Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs led his team in targets and receptions in Sunday's 30-20 loss to the Bills, hauling in seven of 10 passes thrown his way for 72 yards. While it was productive and what fantasy managers have grown accustomed to from him, it could have been better had he not dropped what would have been an easy score early on in the game. Still, it was the third straight game in which the former third-round pick has recorded at least nine targets and sixth time in eight games that he's reached that level, affording him plenty of opportunities for receptions and a solid weekly floor. The 23-year-old will have a more difficult task in Week 11 as the Colts take on a Jets defense that has been great at limiting fantasy points to opposing receivers. Downs likely projects as a fringe WR2 next Sunday so long as Joe Flacco remains under center.
Nov 10, 2024 9:28 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has been one of the lone bright spots on offense regardless of who has been under center for Indy, accruing nine or more targets in five of the seven games he's played and nabbing six or more receptions in four of them. One of those instances came just last week when he hauled in six of nine targets for 60 yards from Joe Flacco, who will once again be quarterbacking his squad in Week 10. While their opponent, the Buffalo Bills, has been good against the pass by allowing the sixth-fewest points to WRs, the Colts will be without Michael Pittman Jr. on Sunday, so Downs should be the unquestioned No.1 receiver. With a 6.58 aDOT, Downs' receptions will likely be of the short variety, but he does offer solid YAC (yards after catch) ability, and as four-point underdogs on their own turf, the Colts could be playing catch-up all game, so Downs should be dependably involved. As such, the 23-year-old is a solid WR2 this week.
Nov 8, 2024 8:19 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs led the receiving corps in targets, receptions, and yards in Sunday night's 21-13 loss to the Vikings, hauling in six of nine balls thrown his way for 60 yards. No other receiver on the team caught more than three passes. Unfortunately, Downs and the rest of the offense were unable to find the end zone, with the lone TD for the Colts coming on the defensive side of the ball. The good news is that the 23-year-old has garnered at least nine targets in five of the seven games he's played this season, making him the most reliable fantasy asset out of all the pass catchers on the team. The bad news is that the Bills are his Week 10 opponent, and they've allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to WRs thus far. The UNC product is likely a WR3 in that matchup, perhaps borderline WR2 in PPR leagues.
Nov 4, 2024 11:00 AM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) logged his second consecutive full practice on Friday. He has been removed from the final injury report and will play in Week 9. The 23-year-old has posted mixed results this season, benefitting greatly from Joe Flacco while struggling to form a rapport with Anthony Richardson. Fortunately for Downs, Richardson was benched for Flacco earlier this week. Downs has 24 catches, 217 yards, and two touchdowns through parts of three games with the veteran quarterback in 2024, and he should continue to rank as a mid-to-low fantasy WR2 for Week 9 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Nov 2, 2024 9:40 AM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs led his team's receiving corps in catches and yards in Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Texans, reeling in four for 109 yards and a score. Downs was the only Colt to amass more than one reception in the contest with quarterback Anthony Richardson completing just 10 of 32 passes, and he nearly scored another touchdown but was down just shy of the end zone. The 23-year-old was also credited with 13 rush yards. Despite the solid effort, the former third-round draft pick will be volatile with such poor quarterback play and hard to trust on a weekly basis. In Week 9, the Colts will face the Vikings who have had seven wideouts record 78 or more receiving yards through seven games, so there's a chance he could have some Flex appeal, especially if Joe Flacco happened to be under center instead of Richardson.
Oct 28, 2024 12:00 AM EST
After missing practice Wednesday, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) practiced in full Thursday and Friday, carrying no injury designation heading into the weekend. Still, with Anthony Richardson at quarterback, the team's pass catchers have limited upside as Richardson has a 47.4% completion rate and is averaging a meager 178 yards passing per game in the four full games he's played. In the two games Downs has played with Richardson under center, the 23-year-old has just four catches on eight targets, totaling a paltry 25 yards receiving. Regardless of QB, Downs is reliant on his yards after catch (YAC) ability, as the third-round pick has a low 5.24 aDOT, gaining 109 YAC (45.0% of 242 total). In Week 8, the Colts face the Texans who have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season, but Indy already took them on in Week 1 with Richardson completing just nine of 19 passes in the contest. Thus, Downs figures to be a WR5 this week or low-end Flex play.
