Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs caught 10 of his 13 targets for 94 yards during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts' passing attack has seen a significant boost ever since quarterback Joe Flacco took over for the injured Anthony Richardson (back), but Downs truly took his productivity to the next level during Sunday's season finale. He finishes the 2024 campaign with 72 catches, 803 yards, and five touchdowns. Each of these three marks represented season-highs, topping the totals he delivered as a rookie last year. Downs has firmly established himself as an appealing 1B option with the Colts, pairing nicely alongside their 1A receiver, Michael Pittman Jr. The UNC product will rank as a high-end WR3 when 2025 fantasy football drafts kick off next summer, and he has even greater appeal in dynasty leagues.
Jan 5, 2025 8:52 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs closed out the season on a high note, catching 10 of 13 targets for 94 yards, although he was unable to find the end zone in the 26-23 overtime win over the Jaguars. The 23-year-old missed three games this season due to injury but still managed to set new career highs in catches (72), yards (803), and touchdowns (5). Inconsistent and ineffective quarterback play seemed to hold back all of the Colts receivers this season, with none truly separating themselves as a true No. 1. Alec Pierce ended up leading the team in yards (824) and touchdowns (7), but he did it on only 37 receptions, while Michael Pittman Jr.'s numbers were nearly identical to Downs' with 69 catches and 808 yards. Anthony Richardson's play will likely depress Downs' value in 2025 fantasy drafts, but that could make him (and Pittman Jr.) possible values if the offense can improve in 2025.
Jan 5, 2025 8:15 PM EST
After averaging over five catches per contest after Week 11, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has had four consecutive weeks with exactly three receptions. Be that as it may, Week 18 brings a matchup versus the Jaguars, the same team the 23-year-old posted nine catches on 12 targets for 69 yards and a touchdown back in Week 5. That game featured Joe Flacco under center too, so Downs will look to replicate that success and end the season on a high note. Jacksonville has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season, but the second-most to running backs, so the Colts may lean toward the ground game in this one instead. As a result, view Downs as a low-end WR3 with perhaps some upside in PPR formats if he and Flacco can get rolling again against the Jags.
Jan 4, 2025 10:46 AM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs was limited to just three catches on four targets for 22 yards and no scores in Sunday's 45-33 loss to the Giants. After showing a rapport earlier in the season with Joe Flacco under center, the veteran looked at both Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce more often with a combined 15 targets between them. Seemingly the No. 1 option around midseason, the 23-year-old has fallen out of favor regardless of who has been at QB, now with four straight contests with exactly three catches for a total of 142 yards and one touchdown over that stretch. The Colts, although eliminated from playoff contention, will get a favorable matchup in the final week of the season in a home contest against the Jaguars and Downs will look to finish the season on a high note.
Dec 29, 2024 9:28 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs is coming off of his third consecutive game with exactly three catches, although those nine catches came on 19 targets. Fellow wideout Michael Pittman Jr. seemed like Anthony Richardson's preferred option based on his 13 receptions over the last three games, but looking closer, Pittman Jr. had the same amount of targets as Downs over that stretch (19). While Downs' aDOT of 7.12 yards contrasts with Pittman Jr.'s 11.26, they are basically the Colts' 1A and 1B receivers for fantasy purposes this week. That is, if Anthony Richardson is under center for the Colts, but after missing practice all week with back and foot injuries, the second-year QB is at risk of missing Week 17's matchup with the Giants. If that happens, Joe Flacco will slide in as QB, and the 39-year-old showed more rapport with Downs than Pittman Jr., with Downs logging a 36-338-1 line (five games) compared to Pittman Jr.'s 13-139-1 line (four games) with the veteran at the helm. Neither one makes for a great play this week, as both look like high-end Flex options with Richardson calling the plays, but Downs has WR3 upside if Flacco gets the start.
Dec 27, 2024 6:48 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs caught three of four targets for 61 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 38-30 win over the Titans. While it doesn't sound like much, the three catches were a team-high and so were the targets and the yardage total as quarterback Anthony Richardson was asked to throw the ball just 11 times in the game while the rushing attack racked up 335 yards. The 23-year-old has three catches in three consecutive games and at least three in 11 of the 12 games he's played, giving him a reliable floor. However, with meager yardage totals more often than not and sporadic TDs, it'll be hard to trust him next week in fantasy championships as anything more than a WR3 in a showdown with the Giants. New York has been surprisingly good at limiting wide receivers in fantasy production, perhaps in part because they are awful against the run, so Richardson and Jonathan Taylor will likely be relied upon to carry the load again.
