Who Should I Start? Adam Thielen or Josh Downs

Friday, September 26, 4:50 PM

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen should be kept out of starting lineups when his team takes on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday in Ireland. Now that receiver Jordan Addison (suspension) is back in the fold, Thielen is likely to see a significant decrease in snaps. Even with high snap rates in the first three weeks, Thielen caught a meager two passes. At this point, it's fair to wonder if he'll earn more snaps or targets than fellow receiver Jalen Nailor, to say nothing of Addison, top receiver Justin Jefferson, and tight end T.J. Hockenson. Given his lack of production and his situation on the depth chart, Thielen can be sent to waiver wires in standard redraft leagues.

Saturday, October 11, 9:03 AM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs is off to a slow start in 2025. The veteran slot receiver has now caught just 20 passes for 175 scoreless yards in five contests. Downs thrived on seeing high volume over the past two seasons, but new Indy quarterback Daniel Jones seems to prefer throwing to Michael Pittman Jr. and Tyler Warren in the passing attack. Downs will hope to get it going in Week 6's home matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals are allowing the 20th-most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts this season, setting up a moderately tough matchup for Downs and company. Downs is on the radar as a WR4/flex option in PPR leagues this season.