Oct 26, 2024 9:53 AM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs caught just one of his three targets for three yards in the team's 16-10 win over the Miami Dolphins. The Colts struggled to move the ball through the air throughout the contest, relying on their run game to help lead them to a win. Downs had seen some high-level production in previous weeks with quarterback Joe Flacco as the starter but has struggled to see a similar fantasy output with quarterback Anthony Richardson at the helm. The Dolphins' secondary has been a stingy unit so far this season, and Downs and company are in store for a better matchup in Week 8 against the Houston Texans. That being said, Downs can be viewed as a WR3/4 option in the contest.
Oct 21, 2024 1:20 AM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) is officially active for Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of kickoff. He's widely viewed as the Colts' No. 2 wide receiver but has actually been more productive than Michael Pittman Jr. over the last three weeks. We'll see whether that holds true this Sunday as the Colts return to a healthy Anthony Richardson under center. Richardson replacing Joe Flacco is less than ideal for all of the Colts' receivers, but Downs is still talented enough to be a reliable fantasy WR3 on Sunday.
Oct 20, 2024 11:33 AM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) is slated to suit up for Sunday's contest against the Dolphins. He is currently listed as questionable, just like he was ahead of the Week 6 meeting with the Titans. However, the wideout was on the field for that one, finishing with seven catches for 66 yards and a touchdown, so the latest update isn't surprising. Downs has 24 catches in his last three games. With that in mind, he's at least a flex option for fantasy managers, even with Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Alec Pierce (shoulder) also expected to play.
Oct 20, 2024 12:42 AM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs caught seven of his nine targets for 66 yards and a touchdown in the team's 20-17 win over the Tennessee Titans. Downs led all Colts in targets, receptions, and yards in the matchup. Downs has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of Joe Flacco's starting in Indy, seeing nine-plus targets in each of his last three games. While it's unclear who the starter at QB will be for the Colts moving forward, Downs is a clear favorite in the offense, and fantasy managers can prioritize him as such. He'll look to keep the momentum going in Week 7 when the Colts take on the Miami Dolphins.
Oct 14, 2024 12:37 AM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) is active for Sunday's divisional battle against the Tennessee Titans. He missed two consecutive practices earlier in the week but then progressed to a full participant on Friday. His improved status allowed him to enter this weekend listed as questionable, and he continued to trend in the right direction ahead of gameday. Now, Downs has been confirmed as active and is expected to operate as the Colts' No. 2 wide receiver alongside Michael Pittman Jr. The 23-year-old is averaging an impressive 8.5 catches, 75.5 receiving yards, and 0.5 touchdowns through two games with Joe Flacco, and he should continue to make an impact with Flacco named the starter over the injured Anthony Richardson (oblique). Downs is a high-end fantasy WR3 with impressive upside this weekend.
Oct 13, 2024 11:58 AM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) is expected to be active for the team's Week 6 road matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Despite logging two DNPs this week and being listed as questionable, the second-year wideout will reportedly suit up, according to Stephen Holder of The Athletic. Teammate Michael Pittman Jr. (back) traveled with the team and also plans to play in the contest against the Titans. Downs has been a PPR monster over the last two weeks, racking up 17 catches, 151 yards, and a touchdown on 21 targets. However, it's worth noting that most of this production came with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco under center in stead of second-year QB Anthony Richardson (oblique). Richardson is also slated to be active for Sunday's outing, so the 23-year-old wideout could return to a lower-volume role. Still, he could see more work than usual with Pittman dinged up. Regardless, the Titans' defense has been one of the more staunch units against opposing offenses, so look for Indy's unit to have their hands full.
Oct 12, 2024 9:47 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) was listed as questionable on the team's final injury report for Week 6 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans. Downs was unable to practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but he appears to be tracking in the right direction to play on Sunday after putting in a full practice on Friday. Fellow wideout Michael Pittman Jr. (back) did the exact same this week, but he appears to be much more up in the air due to a back injury that reportedly could keep him out multiple weeks. Downs' fantasy stock has risen after he put up 17 receptions (21 targets) for 151 yards and a touchdown the last two weeks. However, his status is in question this weekend against a very stingy Tennessee secondary, and his fantasy upside could actually tank if quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) returns to action. The 23-year-old is lining up as a shaky WR3/flex if he's active. If both he and Pittman are ruled out, Alec Pierce will be Indy's WR1.
Oct 11, 2024 6:39 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (toe) was not spotted at Wednesday's practice and is reportedly dealing with a toe injury, according to Colts reporter Nate Atkins. The second-year pass-catcher out of North Carolina missed the first two games of the 2024 campaign with an ankle injury but has heated up in his last two contests with Joe Flacco at quarterback. He posted at least 15.9 PPR points against the Steelers and Jaguars. Downs' status is worth monitoring for the rest of the week, but the Colts are set to face the Tennessee Titans, who have allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to wideouts this season. No wide receiver has eclipsed 67 yards or caught a touchdown against Tennessee's revamped secondary. If Anthony Richardson (oblique) starts on Sunday, all of the Colts' pass-catchers have lower ceilings and floors in fantasy football.
