Who Should I Start? Christian Watson or Josh Downs

Tuesday, September 16, 5:44 PM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) said he expects to return to practice when his window to do so opens in Week 6, although it will ultimately be up to the training staff. Watson opened the year on the Physically Unable to Perform list after tearing his ACL in Week 18 in 2024. He's eligible to return to practice in Week 5, but the Packers have their bye that week before facing the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6. The 26-year-old said he's checked all the boxes in his recovery before returning to practice. Once he returns to practice, Green Bay will have 21 days to activate him from the PUP list. "I'm already chomping at the bit," Watson said. The former second-rounder caught 98 passes for 1,653 yards and 14 touchdowns in 38 games in his first three seasons. Watson can stretch the field vertically and pick up chunk gains for fantasy managers. He could also have a bigger role if he returns before Jayden Reed, who broke his collarbone in Week 2. Watson has been boom or bust in fantasy, but he's worth stashing in an IR spot with his 2025 debut on the horizon.

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.