Dec 23, 2024 12:43 AM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs returned from a one-game absence after the Colts' bye week in Week 15, only to produce three catches for 32 yards. While the eight looks the 23-year-old drew were encouraging, Anthony Richardson's sub-50% completion rate continues to limit Indy's receivers. On top of that, the second-year quarterback has four rushing touchdowns on the ground over the last four weeks compared to just three through the air (along with four INTs), further capping their upside. In addition, the Colts take on the Titans in Week 16, a defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers on the season. Michael Pittman Jr. has been more productive over the last four weeks, but Alec Pierce will be out on Sunday as he recovers from a concussion, so Downs could benefit from a few extra looks. The former third-round pick is shaping up to be a WR4 this week in a contest that features one of the lower expected totals on the board.
Dec 21, 2024 12:38 AM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) returned from injury on Sunday, but was only able to corral three of his eight targets for 32 scoreless yards in Sunday's 31-13 loss to the Broncos. With quarterback Anthony Richardson completing less than 50% of his passes in the contest, no receiver had a big day in this offense. The eight targets were second to Michael Pittman Jr.'s nine, but it was at least an encouraging sign that more bountiful fantasy days could be ahead if Richardson can fix the accuracy issue. With the fantasy football playoffs upon us, there isn't much time to resolve it though and the 23-year-old is probably too risky to play in most leagues. The Titans, next week's opponent, are middle of the pack versus wide receivers in terms of fantasy points allowed, and just allowed 14 catches for 182 yards to Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but Downs will be a dicey WR option given his environment.
Dec 16, 2024 12:36 AM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. He had been listed as questionable, but the expectation was that he'd be able to play. Downs has appeared in 10 games this year, catching 53 passes for 594 yards and four touchdowns. The 23-year-old seemed to play better when catching passes from Joe Flacco, but even with Andy Richardson under center, he's still a solid WR3/FLEX option as the fantasy playoffs get underway in most leagues.
Dec 15, 2024 3:04 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) is anticipated to suit up for Sunday's contest versus the Denver Broncos. The wideout was battling a shoulder injury, keeping him off the field for the Week 13 meeting with the New England Patriots. Fortunately, the Colts were off in Week 14. But with Downs logging full practice sessions during the week, he's expected to be back, which is good news for fantasy managers. The 23-year-old has been productive in his 10 appearances this season, amassing 53 catches for 594 yards and four touchdowns, making him a starting fantasy option for the challenging matchup against the Broncos.
Dec 14, 2024 11:55 PM EST
According to James Boyd of The Athletic, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. Downs was unable to suit up in Week 13 with this same injury but had a bye week during Week 14, which gave him additional time to recover. In addition, Downs was able to log two full practices on Thursday and Friday, which is also a positive sign for his availability. Across ten games this season, the sophomore wideout has averaged a solid 13.8 PPR points per game and tallied 59.4 yards per game. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status over the weekend, but Downs should be in a good position to return to action. However, he has a tough task ahead of him, facing a Denver secondary that has allowed the 11th-fewest PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.
Dec 13, 2024 4:19 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, an upgrade over his limited session on Wednesday. Downs did not play in the team's win over the New England Patriots in Week 13 and had last week's bye to rest up. The extra rest appears to have done the 23-year-old well, as he's currently on track to make his return versus the Denver Broncos on the road in Week 15. Downs has improved in his second NFL season, but he had a higher fantasy ceiling when veteran quarterback Joe Flacco was running the offense. Anthony Richardson's accuracy issues are well-documented, giving Downs more bust potential as a WR4/flex. In his last two games with Richardson under center, Down has eight catches for 111 yards and a TD. The Week 15 matchup in Denver isn't an ideal one, either.
Dec 12, 2024 5:12 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) is taking part in Thursday's practice session. Downs was limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday coming out of the team's Week 14 bye, and he has a real chance at returning this weekend for a big game against the Denver Broncos on the road. The 23-year-old sat out of the Week 13 win over the New England Patriots due to a shoulder injury, but he appears to be on the right track to make his return in Week 15. Downs' potential return is bad news for Michael Pittman Jr. in Indy's low-volume passing attack. From Weeks 8-12, Downs saw at least nine targets three times, went over 100 yards receiving once and caught two touchdowns for the Colts to become a weekly flex option with upside in fantasy. Fantasy managers may want to temper expectations in Week 15 if he returns, though, especially against a tough Denver defense.
Dec 12, 2024 1:12 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) will practice on Wednesday. He suffered a right shoulder injury in the fourth quarter of the Colts' Week 12 loss to Detroit and missed Week 13's contest against the New England Patriots. With Downs practicing on Wednesday, he is trending in the right direction toward being active for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. The Colts are a few games out of the last playoff spot, so they must finish the season strong to have a chance to play in January. Downs production has been boom-or-bust this season. The 23-year-old has 53 catches for 594 yards and four touchdowns over 10 games in 2024. However, in a game script that may have the Colts playing from behind, Downs should see targets in Week 15, making him a viable WR3 if he's active in Week 15.
