklin recorded 14 total tackles (seven solo), including four tackles for loss, and one forced fumble in Sunday's 45-33 loss to the Giants.
ANALYSIS
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Totals seven stops in Week 16 win
Franklin finished with seven tackles (three solo) in Sunday's 38-30 win against Tennessee.
ANALYSIS
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Secures interception in loss
Franklin recorded nine total tackles (six solo) and an interception in Sunday's 31-13 loss to the Broncos.
ANALYSIS
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Posts huge numbers in win
Franklin recorded 12 tackles (10 solo), including 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble during Sunday's 25-24 win at New England.
ANALYSIS
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