Who Should I Start? Brandin Cooks or Josh Downs

Saturday, September 6, 11:01 AM

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks returns to the Big Easy after previously playing with the team from 2014-2016. Last year in Dallas, he caught 26 passes for 259 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games. Cooks was named one of eight team captains ahead of Week 1 against the Cardinals and is listed as a starter. However, he'll have to compete with Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and star running back Alvin Kamara for targets while second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler is under center. For fantasy purposes, Cooks should be off radars, with only slight appeal if any of the primary pass-catchers miss time.

Wednesday, September 17, 4:42 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) was unable to practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. Fantasy managers should continue to keep a close eye on his status. If he is unable to log a limited session by the end of the week, he could be in danger of missing their Week 3 contest against the Tennessee Titans. Through the first two games of the season, Downs has been deployed as their No. 3 WR. In Week 1, Downs only saw three targets. He was able to bring in two of them for 12 yards. However, in Week 2, Downs was able to see eight targets and caught six for 51 yards. Seeing that Downs is typically not on the field as often as Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr., his upside will continue to be limited. If he can play against the Titans, he carries high-risk flex upside given his lower role in the offense.