Dec 11, 2024 11:50 AM EST
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen is unsure if wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) will be ready to roll for a Week 15 showdown against the Denver Broncos after the bye in Week 14. Downs injured his shoulder in the Week 12 loss to the Buffalo Bills and was unable to play in the Week 13 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday. It's telling that the Colts are unsure if Downs will be ready, even with the benefit of a bye this week. It was another low-volume passing game for quarterback Anthony Richardson against New England, as he attempted only 24 passes. Michael Pittman Jr. unsurprisingly led the team with only 42 receiving yards. Alec Pierce had only two catches for 16 yards but did find the end zone for a crucial TD, while rookie Adonai Mitchell couldn't convert on his two targets. Downs should be stashed in most fantasy leagues, but he might not be able to return until Week 16 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans.
Dec 2, 2024 1:12 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that wide receivers Josh Downs (shoulder) and Aston Dulin (ankle) have officially been ruled out for Sunday's tilt versus the New England Patriots in Week 13. After injuring his shoulder in the Week 12 loss to the Detroit Lions, Downs was fighting an uphill battle to play this week against the Patriots, and now he's officially out. Fantasy managers will obviously want him on their benches in Week 13. A bye in Week 14 will hopefully give Downs all the rest he needs to be good to go in Week 15 to face the Denver Broncos. Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce (foot) and rookie Adonai Mitchell figure to be Indy's top three receivers this Sunday with Downs sidelined. The 23-year-old Downs has become one of the team's most dynamic receiving weapons in 2024 in his second season, catching 53 of his 78 targets for 594 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games.
Nov 29, 2024 2:03 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) was listed as a non-participant during Wednesday's estimated practice report as the team only held a walkthrough. Downs was initially deemed "week-to-week" after sustaining this shoulder injury during their loss to the Detroit Lions last weekend. However, the team has yet to rule Downs out, so fantasy managers should continue to closely monitor his status throughout the week. However, seeing him open the week as a non-participant is not a positive sign. Before Week 12, Downs was enjoying a nice stretch of performances as he averaged a strong 17.0 PPR points per game during Weeks 8 through 11. If Downs is unable to suit up, Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce (foot), and rookie Adonai Mitchell would lead the passing attack.
Nov 27, 2024 5:14 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) won't be ruled out for Week 13 against the New England Patriots at this time, but "it's gonna be tough" for him to be available this Sunday after injuring his right shoulder in the Week 12 loss to the Detroit Lions. The Colts listed the 23-year-old as week-to-week earlier this week, so fantasy managers would be wise to move him to their benches for the time being and see how much he's able to do in practice this week from Wednesday through Friday. Downs looked to be in quite a bit of pain on Sunday, but the good news is he was able to return late in the contest. Still, it sounds like he's fighting an uphill battle to play in Week 13. If Downs is ruled out, Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell would start in three-wide sets for the Colts.
Nov 27, 2024 12:07 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder), who injured his right shoulder in the Week 12 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, is considered week-to-week and is a long shot to play in Week 13 against the New England Patriots, according to a source. However, the belief is he didn't suffer a major injury, so perhaps Downs will be ready to go in Week 15 against the Denver Broncos after the team's bye in Week 14. If the 23-year-old is unable to go against New England, it will mean that Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell will start in three-receiver sets. Downs caught just three of his seven targets for 27 yards on Sunday against the Lions but had become the team's leading receiver in previous weeks. He's up to 53 receptions for 594 yards and four TDs in 10 games in his second NFL season and deserves to be stashed until he can return to the fold in Indy.
Nov 25, 2024 12:07 PM EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs was limited to just three catches for 27 yards in Sunday's 24-6 loss to the Lions. Downs, who had been the Colts' most reliable pass catcher over the course of the season, tied Michael Pittman Jr. for a team-high seven targets, but couldn't translate it into production. Richardson completed only 39.3% of his passes (11-for-28), so there wasn't much fantasy goodness to be had and blame should probably be placed on the QB and some untimely penalties rather than on Downs. The 23-year-old also exited briefly due to a shoulder injury but was able to return shortly thereafter. The Patriots pose less of a challenge in Week 13 and Downs will have a good chance to get back on track despite Richardson's deficiencies. Keep an eye on his practice status throughout the week, as the former third-round draft pick likely slots in as a WR3 if healthy.
Nov 24, 2024 10:34 PM EST
Copyright 2024 Fantasy Football Calculator | Image Source: Icon Sportswire. Not affiliated with the National Football League (NFL).
Stats powered by FantasyData.com.