Oct 9, 2024 3:01 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs caught nine of his 12 targets for 69 yards in the team's 34-37 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Downs led the team in both receptions and targets, being a consistently reliable target for QB Joe Flacco throughout the matchup. Downs has been the No. 1 option for Flacco through the last two weeks, and it's unclear how much that production might shift should the Colts go back to Anthony Richardson (oblique) in Week 6. That being said, Downs remains a viable flex option in Week 6 against the Tennessee Titans, with a slightly higher ceiling if Flacco is once again the starter.
Oct 7, 2024 2:13 AM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs had his best game of the season in Week 4, grabbing eight catches for 82 yards and a touchdown in the team's win. Since returning from injury, Downs immediately went back into a starting role in the offense, offering a deep-threat ability with his speed. Downs is in for a favorable Week 5 matchup against the Jaguars, a team allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to the position and the second-most receiving yards this season. Jacksonville's defense has also been below-average against slot receivers, allowing the 11th most points to the position. The starting QB for Indy in Week 5 has yet to be confirmed, but Downs' value would see a slight uptick if QB Joe Flacco is named the starter for Sunday. With the favorable matchup and his big-play ability, fantasy managers can view Downs as a solid WR3 option. He is the WR34 in our half-PPR rankings.
Oct 5, 2024 4:06 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs caught eight of his nine targets for 82 yards and a touchdown in the team's 27-24 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Downs caught seven of his eight catches from QB Joe Flacco, who replaced QB Anthony Richardson (hip) in the first quarter after he was ruled out of the game. An excellent second game of the season for Downs, who has fully worked himself back into a starting role in the offense. Downs tied Michael Pittman Jr. for the most targets, played the third most snaps, and ran the third most routes behind Pittman and WR Alec Pierce. While it's unclear if Downs' production came from the increased passing volume with Flacco entering the game, it was still an encouraging showing for fantasy managers. Downs is a worthwhile Waiver Wire addition in most formats with his usage and production today, and can be considered a WR4 option in Week 5 when the Colts take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Sep 30, 2024 1:23 AM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs grabbed three of his five targets for 22 yards in the team's 21-16 win over the Chicago Bears. This was Downs first game played this season, being sidelined for a few weeks with an ankle injury he suffered over the summer. Downs was implemented into a starting role in the matchup, replacing the spot where WR Adonai Mitchell had played for the first two games. Downs was also tied with Michael Pittman Jr. for most targets with five. While it is encouraging for fantasy managers to see Downs reclaim a starting role in his return from injury, he, alongside the other Colts' receivers, have all struggled to produce with the lack of volume in this passing offense. He'll gear up for a Week 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team that's allowed the eighth-fewest points to receivers this season. Fantasy managers in most formats can leave Downs on the bench in their upcoming matchup, with the exception of managers in deeper leagues in need of a flex option.
Sep 23, 2024 12:58 AM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) was a full participant during Friday's practice and did not carry an injury designation for Sunday's game. The sophomore wideout was a full participant in practice all week and is set to make his 2024 debut against the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon. Downs was sidelined during the first two weeks of the campaign due to a high-ankle sprain he suffered in August. Last season, Downs enjoyed a solid rookie campaign where he caught 68 passes for 771 yards and two scores. Fantasy managers should expect Downs to be one of the top three options in a crowded wide receiver room comprising Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and rookie Adonai Mitchell.
Sep 20, 2024 4:34 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) said earlier this week that he expects to make his 2024 season debut this Sunday in Week 3 at Lucas Oil Stadium against the visiting Chicago Bears. Downs put in a second straight day of full practice on Thursday, meaning he's well on his way to suiting up for the first time this year. A high-ankle sprain that he suffered last month in training camp kept Downs out for the first two games of the season. The Colts could ease him back into the offense, but those that have plucked Alec Pierce off the waiver wire the last couple of weeks can't be too stoked that Downs is on the verge of a return. If he's active in Week 3, he'll make for a risky flex option in fantasy lineups, but eventually, Downs is expected to be Indy's WR2 behind Michael Pittman Jr. after he caught 68 passes for 771 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games in his rookie season in 2023.
Sep 19, 2024 8:12 PM EST