Who Should I Start? Adam Thielen or Josh Downs

Friday, September 12, 5:25 PM

Starting Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen on Sunday would be a bet that he can recapture the magic in his first game back in Minnesota since being reacquired in a trade with Carolina, albeit one that comes with heavy risk. The Minnesota offense was brutal for three quarters in Week 1, though the Vikings did mount a dramatic comeback and go to the veteran for a key two-point conversion in the fourth quarter. However, Thielen played 57% of offensive snaps and drew only one target, which he dropped. Thielen figures to improve on the number of targets in Week 2, especially with Jordan Addison (suspension) still out, but he'll likely be in a secondary role and still attached to a first-time starter at quarterback. He should be saved for deeper formats only.

Monday, September 15, 8:35 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs disappointed in Week 1, catching just two passes for 12 yards in a win over the Miami Dolphins. Fortunately for his fantasy managers, Downs looked more like his usual self in Week 2, hauling in six of his eight targets for 51 yards against the Denver Broncos. With the Indy offense humming along with Daniel Jones under center, Downs should continue to string together productive fantasy outings, especially in PPR leagues. He should be treated as a high-end WR3/flex option heading into a Week 3 road matchup against the Tennessee Titans.